Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8x28 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Non-slip Grip, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Included Carry Case - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty

Why did you pick this product vs others?: A bird watching report said the 8x28 were a best quality / value for smaller binoculars. I went from a $30 pair of binoculars to these and the difference is amazing. I got the 8x32 pair because it wasn’t much more and I wanted a little bit more light and since I don’t use them often I figured portability doesn’t matter but they’re still very portable. I don’t use binoculars very often but I have to say I’m blown away by the quality of these versus a cheaper pair. They also come in a decent case. For any eyeglass people, no need to take your glasses off with these there’s no field of view loss looking through a normal pair of glasses. Image quality: Fantastic, no noticeable CA, or distortion. Colors and sharpness are incredibly crisp. This is coming from someone that takes semi professional bird pictures, the optics in these are solid for the price. Value for money: I’m not an expert on what binoculars should cost but, given the excellent objects and I feel expensive frankly mostly metal construction… I feel like this is a solid deal.

These are sweet. I have had the same model but 10x50 for the past year, for glassing my property, and I love them. I got these 8x32 for hunting. They are a great size and weight for the purpose, but what blows me away is they are way better than the 10x50! Everything in the picture is so much more crisp. FOV is so much better, as expected. Light transmission in cloudy evening is the same. Great binos.

Amazing set of optics. For me, they were a little bit pricey but if you look at these compared to the world of optics as a mid range budget option especially on sale for $225, these are just amazing. Very clear glass with all the adjustability and functionality you’ll ever need and the carrying case is an awesome bonus. I can differentiate a spike from a doe at over 250 yards out early morning no issue with the 12x50’s. Photos through glass do not give an accurate depiction, everything was much larger and clearer when looking through your own eyes compared to pictures I could get through them with an iphone camera which ranged from 25-100 yards shown. These are also very durable I dropped them probably 5 times just in a weekend hunting trip and survived perfectly fine sitting on the dash of a 4x4 being zigged and zagged all around on the dirt roads. I mean it’s vortex, everyone knows they make quality.

After more than 10 years I had to replace my Nikon Monarch 8x42 Binoculars, but didn't want to spend $330-$340 for the same ones. I asked AI what would be a good, lower-cost replacement, and these were the #1 recommendation at just under $200. I was pleasantly surprised that these have exceeded my expectations in every way ... size & weight, build quality, and most importantly the optics, which are clear, crisp, and bright. The included, very well-fitted rubberized lens and eyepiece covers provide excellent protection and are easy to remove and replace. Vortex's unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty is a big big plus, and pretty unbelievable. If anything ever happens to these, I'll never have to pay for new ones!

The optics on these are awesome! I was also really impressed with the carry case which even includes a harness! The large objective lenses gather a lot of light which is great for nighttime. You can see the craters in the moon quite easily.

Bought the 15X56 Diamondback this week to provide me the ability to see additional detail over my 10X42 Nikon Monarchs. I made the comparison before first light through the morning, during the middle of the day, and at last light into darkness. I found the Vortex to definitely provide more detail during low light over the Nikon. I'm not sure they were much brighter than the Nikon's but they were a least as bright and the additional detail provided by the increase in power was noticeable. During mid-day, I found the difference to be less noticeable. I don't think the Vortex are as clear as the Nikon's but the Nikon's were more expensive so I'm not really surprised. But regarding the ability to see detail, I still give a slight edge to the Vortex, again due to the increase in power. The only thing I don't like about the Vortex, and it was the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars, is the focus adjustment knob is too sensitive. What I mean by that is that the difference in focus when changing from 200 yards to 300 yards is only a hair or a degree or two in the knob adjustment. I suspect this is the reason why I found it hard to get an absolute clear picture when focusing at any distance. It is a little frustrating and something that wont improve once I get used to the binoculars. When trying to get the binoculars focused on an object at any distance, the focus goes from blurry to clear to blurry in only a very very minor turn of the focus knob. Overall, very good for a binocular at that price and I am happy with the purchase.

Amazing clarity and includes lens covers as well as a hiking bag. Two straps, one integrated with he hiking bag and the other is just a neck strap. These have an amazing sharp image and are adjustable to your face if you wear glasses. Highly recommend these high quality optics.

I seen the nikon monarch 5 but couldn't afford it at rei. I researched a lot and found this. 5 foot close up focus great feal the grip is great. Its visually better than the nature dx but costs more. The neck strap is better than the nature dx 8x42 but like the 12x56 version really nice. The eye cup cover would not work great because the strap holes are on the right. I had to put it on upside-down. The front backpack is OK I got to get use to it. I think its the best value I found. Its hard to find a backup that comes close under 135./ i just tried the crossfire version its similar but the glare is night and day. The diamondback has better ant glare