looking at the 10x42. either vortex diamondback or leupold bx2 acadia... i like the leupold, seems clearer but i could be wrong.. coulda jet been that day.. was finally able to see through some vortex today and they were id say ok... nothing amazing... maybe i got a bad set to look through?

Of those two the Leupold will probably win. Once you get into the Viper line of the Vortex you have a whole new ballgame.

kinda what i figured, especially since the leupold is on sale right now at cabbalas for 200

however leupold-china
vortex-American made

Vortex also has a lifetime warranty. No matter what happens to the Vortex item, they will fix it.

I am also in the market for some new binocs and when I looked through the Vortex Diamondbacks I liked them a lot. Although, my only base for comparison are Nikon Monarchs, never looked through Leupolds.

Diamondbacks are on Amazon for 200 at the moment and I am probably going to buy them because the warranty and customer service is outstanding at Vortex.

If it's the warranty that makes you happy, I doubt you can get a better one than what Leupold offers. If your ex-wife beat some Leupold binocs into junk trying to smash her way into your car and rip out your throat, if you survive the encounter Leupold will most likely repair or replace the binocs.

That said, I use Leica for hunting and use Nikon around the house (live in the country). Nikon has pretty darn good glass and the binocs come in a rather small package, which to me is a big positive.

I have both and for my money Vortex. I can put you in touch with a fellow that is the cheapest I have found. PM me if your interested in his contact info.

Well I went with the vortex diamondbacks. It's insane how crisp they are. For the money I really don't think there's a pair that even come close. Spent about 20 minutes trying different brands at cabelas yesterday and some that were out of my 250.00 range. These are easily the best. Thanks for all the recommendations guys, really pointed me in the right direction.

Luppy doesnt have near the same CS or warranty that Vortex has.

Voretx is no questions asked. No repair bill, no receipt, no nothing

You made a wise choice. You won't be disappointed in Vortex. I have a pair and this season I switched out my Leupold scope of 30 years for a Vortex Viper.

You made a good call. I've got the diamondbacks as well and I've been really pleased with them. I almost got the vipers but I'm plenty satisfied with the diamondback.

Leupold actually changed their warranty recently, it now only covers factory defects. The warranty will no longer cover damage to the item.

When did Leupold go to China. Last I knew they were based in Oregon.

And it doesn't make much sense. You sound happy, but you said the Leupolds were better then went with vortex. Sounds like you wanted the vortex and tried to justify them. Glad you're happy, but from my pov on what you posted, you bought with a bias. Both are great companies, do you will be happy no matter what, was just pointing out what I see.

Just like vortex depends on which model dictates where its made.

Just like Nightforce. Most think they are made in America. ..they are not they are assembled in America. They are made in Japen via light optical, who also makes several vortex series.

Both Leopold and Vortex are Amercian based companies.


Vortex as a whole has the best warranty and CS in the optics world.

I sent in a pair of leupold binos last year and they were replaced with a new pair no questions asked. I was shocked to say the least based on the condition of the binos I sent in. I'm not sure what a company could do to top that warranty.

I boxed up a set of vortex binos today to get fixed. The entire eyecup fell off and won't thread back on. Hopefully they will fix em and get them back quick. From everything I've read vortex warranty is awesome as well!

Call vortex before you send them. They might go a head a send you a new pair even before you ship them

I've had more expensive binos but none better than my 10x42 diamondbacks. Compared them to some older Swarovski EL last season in the blind as sun was setting and I prefer the vortex. Not possible according to optics whores but that's my opinion. I have some Zeiss and several trijicon optics and a IOR spartan that has excellent glass and each has their place I will not be shelling out $2K plus for Swarovski binos.

i didn't go into the purchase with a bias. sorry if it seemed that way. I have always used leupold everything. no questions asked. and in the head to head comparison in the store the only thing better about the leu's was the price. and even at the sale price which was almost 50.00 lower than the vortex price, i still purchased vortex. if anything, i had a hard time justifying buying a brand i haven't ever used. based on recommendations from forum members, research and the optic guy at cabelas, is why i even threw them in the mix. glad i did though. i emailed leupold and asked specifically where the acadia bins were made which price point would've been in line with the vortex diamondbacks, they told me china. didn't really make the decision for me, but it was a small factor. i am very happy with these that i ended up with, emailed the company just to tell them how pleased i was and they asked for my address, shirt size etcetera. within a week i got some stickers, shirts and a bit of literature thanking me for being a customer.. very nice CS

My vortex diamondbacks have a made in China sticker, still my favorite binos so far.

I own both of these and historically have been a die hard leupold fan, but I'd go with the diamondbacks any day of the week. And that lifetime warranty is pretty nice.

Buy American, Vortex. Buy Japanese/Chinese buy Leupold. My real world hunting experience, Vortex holds up. My Leupold Yosemite 8x30's left exit glass coating delaminated in less than year. Leupold refused to fix via my email I sent to them, Cabelas referred me to Leupold as a warranty issue. I had box, all contents and receipt. I guess I should never have asked Cabelas opinion and merely returned for refund. Nope not a low life...that's why Cabelas has started tightening return policies because of people like that.

Hate to burst your bubble there, but Vortex Binoculars are not made or assembled in the USA. Many of Vortex and Leupold Binoculars and Rangefinders are made in the Orient.

Both are American companies, but you will find that very few optic related items are made in the USA. The ones that are cost a premium, because you are also contributing towards the American labor to assemble them.

B-I-L the Diamondback are actually quite impressive. You may be surprised.

More money but I'm telling you the Europa product rivals any of the best made.

Damn auto correct Meopta. Not Europa