This is a comparison between the Vortex Diamonback Scope and the Vortex Viper.
Vortex Optics have come a long way since the company was founded in central Wisconsin in 1986. The venture was founded on providing customers with exceptionally good products that were reliable and of the best possible quality. Fast forward to 2020 and Vortex is dominating the outdoor optics industry.
Vortex is American-owned, veteran-owned, and family-owned. Many hunters and target shooters have become loyal customers of the Vortex brand because of its outstanding quality and moderately priced items.
For those of us who gravitate toward Vortex products, it is common to consider just which scope or sight is better than its counterpart. What are the major differences? Are there any advantages to one that the other doesn’t offer?
Vortex Diamondback Scope vs Vortex Viper
We’ve done the research and compiled this article to compare and contrast two of Vortex’s heaviest hitters. The Vortex Diamondback vs the Vortex Viper.
The Rundown
Both the Diamondback and the Viper rifle scopes are backed by the Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty. Other than that, the two are vastly different from one another. The Viper is one of Vortex’s signature products and is superior to the Diamondback in virtually every category when it comes to a seriously high quality rifle scope. However, the Diamondback does have some significant advantages that warrant a second look from anyone browsing for a great scope.
Major Differences
The Viper – the Viper is a bit larger and offers some more high-end features than its counterpart. The first difference you might spot is that the Viper sports a 30mm tube as opposed to the Diamondback’s 1 inch tubing. The Viper also provides a stronger magnification and is more suited for high-powered rifles that are designed for long range shots. While there aren’t as many options as the Diamondback, the Viper certainly holds its own against any other scope on the market.
The Diamondback – Smaller and more suited for close to mid-range shooting, the Diamondback is every bit as tough as the Viper. The two have the same waterproof, shockproof and fog proof capabilities, but the Diamondback’s more appeal rests in the fact that it’s available in 10 different options, which lets shooters choose the scope that’s exactly right for them.
What they have in common
- Fully multi-coated lenses for premium sight clarity and brightness in low light situations
- Ultra hard exterior coating that prevents scratching
- Vortex VIP Lifetime warranty
- One-piece aluminum tubing craftsmanship
The Viper’s Advantages
The Viper is the more expensive, and more high-end product for a number of reasons. Users will find that the Viper offers significantly better magnification than the Diamondback, and it also features more protection from the elements with an added layer of protective coating. However, this doesn’t mean that the Diamondback is totally inferior. Check out the latest price of the Vortex Viper on amazon.
The Diamondback’s Perks
With 10 different models to choose from, the Viper offers a more cost-conscious and customized scope that is not short on quality. It offers all the same great characteristics that we’ve come to expect in the Vortex brand. The Diamondback might be accurately compared to the Viper as its smaller, more versatile little brother. Check the latest price of the Diamondback on amazon.
The Difference Makers
The cost is night and day between the Viper and the Diamondback. The Viper, with its superior protection against the elements, better magnification and other elements is typically priced at $450. The Diamondback, on the other hand, can typically be purchased from major online retailers for about half of what the Viper is priced at.
The Diamondback scope is probably best for the occasional hunter who’s looking to get a scope that has all the great features of the Vortex brand, but without breaking the bank. The Viper, however, is more suited for the seasoned outdoorsman or woman who expects more out of their optics and might have to pull off a shot from a mountainside at a few hundred yards in order to successfully complete their hunt.
Either way, the differences between the Viper and the Diamondback are stark, but both scopes offer plenty in the form of quality.
Related: Vortex Viper vs Vortex Venom
Conclusion
The Diamondback is a great scope, especially compared to the other major optics brands with similarly-priced products. The variety of models might appeal more to hunters who are looking to meet some specific needs. The Diamondback is more lightweight, while still packing all the great benefits that Vortex optics bring to the table.
Buy the Vortex Diamondback Scope.
The Viper is better suited for hunters that live in the outdoors. If you’re looking for something that provides excellent magnification and can take a beating (and keep on ticking), then the Viper is what you’re after. The Viper might cost much more in comparison to the Diamondback, but when viewed side-by-side with some of the top brands on the market, the Viper holds its own and is a testament to why so many hunters have become fiercely loyal to the Vortex brand.
Thanks for reading!
