Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Last updated: July 26, 2019

Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
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We looked at the top Hunting Scopes and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Hunting Scope you should buy.

Overall Take

In our analysis of 75 expert reviews, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes placed 7th when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The Diamondback (high performance) riflescope offers a full-on array of features that discerning hunters are sure to appreciate. Optically, these scopes hit the proverbial mark. Xd extra-low dispersion glass increases resolution and color fidelity while XR fully multi-coated lenses maximize every minute of shooting light. The side focus/Parallax adjustment is easily accessible while keeping a trim profile and allowing optimal mounting height. And, with a 4x zoom range, the Diamondback offers highly versatile magnification.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

Design eliminates concerns about holdover when shooting at different distances. Made of aircraft-quality aluminum. Waterproof and fog-proof. Good price for the quality.
Vortex always uses high density, low dispersion glass in their scopes, so the image clarity is top notch. Additionally, the lenses are coated with Vortex’s proprietary full multi-coating for maximum light transmission. Even in bad light, the Diamondback still produces a bright, high definition image.
At an affordable price, this is one of the better scopes available on the market, today. The no fog feature is an excellent option to have in the elements, which will ensure accuracy, every time.
This scope, in particular, is a simple one, void of superfluous gadgets. Instead of attempting to impress you with a novel-length list of average features, Vortex put their focus into performance and reliability. This scope doesn’t hold your hand through the hunt – it just excels at what it’s designed to do.
The Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope has great quality and very durable. The scope is solid and is highly resistant regardless of an unsteady weather. It is surprisingly lightweight and easy to mount and set up. It has excellent clarity. The scope is sharp and crisp and has a large field of view. Waterproof and fog-proof, a feature any hunter would require so as not to disrupt them from hitting their targets.
The dead-hold, BDC reticle uses a custom dot-design to compensate for wind corrections and holdover, making it a good choice when hunting at varying ranges. The scope utilizes argon for waterproofing, which also makes it fog-proof. The optics are multi-coated so that the view is exceptionally clear and sharp, even in the harshest of weather conditions.
You get an amazing reticle when working with this model. It is one of the best and should easily work for various applications that you might have. The reticle sub tensions are seen to be helpful for you to estimate the range of your target. You can also deal with wind correction and holdover. You should have better accuracy when using this type of model.
FOV is measured in feet at 100 yards and is amount of view you see through your scope from right to left at that distance. FOV is a function of the shape and contouring of the glass inside the scope rather than the size of the objective lens.
Constructed in the highest quality aircraft grade aluminum, this Vortex Diamondback is incredibly durable, waterproof, shockproof and, thanks to its argon purged tube, fog resistant.

What experts didn't like

Image may lose sharpness when shooting while making use of magnifications. Lens may create some glare.
Hazy in low light
One of the only common complaints about this scope is that the parallax is not great after 50 yards.
Adjusting the reset turrets may take more time than normal. This fact, however, does not apply to all types of rifles and does not make the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope any less good that others in the market.
Not as clear and crisp as more expensive scopes
Short eye relief
The scope at 12X magnification sometimes has a little issue with glare compared to higher end scopes with better lens coatings. This was only noticeable when the sun was lower on the horizon, it wasn’t bad, but noticeable at times.
View our Hunting Scope buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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