OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP) Review

Let’s Dive into OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP)

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP) is designed to deliver exceptional performance and value for a wide range of shooters. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless scopes come and go, but this particular model from Vortex caught my eye due to its balance of features, optical quality, and attractive price point. This scope boasts features like XD glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and a side focus parallax adjustment, all within a robust and reliable platform, making it a compelling option for hunters, target shooters, and anyone seeking a versatile optic without breaking the bank.

For years, I’ve tinkered with optics, always searching for that sweet spot between performance and affordability. I was looking for a scope to outfit my new .308 build – something clear, reliable, and capable of handling the recoil. I considered several options in the mid-range price bracket, but the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP kept coming up in conversations and online forums, praised for its clarity and durability at its price point.

Upon unboxing the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and clean lines of the scope. The hard anodized finish felt durable, and the turrets clicked with a satisfying precision. The weight felt appropriate for a scope of this size, suggesting a robust internal construction without being overly cumbersome.

Compared to a Leupold VX-Freedom and a Bushnell Engage that I had on hand, the Diamondback HP felt like it occupied a sweet spot. The Leupold had a slightly better reputation for low-light performance, while the Bushnell offered more advanced reticle options, but the Vortex offered a better overall balance of features and build quality for the price, especially with the inclusion of side parallax adjustment, a feature I find crucial for precise shooting at varying distances. My gut told me the Diamondback HP would be the most versatile for my needs.

My first impression was one of pleasant surprise. It seemed Vortex delivered on the promise of quality and performance without an exorbitant price tag. I was eager to mount it and see how it performed in the field, hopeful that it would live up to the positive reviews.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP) to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP was at my local shooting range, nestled in the foothills. I mounted it on my .308 rifle using a set of Leupold rings and headed out to dial it in. The weather was typical for the area: sunny, with a slight breeze and temperatures in the mid-60s.

The Diamondback HP performed admirably under these conditions. The XD glass provided a clear and crisp image, allowing me to easily discern the target at 100 yards, even with the mirage coming off the warm barrels. The side focus parallax adjustment was smooth and precise, allowing me to eliminate parallax error and achieve optimal focus at various distances. Getting behind the scope and finding the correct eye relief was quick and easy.

The only minor issue I encountered was the tight eye box at the highest magnification. It required precise head placement to obtain a full field of view, but this is a common characteristic of many scopes in this price range. It took me a few minutes to get used to it, but once I found the sweet spot, the image clarity and detail were impressive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. I’ve taken it on several hunting trips in varying conditions, from drizzly mornings in the woods to scorching afternoons on the prairie. It has held zero consistently and shown no signs of wear and tear beyond a few minor cosmetic scratches.

The hard anodized finish has proven to be remarkably resistant to scratches and abrasions. Even after being bumped and scraped against rocks and branches, the scope still looks nearly new. The capped turrets provide excellent protection against accidental adjustments, ensuring that my zero remains intact.

Maintaining the Diamondback HP is a breeze. A quick wipe down with a lens cloth is all it takes to keep the lenses clean and clear. The scope has also proven to be remarkably resistant to fogging, thanks to its argon gas purging. I haven’t had to make any repairs since my purchase.

Compared to my previous experiences with other scopes in this price range, the Diamondback HP outperforms many in terms of optical clarity, durability, and ease of use. It’s not quite on par with high-end optics costing several times as much, but for the money, it’s an outstanding value.

Breaking Down the Features of OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP)

Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications of the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP):

• Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm – This allows for a good balance of light gathering and scope size.
• Magnification: 4 – 16 x – Versatile magnification range suitable for various shooting distances.
• Reticle: V-Plex – A simple and uncluttered reticle ideal for hunting and general shooting.
• Tube Diameter: 1 in – A common tube size, making it easy to find compatible rings.
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP) – Reticle size remains constant throughout the magnification range, which is preferred by some shooters.
• Exit Pupil: 2.63 – 10.5 mm – Adequate exit pupil size for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.
• Illumination Color: None – Non-illuminated reticle, which simplifies the design and reduces battery dependence.
• Finish: Hard Anodized – Durable and scratch-resistant finish.
• Field of View, Linear: 6.1 – 23.8 ft at 100 yds – Provides a decent field of view for target acquisition and tracking.
• Eye Relief: 4 in – A comfortable eye relief that helps reduce eye strain.
• Weight: 18 oz – A reasonable weight for a scope of this size and features.
• Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA – Precise adjustments for accurate zeroing and holdover.
• Length: 12.5 in – A compact length that won’t add excessive weight to your rifle.
• Adjustment Type: MOA – Minute of Angle adjustments, a standard unit for scope adjustments.
• Parallax: 30 yds to infinity – Adjustable parallax ensures optimal focus at various distances.
• Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated – A simpler design without illuminated reticle features.
• Fabric/Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum – Ensures strength and durability.
• Adjustment Range: 80 MOA – Ample adjustment range for long-range shooting.
• Lens Material: XD Glass – **XD (Extra-low Dispersion) glass enhances resolution and color fidelity, crucial for image clarity.“
• Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated – Maximizes light transmission for bright and clear images.
• Weather Resistance: Fog Resistant – Prevents internal fogging for clear views in all weather.
• Water Resistance Level: Waterproof – O-ring seals prevent moisture from entering the scope.
• Shockproof: Yes – Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.
• Fogproof: Yes – Argon gas purging prevents internal fogging.
• Included Accessories: Protective lens caps, Lens Cloth, 4-inch sunshade – Adds extra value to the product package.

These specifications combine to deliver a scope that is both versatile and reliable, suitable for a wide range of shooting applications. The XD glass and fully multi-coated lenses provide excellent image clarity, while the adjustable parallax and generous adjustment range allow for precise shooting at varying distances. The rugged construction ensures that the scope can withstand the rigors of field use.

Performance & Functionality

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope excels in its core function: accurately placing shots on target. The image clarity is exceptional for a scope in this price range, allowing for precise target identification and aiming. The turrets provide tactile and audible clicks, making adjustments easy and repeatable.

One of the strengths of this scope is its versatility. The 4-16x magnification range is suitable for everything from close-range hunting to long-range target shooting. The adjustable parallax ensures that the image remains sharp and clear at any distance. The main weakness I found was the eye box at high magnification.

The scope exceeded my expectations in terms of optical clarity and ease of use. It is a significant upgrade over the budget scopes I have used in the past, providing a level of performance that I would expect from a much more expensive optic.

Design & Ergonomics

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP boasts a sleek and functional design. The hard anodized finish provides a durable and attractive exterior, while the ergonomic turrets and side focus knob are easy to grip and manipulate. The scope feels solid and well-built in hand, inspiring confidence in its durability.

The Diamondback HP is very user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The turrets are clearly marked, and the side focus knob is intuitive to use. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, even for those with less than perfect vision.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, I expect the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP to last for many years with proper care. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction and hard anodized finish provide excellent protection against the elements and the rigors of field use. I expect this scope to last for years to come.

The scope is easy to maintain. Cleaning the lenses with a lens cloth is all that’s required to keep them clear and free of debris. The waterproof and fogproof construction ensures that the scope will perform reliably in all weather conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP comes with a few useful accessories, including protective lens caps, a lens cloth, and a 4-inch sunshade. The sunshade is particularly useful for reducing glare in bright sunlight. The most common modification would be aftermarket flip-up lens covers.

The scope is compatible with a wide range of 1-inch scope rings from various brands. This makes it easy to mount the scope on any rifle with a Picatinny rail or other mounting system.

Pros and Cons of OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP)

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP)?

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope is perfect for:

• Hunters seeking a reliable and versatile optic for various game types and terrains.
• Target shooters looking for a scope that provides excellent accuracy and clarity at long ranges.
• Anyone on a budget who wants a high-quality scope without breaking the bank.

Who should skip this product? Someone seeking a scope with advanced features like illuminated reticles or first focal plane design may want to consider other options.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A good set of scope rings and potentially flip-up lens covers are recommended.

Conclusion on OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane (SFP)

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Rifle Scope is an outstanding optic that offers exceptional value for the money. Its combination of optical clarity, durability, and versatile features makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of shooting applications.

The price is definitely justified considering the performance and features you get. At around $200, it punches well above its weight class and offers a level of performance that is typically found in much more expensive scopes.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality scope on a budget. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice target shooter, the Diamondback HP will help you shoot with confidence and accuracy. Don’t hesitate, pull the trigger and get ready to elevate your shooting game!