Are you looking for the best explanation of the difference between Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 vs 10×42? In this post, I will share with you the specs, features, pros, and cons of each of these binoculars to help you choose the right binos for your needs.
The Vortex Diamondback series binoculars are designed to deliver a satisfactory optical performance that meets a great number of your hunting needs. The two binoculars in question have a similar construction quality but some differences can be seen in their optical performance.
Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 vs 10×42
Choosing between them is quite challenging but your choice would highly be determined by what you need for your hunting activity and what you prefer for your hunting gear. Below is a summary of the two binoculars against each other to help you with your decision.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of binoculars determine the bulk of your outdoor activity gear. When comparing the Vortex Diamondback 8×42 and the 10×42 binoculars, their physical dimensions are the same ( 5.7 by 5.1 inches). The former is however heavier than the latter 14 grams. The two binoculars are compact and easily portable, although the Vortex Diamondback 10×42 has an added advantage.
Magnification & Objective Lens Diameter
There are two numbers written on binoculars. In our case, these numbers are 8X42 and 10X42 for the two binoculars respectively. The first number is the magnification while the second is the objective diameter size. Both binoculars feature a generous 42 mm objective lens which ensures high light transmission even when used during dusk or dawn.
The former has a magnification of 8X while the latter has a magnification of 10X. These numbers represent the times an object seen through the binoculars will be enlarged compared to the original size.
Field of View
The field of view is the area which you can see through the binoculars. It determines how fast you can locate your target over a wide distance. A wide field of view allows you to easily locate your target even at the highest magnification. The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars offer a wider field of view and a wider angular view compared to their counterpart, the 10×42 binoculars.
Eye Relief and Exit Pupil Diameter
The two binoculars have a generous eye relief which ensures that your eyes are comfortable the entire viewing period. The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 provides you with a longer eye relief than the Vortex Diamondback 10×42 binoculars. They are more ideal for eyeglass wearers.
The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars also have a wider exit pupil diameter than the Vortex Diamondback 10×42 binoculars. This results in more brightness and image clarity.
Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is made of a durable and versatile design
- It offers an exceptionally wide field of view
- It offers bright, clear, and sharp views
- It is waterproof and fog proof
- It features superior light-collecting abilities
Cons
- It is slightly bulky than the 10×42
Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is made of durable materials
- It has great optical performance
- It has a high magnification range
- It is easily portable
- It offers clear, sharp, and bright views
- It has a great light transmission
Cons
- It has a shorter eye relief than the 8×42 binoculars
Conclusion
The Diamondback binoculars are some of the best in their range. The 8×42 binoculars provide a 10x magnification that allows you to view distant objects in detail. They offer a generous 42 mm objective lens diameter that ensures high light transmission for clear images when hunting in low light conditions. The wide field of view, long eye relief, and a close focus distance make these binoculars ideal for a prolonged time of use without fatigue.
Although closely similar a bit bulky than their counterparts, the HD 10X42, the 8X42 binoculars are our choice for the day.