I am back with another comparison article on vortex diamondback vs viper binoculars. Well, Vortex is a renowned brand for making premium quality binoculars. They have brought several models for binocular lovers so we can choose the appropriate one. Too many models can fulfill our needs but make so much confusion to choose the best them. That’s why today I am going to compare the vortex diamondback and vortex viper series and let you know which one is best for which purposes though it’s tough to differentiate. So, are you ready to know which series is the best? Don’t panic and have a look at the following sections.
Vortex Diamondback vs Viper Binoculars: A Short Summary
Well, I have picked a total of 6 binoculars of 3 different specifications. There are so many models available but the same series has some similarities as well as patterns. So, by these 6 pairs, you will get an overall idea after these comparison tables:
10×50 binoculars:
| Properties | Vortex Optics Diamondback 10x50 Binoculars | Vortex Optics Viper 10x50 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x | 10x |
| Objective lens | 50mm | 50mm |
| Eye relief | 17mm | 16mm |
| Exit pupil | 5.0mm | 5.0mm |
| Field of view | 315 ft/1000 yds | 346 ft/1000 yds |
| Optics | HD | Roof |
| Coating | Fully multi-coated, Armortek & Dielectric coating | XR anti-reflective, armortek coating |
| IPD | 60mm-75mm | 56mm-75mm |
| Material | Aluminum | Composite |
| Close focus | 6ft | 8ft |
| Dimension | 6.6x53 inches | 9.7 x 7.8 x 4.4 inches |
| Water resistance | Yes(Argon purging and o-ring seal) | Yes(Argon purging and o-ring seal) |
| Weight | 30oz | 28.4oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
12×50 binoculars:
| Properties | Vortex Optics Diamondback 12x50 Binoculars | Vortex Optics Viper 12x50 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 12x | 12x |
| Objective lens | 50mm | 50mm |
| Eye relief | 14mm | 16mm |
| Exit pupil | 4.16mm | 4.16mm |
| Field of view | 271 ft/1000 yds | 288 ft/1000 yds |
| Optics | HD | Roof |
| Coating | Fully multi-coated, Armortek & Dielectric coating | XR anti-reflective, armortek coating |
| IPD | 60mm-75mm | 56mm-75mm |
| Material | Aluminum | Composite |
| Close focus | 6ft | 8ft |
| Dimension | 6.4x5.3 inches | 6.5x5.2 inches |
| Water resistance | Yes(Argon purging and o-ring seal) | Yes(Argon purging and o-ring seal) |
| Weight | 28.9oz | 28.8oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
10×42 binoculars:
| Properties | Vortex Optics Diamondback 10x42 Binoculars | Vortex Optics Viper 10x42 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x | 10x |
| Objective lens | 42mm | 42mm |
| Eye relief | 15mm | 17mm |
| Exit pupil | 4.2mm | 4.2mm |
| Field of view | 330 ft/1000 yds | 341 ft/1000 yds |
| Optics | HD | Roof |
| Coating | Fully multi-coated, Armortek & Dielectric coating | XR anti-reflective, armortek coating |
| IPD | 55mm-73mm | 56mm-75mm |
| Material | Aluminum | Composite |
| Close focus | 5ft | 5ft |
| Dimension | 5.7x5.1 inches | 5.6x4.9 inches |
| Water resistance | No | Yes(Argon purging and o-ring seal) |
| Weight | 21.3oz | 24.9oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
1. Magnification & Aperture
At the level of magnification and size of the objective lens, the vortex diamondback and viper both perform so well. However, the diamondback series has more varieties than the viper binoculars. You will find a limited range (eg, 10×42, 8×42, 10×50, 12×50) though this range is standard for birding, hiking, wildlife viewing, spying, and peeping. On the other hand, the diamondback series comes with a lot of specifications that are not available for many models. For instance, they have designed 8×32, 10×32, 8×28, and 15×56 along with the standard magnification and aperture values.
Verdict:
If you need various specifications, then the vortex Diamondback is a good choice. If you want standard features only, then viper can be your consideration.
2. Exit Pupil
To get a smooth and comfortable viewing experience, the exit pupil value should be larger than 4mm. I have mentioned this in many of my articles. In that case, both viper and diamondback provide the same exit pupil distance for the same magnification and objective lens parameter. So, which one should be your consideration?
Verdict:
As I already said, diamondback binoculars have many varieties so if eye comfort is very important, you should not go for the 10×38, 10×28, or 15×56 binoculars as their exit pupil value is smaller. As a result, you will suffer from eye fatigue due to using them for a longer period. If you can go for the 10×42, or 12×50, etc, then diamondback will give you a good viewing experience. Similarly, the Viper 10×42, 10×50, or 12×50 can be a great choice for long-term target shooting, birding, elk hunting, and many more activities.
3. Eye Relief
In general, vortex viper has more eye relief distance so far. Though the 10×50 diamondback binoculars have a slightly larger eye relief value than the viper series.
Verdict:
I would recommend the vortex viper for the larger eye relief distance. As a result, you will ensure you won’t suffer from eye fatigue or don’t get eye strain after a long day of wildlife viewing, long-range shooting, or sporting events.
