Adventure is out there for those that seek it out. Seeking adventure comes with a need for equipment to help along the journey. There’s a lot of options out there for even a singular piece of equipment. Binoculars are staples on many exciting adventures. Though there’s such a variety even within the same category.
A simple and reliable pair of binoculars are used in many different activities. However, it’s important to have a pair that works the way it needs to. When choosing the right equipment, Vortex has two quality models to choose from Vortex Diamondback vs Crossfire binoculars.
These are four of the highest quality Vortex binoculars with two versions of each type. Deciding between these two pieces of equipment can be difficult, but this article review goes through each with pros, cons, and what makes each of them special. This is a fantastic set of binoculars with subtle differences between the two models.
Vortex is known for its quality binoculars. They are known for high-end and high-quality binoculars, including a range of low-light binoculars, prism scopes, monocular, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, and many more.
Below is a comparison between the Vortex Diamondback and the Vortex Crossfire 10×42 versions.
| 10×42 | |||
| Model name | Diamondback | Crossfire | |
| Field of view – angular | 6.3° | 6.2° | |
| Field of view – linear | 330.0 ft./1000 yd | 325.0 ft./1000 yd | |
| Apparent field of view | 63.0° | 62.0° | |
| Eye relief | 15.0mm | 15.0mm | |
| Near focus | 5 ft. | 6 ft. | |
| Coatings | Fully multi-coated | Fully multi-coated | |
| Focus style | Center focus | Center focus | |
| Interpupillary distance range | 55mm – 73mm | 58mm – 75mm | |
| Waterproofing | Yes | Yes | |
| Height | 5.7 in. | 6.0 in. | |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs. | 1.4 lbs. | |
| VIEW ON ORION | VIEW ON ORION | ||
If you need bigger magnification and optical diameter, you should consider the Vortex Diamondback and the Vortex Crossfire 12×50 versions.
| 12×50 | |||
| Model name | Diamondback | Crossfire | |
| Field of view – angular | 5.2° | 5.2° | |
| Field of view – linear | 271.0 ft./1000 yd | 273.0 ft./1000 yd | |
| Apparent field of view | 62.4° | 62.4° | |
| Eye relief | 14.0mm | 15.0mm | |
| Near focus | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | |
| Coatings | Fully multi-coated | Fully multi-coated | |
| Focus style | Center focus | Center focus | |
| Interpupillary distance range | 60mm – 75mm | 60mm – 76mm | |
| Waterproofing | Yes | Yes | |
| Height | 6.4 in. | 6.6 in. | |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs. | 1.8 lbs. | |
| VIEW ON ORION | VIEW ON ORION | ||
Vortex Diamondback binoculars are used for stunning adventures. According to Skift Trusted Source Travelers Value Activities More Than a Luxe Room | Skift The concept of “experiential travel” has become nearly ubiquitous, yet many in the travel industry continue to grapple with what exactly this term means. skift.com , most travelers (67%) prefer to spend money on activities rather than a fancy hotel room. Activities such as bird watching in Madagascar, snorkeling in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, and discovering wildlife in Antarctica, are becoming more popular.
This model provides a high-quality performance without discounting its durability. For many enthusiasts and professionals, the features and performance provided by Diamondback are enormously articular. Adding the high-quality durability and it’s an impressive and engaging option. With a more advanced system and design, this additional performance is worth the price tag.
According to most reviews, the most durable pair of Vortex binoculars is the Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars. They have not only Waterproof O-ring seals that prevent moisture, dust, and debris but also Fogproof Argon gas purging prevents internal fogging. This is a fantastic binocular for extreme environments with a range in environmental debris, temperature, humidity, and weather.
Here we summarized the main advantages and disadvantages of the Vortex Diamondback Binoculars:
| Pros | Cons |
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Vortex Crossfire binoculars are taken on breathtaking adventures. There are more and more sights to see every single moment. In 2018 alone, Guides, operators, attractions, and other tourism companies added 30,000 new experiences to TripAdvisor Trusted Source 2018 Travel Trends Report: Experiences, Tours & Activities | TripAdvisor Blog TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online provider of bookable experiences, tours, and activities, has released a new trend report for experiential travel in 2018. Our bookings data shows that iconic sites remain popular, while travelers are bringing growth to new, non-traditional and experiential categories. www.tripadvisor.com last year, increasing it by 50%. Experiences are becoming more popular. Some examples include Exploring the urban centers of Stromboli, Italy, attending events in Angkor Wat, Cambodia, hiking across New Zealand, and Watching the sunrise over the temples of Greece.
This model provides a cheaper alternative without diminishing the quality. For many explorers and adventures, the features and performance provided by the Crossfire are more than enough for their needs. Adding the cost-saving feature and it’s a very appealing option.
