As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for quality optics that won’t break the bank. The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 riflescope has been generating a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason. After spending considerable time with this optic in the field and at the range, I can confidently say that it punches well above its weight class. Let’s dive deep into the features, performance, and value proposition of this impressive piece of glass.
Optical Performance and Clarity
The heart of any good riflescope is the glass, and Vortex doesn’t disappoint here. The Diamondback Tactical features extra-low dispersion (XD) glass, which provides excellent resolution and color fidelity across the entire magnification range. I found the image to be crisp and clear from edge to edge, with minimal distortion even at the highest 24x setting.
The fully multi-coated lenses do an outstanding job of light transmission, which really comes in handy during those crucial low-light periods at dawn and dusk. While it can’t quite match the twilight performance of scopes costing 3-4 times as much, I had no issues clearly seeing targets out to 300 yards as the sun was setting on a recent whitetail hunt. The 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, resulting in a bright, clear image even in challenging conditions.
One minor quibble is that at the highest magnification settings (20-24x), there’s a slight loss in image clarity and a faint rainbow-like color effect. However, this is common in scopes at this price point and doesn’t significantly impact usability. For most practical shooting scenarios, the sweet spot seems to be in the 16-18x range, where the image remains tack-sharp.
First Focal Plane Reticle
The First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle is a standout feature at this price point. Available in both MOA and MRAD versions, the EBR-2C reticle maintains its subtensions at all magnifications. This allows for consistent holdovers, ranging, and windage corrections without touching the turrets. As someone who likes to dial for elevation but hold for wind, I found this reticle to be intuitive and fast to use in the field.
The reticle design is clean and uncluttered, with enough detail to make precise shots without becoming distracting. The Christmas tree style lower half provides plenty of reference points for holdovers and wind calls. At lower magnifications, the reticle can appear quite fine, but it scales up nicely as you increase magnification, remaining usable throughout the zoom range.
- The Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 6-24×50 stands at the intersection of precision and value, delivering an impressive array of features and performance.
- Extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses transmit a crisp, bright sight picture. The first focal plane, glass-etched reticle keep subtensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom range.
It’s worth noting that this scope does not feature an illuminated reticle. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for most users, it’s something to consider if you frequently shoot in very low light conditions or participate in competitions that might require it.
Build Quality and Durability
Vortex constructed the Diamondback Tactical with a rugged 30mm single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope has a nice hefty feel without being overly bulky or heavy. At 24.6 ounces, it strikes a good balance for most hunting rifles and precision shooting platforms.
The scope is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed for reliable waterproof and fogproof performance. I’ve used it in some pretty nasty weather conditions without any issues. The hard anodized finish has held up well to bumps and scrapes in the field, maintaining its low-glare matte surface.
One minor gripe is that the magnification ring is a bit stiff out of the box. It has loosened up somewhat with use, but I’d recommend adding a throw lever for faster adjustments, especially if you’ll be wearing gloves. The parallax adjustment and diopter ring, on the other hand, move smoothly and precisely.
The included sunshade is a nice touch, helping to reduce glare in bright conditions. While the scope doesn’t come with flip-up lens caps, the threads on the objective and ocular bells are compatible with many aftermarket options.
Precision Adjustments and Tracking
The exposed tactical-style turrets offer precise 1/4 MOA (or 0.1 MRAD) click adjustments. Each click is tactile and audible, allowing for quick field adjustments without taking your eye off the target. The zero reset feature is a nice touch, letting you quickly return to your original zero after dialing for long shots.
With 65 MOA of total elevation and windage adjustment, there’s plenty of room to dial for extreme long range. I was able to consistently ring steel at 1000 yards after inputting the proper dope. The turrets tracked true throughout testing, returning to zero reliably after multiple adjustment cycles.
The side parallax adjustment goes from 10 yards to infinity, which is great for both close-range work and reaching out to extreme distances. The silky smooth parallax knob is easy to manipulate even with gloves on. This level of adjustability is often reserved for much more expensive scopes, making it a standout feature of the Diamondback Tactical.
One thing to note is that the turrets don’t have a locking mechanism or rotation indicator. For most users, this won’t be an issue, but if you’re planning on regularly dialing significant elevation for extreme long range shots, you’ll need to keep track of your rotations manually.
Field Performance and Practical Applications
To really put the Diamondback Tactical through its paces, I mounted it on both a precision .308 bolt gun and an AR-15 in 5.56 NATO. The scope’s versatility quickly became apparent, excelling in both tactical-style shooting and more traditional hunting scenarios.
On the .308, I was able to achieve consistent sub-MOA groups at 100 yards after a straightforward zeroing process. The clear glass and precise adjustments made fine-tuning my zero a breeze. Stretching out to 500 yards, the FFP reticle proved its worth, allowing for quick holdovers without touching the turrets.
Mounted on the AR-15, the Diamondback Tactical’s lower magnification range came in handy for closer, faster-paced shooting. Even in the Texas heat mirage, I was able to spot my own impacts at 300 yards, thanks to the scope’s excellent resolution.
During a dawn hunting session, I truly appreciated the scope’s light-gathering capabilities. The image remained bright and clear well into the twilight hours, giving me confidence for those critical low-light shot opportunities.
Value Proposition and Warranty
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Diamondback Tactical is the sheer amount of features and performance you get for the price. Coming in around $500 street price, it competes favorably with scopes costing twice as much or more. For the budget-conscious shooter looking to get into long-range precision shooting or hunting, this scope offers an incredible bang for your buck.
And let’s not forget Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty. They’ll repair or replace your scope no questions asked if it ever has any issues. That kind of peace of mind is worth a lot when you’re deep in the backcountry chasing elk or sheep. It’s a testament to Vortex’s confidence in their product and their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Potential Drawbacks
In the interest of providing a balanced review, it’s worth mentioning a few potential drawbacks of the Diamondback Tactical. As mentioned earlier, the lack of an illuminated reticle might be a dealbreaker for some users, particularly those who frequently shoot in very low light conditions.
The eye relief, while adequate at 3.9 inches, can be a bit unforgiving at times. You may need to spend some time finding the optimal mounting position to ensure a full, clear sight picture across the entire magnification range.
Lastly, while the glass quality is excellent for the price point, it doesn’t quite match the clarity and low-light performance of top-tier optics costing $2000 or more. But for the vast majority of shooters, the difference will be negligible in practical use.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
After extensive testing and real-world use, I can confidently say that the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 riflescope is a winner. It offers a compelling combination of optical clarity, precision adjustments, and durability that’s hard to beat at this price point.
Whether you’re a hunter looking to extend your effective range, a competitive shooter on a budget, or simply an enthusiast wanting to dip your toes into the world of long-range shooting, this scope has a lot to offer. It provides the features and performance needed to tackle a wide variety of shooting disciplines without breaking the bank.
Is it perfect? No. But for the vast majority of shooters, the Diamondback Tactical offers more than enough optical clarity, precision, and durability to get the job done. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
If you’re in the market for a do-it-all hunting and long-range optic that won’t require a second mortgage, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 a close look. It just might be the best value in precision rifle optics on the market today.
So what are you waiting for? Grab one of these scopes and get out there! The fall hunting season will be here before you know it. And when you’re lining up that shot of a lifetime, whether it’s a trophy buck at dusk or a long-range steel target, you’ll be glad you’ve got the Vortex Diamondback Tactical on your side. Happy shooting, and may your groups be tight and your hunts successful!