Vortex describes the Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm riflescope as a “long-range wolf in sheep’s clothing” Instead of gee-whiz features such as zero-stop turrets, a removable throw lever, or illumination, it focuses on basics: bright XD glass and a first focal plane reticle.
On the glass part, I have to hand it to Vortex. The glass really is exceptionally bright even at its maximum magnification of 24x. There is a trade-off: while its eye-relief is very good at 3.9″, it has a rather narrow eye-box. I wouldn’t say it’s unforgiving as the edges gradually dims, giving you good visual cues that your eye position is moving out of the eye-box.
Its other strong features are its loud and tactile positive turret adjustments and its Christmas tree reticle. Even when zoomed in to 24x the reticle has fine lines; of course, this could be a negative for those preferring to shoot at 9x, the cross-hairs may be too fine and hard to see. That is a trade-off with FFP reticles.
This scope is a value in Vortex’s lineup but “value” is a relative term. I originally picked up this scope for about $400; which is still the typical street price. But today, I would also look into scopes by Athlon and Arken which both offer more features at a similar price. Again, these are entry-level optics for Long Range Precision optics and the sky’s the limit from this point; both figuratively and monetarily. While I do not regret owning this scope, if I had to buy it today, I would have a harder time choosing it.
RESOLUTION
Group: -1 / Element: 2
PRODUCT AFFILIATE LINKS
Diamondback Tactical: https://amzn.to/3nadcCS
Athlon Argos BTR: https://amzn.to/3be1O3i
Arken EPL4: https://amzn.to/3X1gs6K
SPECS
- 6-24x50mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- FOV @100 yards: 18-4.5 ft
- Reticle: EBR-2C (MOA)
- Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Max Adjust Elevation: 65MOA
- Max Adjust Windage; 65MOA
- Parallax: 10yds-Infinity
- Length: 14.28 inches
- Weight: 24.6 ounces
