Thoughts on Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80 spotting scope

TakeEm · #1 06-08-2015, 04:38 PM

I was wondering if anyone has used or owned this spotting scope. I would like to get some thoughts on it as well as the possibility for digiscoping with a dslr camera. Also, do you prefer straight or angled and why?

Prairiewolf · #2 06-08-2015, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakeEm

I was wondering if anyone has used or owned this spotting scope. I would like to get some thoughts on it as well as the possibility for digiscoping with a dslr camera. Also, do you prefer straight or angled and why?

What I know of this scope is its one of the better budget models, but for low light conditions you can't beat the Swarovskis of the world, etc.

Angled can be easier on the body for long glassing sessions due the better ergonomic setups that can be achieved, and would be my choice. That said, some prefer the straight types since they may be easier to transition from a high power view in the spotting scope to a different setting on your riflescope and not completely lose your target.

bdub · #3 06-08-2015, 08:42 PM

I've looked through them and was not impressed. It will get you buy but they are not great. I felt my 20 year old Baush and Lomb elite spotter was better glass to look through. If you can afford it, spend a bit more and move up to a higher quality would be my honest advice. Perhaps keep your eyes peeled for a used one.

TakeEm · #4 06-09-2015, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdub

I've looked through them and was not impressed. It will get you buy but they are not great. I felt my 20 year old Baush and Lomb elite spotter was better glass to look through. If you can afford it, spend a bit more and move up to a higher quality would be my honest advice. Perhaps keep your eyes peeled for a used one.

Do you have any suggestions for better optics?

bdub · #5 06-09-2015, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakeEm

Do you have any suggestions for better optics?

How much money do you have, whats your budget? Are you set on something in the 20-60 power range? What are you wanting to use it for?

TakeEm · #6 06-09-2015, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdub

How much money do you have, whats your budget? Are you set on something in the 20-60 power range? What are you wanting to use it for?

Budget is around 600 ish. Doesn't have to be 20-60, but it would be nice to have a longer zoom range. I will be using if for scouting and sheep hunting.

bdub · #7 06-09-2015, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakeEm

Budget is around 600 ish. Doesn't have to be 20-60, but it would be nice to have a longer zoom range. I will be using if for scouting and sheep hunting.

If thats your budget its probably comparable to anything else you might find in that price range I suppose. Unless you are able to find something used of a higher quality. Anyway it will work just fine but may be something to consider upgrading in the future. Happy hunting.

TakeEm · #8 06-09-2015, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdub

If thats your budget its probably comparable to anything else you might find in that price range I suppose. Unless you are able to find something used of a higher quality. Anyway it will work just fine but may be something to consider upgrading in the future. Happy hunting.

Would the vortex 11-33x50 razor hd be a better option? I'm open to other brands as well. And yes I will be upgrading in the future. I'm just not sure if the 11-33 would be enough

kirbstomps · #9 06-10-2015, 12:05 PM

sounds heavy..... i would buy a X65 instead, but thats just me. I've turned into a weight loss freak in my pack of the last few hunts.

north american hunter · #10 06-10-2015, 05:44 PM

I recommend that you stay away from the cheaper vortex optics lines.

bdub · #11 06-10-2015, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakeEm

Would the vortex 11-33x50 razor hd be a better option? I'm open to other brands as well. And yes I will be upgrading in the future. I'm just not sure if the 11-33 would be enough

I think you would be happier with that option. The sharpness of the poorer glass really starts to suffer at the higher magnification anyway. For being able to tell if a ram is worth getting in for a closer look the 33x will do the trick most of the time. Another bonus of that 11 x 33 scope is how compact it is. Pretty sweet little scope, especially if you are going solo and space/weight is at a premium And when you do go to upgrade you will probably find it easier to sell it. If I had to chose between the two thats what I would pick.

TakeEm · #12 06-10-2015, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdub

I think you would be happier with that option. The sharpness of the poorer glass really starts to suffer at the higher magnification anyway. For being able to tell if a ram is worth getting in for a closer look the 33x will do the trick most of the time. Another bonus of that 11 x 33 scope is how compact it is. Pretty sweet little scope, especially if you are going solo and space/weight is at a premium And when you do go to upgrade you will probably find it easier to sell it. If I had to chose between the two thats what I would pick.

I might go with the 11-33. Decent glass and better quality, and smaller more compact would be a bonus. Inless there are similar options to this...