4. Field of View
Almost all vortex viper binoculars have a wider field of view than the diamondback series. You can see at the above tables, that the same specification diamondback binoculars provide quite less viewing range. For instance, the 12×50 viper has 341ft at 1000 yds whereas the diamondback offers 330feet at 1000 yards. The 10×50 viper binoculars are equipped with 346ft and the same 10×50 diamondback binoculars have only 315ft/1000yards field of view.
Verdict:
My recommendation is vortex viper binoculars in terms of field of view. It will be more beneficial for large area coverage activities like sporting events, birding, wildlife viewing, elk hunting, spying, and peeping. You can easily track fast-moving animals and birds. However, if you want bino pairs for enjoying small stadium sports, concerts, or for target shooting, then diamondback can be a good option for you.
5. Optics
The optics quality of vortex diamondback binoculars is outstanding. They come with HD image resolution with clear and bright results in the low light condition too. When talking about optics coating, diamondback binoculars come with fully multi-coated optics. At the same time, they have a dielectric coating that ensures razor-sharp and clear images for long-distance objects.
On the other hand, viper binoculars have a roof prism as well as an XR anti-reflection coating which helps to reduce glare and enhance the contract. Also, produce color-corrected images of the magnified objects. Both have armortek coating so they will be protected from diet, heat, and dust also.
Verdict:
My opinion goes for diamondback binoculars as they are fully multi-coated. So the capability to produce a more clear and more detailed image is higher than the viper bino pairs. In case, if you prefer a roof prism for portability and stunning output than the optics protection, then the viper is yours.
6. Focusing system
The focusing system is fast and smooth in the vortex binoculars. In the past comparison of Leupold vs Vortex Binoculars, we get the vortex winner. There is no doubt about the focusing system whether it’s diamondback or the vortex viper. If we look at the close focusing distance, diamondback binoculars are also one step further in the vortex diamondback vs viper combat. They will provide you with a closer object-focusing facility so you can see what’s happening at your nearby distance also.
Verdict:
As the focusing system and close focusing ability of vortex diamondback is much better than the viper, I will vote for the diamondback series. However, if the close focusing system is not your requirement, then you can choose the viper binoculars too.
7. Interpupillary Distance (IPD)
It’s a very important factor before choosing a pair of binoculars. The interpupillary distance varies from person to person. So, choosing a pair with a wide range of IPD will be a good decision. The diamondback binoculars offer varieties of IPD distances where the common range for viper binoculars is 56mm to 75mm.
Verdict:
Well, if the pair will be used by adults then viper can be on your bucket list. The vortex diamondback offers 55mm-73mm, and 60mm-75mm interpupillary distance, so choosing a viper can be a safe option if the pair will be used by kids to adults.
8. Water resistance
All of the pairs of viper binoculars have argon purging and O-ring seals. So they will be water resistant in wet conditions. The diamondback binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof except for the 10×42 specifications.
Verdict:
You can go for the viper as all models are water-resistant. However, you can also choose the diamondback binoculars. In case, whether the bino pair is waterproof or not doesn’t matter to accomplish your task, then 10×42 diamondback binoculars can be your partner.
9. Weight
Size and weight mainly depend on the objective lens, prisms, and materials. So far, the vortex diamondback and viper both are compact enough, and the viper is slightly lightweight. They both come with glasspak chest harnesses ensuring comfort and safety during exploring.
Verdict:
Vortex viper is lightweight and compact. It can be your reliable partner if you go for a long hike or a full day of wildlife viewing. In the case of short-term activities, diamondback can be a perfect solution.
10. Price
The price range of viper binoculars is relatively higher than vortex viper binoculars.
Verdict:
If you want something in the mid-range, then vortex diamondback can be your choice. If your budget is high, then you can go for the viper binoculars.
Advantages of Vortex Diamondback over Viper
- Offers a wide range of specification
- Have varieties in interpupillary distance
- Features close focusing system to scan your yards
- Comes with a fully multi-coated lens
- The price range is quite affordable
Limitation
- Some pairs are not water resistance
Advantages of Vortex Viper over Diamondback
- Equipped with standard specifications for a smooth viewing experience
- Offers more eye relief distance
- Comes with a wide range of fields of view
- All pairs are waterproof, fog-proof and moisture-proof
- Portable, lightweight, and easy to carry
Limitation
- The price range is high
Final Opinion
In short, the viper diamondback binoculars are good for sports, concerts, target shooting, etc. For long days of birding, hiking, spying, and peeing, the vortex viper will perform well so far. Which one is your consideration after this entire comparison battle? Hopefully, the differences between the vortex diamondback vs viper binoculars are clear to you and you can make the right decision now.
People Also Ask
Where is Vortex Diamondback made?
The vortex diamondback binoculars are made in the USA. However, some lenses are built in Japan too.
Is the Vortex Viper worth it?
Definitely! Vortex viper offers a wide field of view, larger eye relief distance, water resistance capability, and many more to carry with you on your every adventure.
How long does the battery last on a Vortex Viper?
It depends on the setting. On average, it can work up to 30,000 hours if you operate in a lower setting. At its highest, it will run for 150 hours.
Is the Vortex Diamondback waterproof?
Yes, almost all pairs come with argon purging and an O-ring seal. So, they will stay dry and functional in wet weather conditions.
Does Vortex Viper have a shake awake?
No vortex viper binoculars are not equipped with shake-awake features.