One of the best Crossfire binoculars is the Vortex Crossfire HD 12×50 Binoculars, with impressive qualities. This model includes many remarkable features that showcase the pros and cons of the Crossfire models. This is a fantastic piece of equipment that’s friendly on the budget.
Below you’ll find key pros and cons of the Vortex Crossfire Binoculars:
| Pros | Cons |
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Upon a first glance, there isn’t much of a difference between these two binoculars. Even on a spec sheet, they look remarkably similar. The essential aspects to look at when choosing a pair of binoculars include performance magnification, lens diameter, optical quality, the field of view, close focus, build quality, durability, design, size, weight, and price tag.
Diamondback primarily dominates this category. Both are solid in terms of function, but the edge is given to Diamondback. One of the best Diamondback binoculars is the Vortex Diamondback HD 12×50 Binoculars, with their impressive qualities that lead to optimal and peak performance.
Optical quality is the quality of the optics used by the binocular. The one of the Diamondback is optimal due to its design, field of view, and overall performance. However, sometimes it’s not about the optical quality of the binocular itself but how it interacts with the user. Optical quality is improved in image-stabilized binoculars that provide a clear and operational view no matter what.
Measuring how wide of an area that’s viewable at a certain distance is why the field of view is important. It aids in the binoculars’ peripheral vision. There isn’t much of a difference between these two models at all, but it’s a slight difference.
The Diamondback binoculars have a close focus of up to five feet. On the other hand, the Crossfire has six feet. The latter is slightly longer.
Both are built by Vortex, a leading binocular company. The build quality is essential to add to the durability, design, and overall performance of the binoculars. Vortex binoculars like the Vortex Crossfire HD 10×42 Binoculars provide multiple and fully coated lenses, multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces, and O-ring seals.
When attending adventures and gallivanting around the world, durability is vital. The Diamondback uses argon purging, which is more expensive but more resilient. Crossfire models use nitrogen which makes for sufficient weatherproofing but is not ideal.
The design of a pair of binoculars is what draws adventurers in. Not only the look of them but the ergonomic designs are also critical. The aesthetic design is similar in both, as Vortex prides itself on quality and sleek designs.
If this is a day trip, size and weight aren’t as important. However, if it’s a long trip or a trip on foot, height and weight make a tremendous difference. The Diamondback is slighter smaller and lighter than its Crossfire counterpart. This makes it easier to use, keep, and store.
The price tag typically stops people from getting the cream of the crop or the top model in every single category. That’s not feasible. What is feasible is finding a binocular that works for what’s needed and fits in the budget.
The price tag of many professional binoculars can be discouraging for many explorers, both amateur and professional alike. It doesn’t have to break the bank to get equipment. There are many options for quality binoculars that are under $500.
These binoculars are terribly like one another. Taking a closer look, they have remarkably similar designs and performance. There are quite a few similarities, however, when compared closely.
Both products are well-constructed, designed well, and high quality, but they also have similar specifications such as waterproofing, fog proofing, multi-coated lenses, same objective lens diameter, same magnification abilities, same focus type, and a 5.3mm exit pupil diameter.
Although they’re currently being compared, they are remarkably like one another.
When it comes to exploring the world, there needs to be a degree of freedom and reliability. That’s what is essential in binoculars. Each of these models has its own very impressive merits. However, when it comes down to it, it depends on the adventure.
Vortex Diamondback binoculars have better performance, durably, and field of view. These features make it best suited for adventures that are over a longer span, require higher quality, or require high-quality equipment with a high-quality budget.
On the other hand, Vortex Crossfire binoculars are. The Crossfire’s features make it perfect for shorter adventures, amateur, or professionals with reasonable budgets, unlike the previous option. The comparison between these two is interesting. The question is, is the Diamondback worth the extra price, or is the Crossfire worth the savings?
Amateurs and professionals alike benefit from the savings from the Crossfire. Depending on what you need the binoculars for, a savings of between $50 to $100 is worth it.
Travel and tourism was the second most popular choice for discretionary spending, as discovered by Phocuswright Trusted Source Travel remains an important spending priority for Americans | Phocuswright Each year, the U.S. leisure travel population fluctuates due to economic conditions as well as personal factors. A strong economy usually correlates with growth, while a weak economy can spur a decline, as some Americans opt to forego leisure travel altogether. 2018 bucked the trends. www.phocuswright.com . This means that when traveling, budget is an important consideration. The same survey found that over a third (36%) of travelers rated travel priority.
Bringing a pair enhances the journey for African safari trips, white water rafting, and summit mountain climbing. Though, not all binoculars are made the same or designed for the same purpose. Choosing the right equipment for the situation is a vital part of being prepared for anything.
Deciding between the Vortex Diamondback vs Crossfire binoculars brings adventure one step closer. Rise to meet the world just outside the front yard.
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