Vortex Crossfire VS Diamondback – Which is Best?
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What factors should I consider when choosing between Vortex Crossfire VS Diamondback, and which one would be the best fit for my specific outdoor activities?
Having binoculars among your hunting gear is essential for any hunter. As we have established that binoculars are an indispensable tool. We will be drawing a comparison of Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback Binoculars in this article.
With similar appearance and features, a question that arises in users’ minds is: Why are the Vortex Crossfire and Diamondback prices different?
A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Vortex Crossfire Binoculars | Vortex Diamondback Binoculars |
| Magnification | 8x or 10x | 8x, 10x, or 12x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42mm or 50mm | 42mm, 50mm or 56mm |
| Field of View | 325-393 feet/1000 yards | 330-345 feet/1000 yards |
| Close Focus Distance | 6.5-9 feet | 5-6 feet |
| Eye Relief | 15-17 mm | 15-19 mm |
| Prism Type | Roof | Roof |
| Lens Coating | Fully multi-coated | Fully multi-coated |
| Waterproof/Fogproof | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 23.5-28.4 oz | 21.4-35.8 oz |
Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback Binoculars
Although the decision is yours, this article will break down the specs and performance differences between the Vortex Crossfire and Diamondback binoculars, which will make the selections convenient for you.
So, which is the best binocular? Let’s dive in!
Similarities
Both Vortex Crossfire and Diamondback come in standard configurations and sizes, having a glass pack. Moreover, Vortex Crossfire and Diamondback are tripoded adaptable. Therefore you can mount them on a tripod to free your hands and take stable images.
To accommodate those that wear glasses, both of these binoculars have good eye relief. Additionally, they both are fog proof and waterproof.
If you were wondering about the field of view, the Vortex Crossfire 8X42 binoculars model has a similar field of view as the Vortex Diamondback 8X42 binoculars at the highest magnifying powers.
Vortex Crossfire Binocular. What stands out?
Crossfire has a cost advantage. Not only does Crossfire cost less than the Diamondback binoculars, but it also has some striking features. Which makes it one of the best hunting binoculars out there. Consequently, Crossfire is slightly bulky compared to Vortex Diamondback binoculars.
Features of Vortex Crossfire Binoculars
The rugged armor of Vortex Crossfire protects the binoculars in extreme weather conditions of rain or storm. Vortex Crossfire is also compact and lightweight, making them easier to carry. Crossfire has Nitrogen gas purged that provides additional weather resistance and durability.
When used in fog or high humidity, they are unaffected and offer a clear view. Crossfire features a roof prism and is ideal for bird watchers and hunters.
We recommend binoculars with configurations 8×42 and 10×42 for viewing nature and watching birds. For hunting purposes, we recommend 10×50 and 12×50 binoculars.
Vortex Crossfire VIP Warranty
Vortex Optics offers quality customer service and a lifetime warranty. If the binoculars get broken, a replacement can be made free of charge making it the Best Binocular for the Money.
However, a drawback with Vortex is that the selection gets limited because of the discontinuation of the compact sizes.
Benefits
Drawbacks
Vortex Diamondback. What stands out?
There is a reason why Vortex Diamondback costs more than Vortex Crossfire. It doesn’t only has a tremendous physical appeal but also has an easy-to-fit design. The Rubber armor also provides Diamondback with a non-slippery grip and external protection in case it falls.
Features of Diamondback Binoculars
Diamondback is Argon purged and O-ring sealed. The lenses and seals are purged with Argon, which increases the weather resistance provided by the binoculars.
The Argon provides Diamondback with useful fog proof and waterproof features. They come in handy in extreme weather conditions of fog or rainstorms.
Moreover, the central focus knob and adjustable eyecups allow ease of adjustment. Also, using their dielectric fully multi-coated optics, you can take high optical quality images in low light conditions.
The process behind crystal clear images is multiple anti-reflective coatings of the fully multi-coated lenses. That heightens light transmission in all air to glass surfaces.
Well, there are nine binoculars in the Diamondback series. Each with varying magnification and objective lens configuration. This variety of binoculars gives users many options to choose from. Remarkably, users can use any binoculars in the Diamondback series for bird viewing and hunting.
Benefits
Drawbacks
Vortex Crossfire Vs Diamondback Binoculars: Difference
At first glance, you might not be able to pick out the differences between Vortex Crossfire and Diamondback. The reason is their similar looks.
How do we decide who wins in the battle between Vortex Crossfire and Diamondback?
To do that, we have provided below a detailed comparison between the two contestants.
1- Portability
Diamondback chassis is made of magnesium, which gives it more robust build quality. Moreover, they are lightweight binoculars. The additional weight of the Crossfire begins to add up as miles go by.
Hence if you plan to use binoculars in remote locations carrying it around your neck for hours, the compact size of Diamondback will come in handy.
2- Focus
We found that Diamondback binoculars have a better focus than the Vortex Crossfire upon examination. The close distance between the Diamondback is 5 feet, and that of Crossfire is 7.5 feet.
So, if you want to focus on something as small as the details of a Butterfly, Diamondback will provide a better view.
3- Low-Light Performance
While both Vortex Crossfire and Vortex Diamondback are the best low-light binoculars, Vortex Diamondback has a more extraordinary ability to magnify common light sources.
When we experimented with these two, we noticed way better low-light performance with Diamondback binocular than Vortex Crossfire.
4- Durability
The higher cost of Vortex Diamondback is also because its lenses and seals are Argon purged. Argon is far more expensive than Nitrogen, used in Vortex Crossfire.
The Nitrogen molecules are smaller than Argon molecules, making it easier for Nitrogen to escape in case of an impact. Thus, the use of Nitrogen reduces the weather resistance provided by Vortex.
5- Price
Vortex Crossfire costs much less than comparable Diamondback. They are the best binoculars under $200. If you value performance, you will want Diamondback binoculars. The reason is the smaller size, lighter weight body, and better viewing experience.
However, for most users, the cost savings they get with Vortex Crossfire will far outweigh. The performance gains if they chose Diamondback instead of a Vortex Crossfire.
6- Selection Available
The Diamondback also provides a far more comprehensive selection regarding configurations and magnification levels than Vortex Crossfire. The Crossfire series has four binoculars, whereas the Vortex Diamondback has nine.
While Diamondback gives users more options to choose from, at the same time, Vortex Crossfire makes up for it by its pricing as it is far more user-friendly than Diamondback.
Key Takeaway – Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback
By now, you must have figured out the differences between Vortex Crossfire and Vortex Diamondback.
For your reiteration, we have summarized them as follows. If the cost difference is not a point of concern for you, Vortex Diamondbacks would be a better choice than Vortex Crossfire.
Vortex Crossfire is bulkier when comparing it to similar models of Diamondback binoculars. Crossfire would serve you well as a beginner as they are cost-friendly binoculars and deliver excellent performance.
Moreover, while hunters usually prefer the Vortex Crossfire, bird watchers prefer Diamondbacks for better close focus.
However, Diamondbacks are well worth their cost for an experienced hunter and have a big motivation to select Vortex Diamondback.
Diamondback offers better optical performance and has higher durability than Vortex Crossfire. The ultimate reason for the price change between Vortex Crossfire and Vortex Diamondback is the optical quality and the construction.
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