Gear Review: Vortex Diamondback Binouculars

My first set of binoculars I bought were the Vortex Diamondback Binoculars 10x42. 2 years ago my truck was broken into, my bino pack with my binoculars and a knife were stolen. I had got another pair for last year to test and then had to return them. Now with Vortex helping Al and myself out this year, I will once again be using the Diamondbacks. Prior to them getting stolen I used them for 3 years and loved them. The glass quality and clarity are amazing. Hunting in Southern California you spend a lot of time behind your glass looking for ears and antlers in the shade of rocks and trees. Here is a brief overview from Vortex's website.

 Diamondback^® 10x42 Roof Prism Binocular
Superior quality, high-performance hunting optics can find their way around your neck for a surprisingly affordable price. The smooth focusing 10x42 Diamondback^® binocular takes you to the fine details you prize. Taking its lead from the Diamondback rattlesnake, this rugged binocular is striking in how well it detects life in low light. Look for a huge field-of-view—the largest in its class— with enhanced fully multi-coated optics, phase-corrected prisms, waterproof and fogproof construction, soft tapered eyecups, and rugged rubber armor. It's all there in a Diamondback. Now you can use "wow!" and "thank you" in the same sentence. You can check out the full specs, features and more reviews at: http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-diamondback-10x42-binocular

Last weekend I ventured out on a scouting trip in D-14 with my new set of Diamondbacks. We got to the meeting spot at 4:30am and by 4:45am with the light of the moon I was able to glass the hill side across the valley. Even with the light of the moon you where still able to make out shrubs and bushes. If a deer was bedded at this time it still would have been hard to see but if one was moving you would have caught the movement. Walking down the road stopping periodically to glass the distant hillside in the low light my binoculars where bright a clear to see through.

For longer periods of use or if you just want focus in better on objects a tripod is best. I use a Promaster XC525c Carbon Fiber Tripod with a Vangaurd P11 pan head. This year I am trying out the Vortex Uni-Daprtor to mount my binoculars to my tripod instead of the Vortex Binocular Adapter. (Reviews to come on all these products soon.) After using a tripod for my first time I immediately noticed a difference. You can focus in on the smallest details with out shaking or disrupting your view. This makes finding deer that blend in with the natural surrounding a little easier. It is usually the small details, something that just doesn't  look right or out of place. That is something you would want to spend some time looking at.

For the price of the Vortex Diamondbacks they are hard to beat. Bass Pro sales them for $249. The price is great and you get a decent pair of binoculars for a great price. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a decent set of glass at a good price.