Vortex Crossfire II vs Diamondback: Which Scope Is Better?

If you’re into rifles, shooting, and hunting, you’d know that Vortex is a household name.

Vortex scopes offer a wide range of models. You’ll easily find a rifle scope for your need, budget, and purpose. 

I sure have, and they’ve never let me down.

The most popular rifle scopes are the Vortex Diamondback and the Vortex Crossfire II scopes. 

If you’re in a rush to find the right scope for you, either of these is an excellent option.

Let me take you through a comparison of these two rifle scopes below.

Overview of the Vortex Crossfire II Scope

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The multiple coatings on the Crossfire II line give me SUPER clear and bright images, thanks to the anti-glare and anti-reflective properties.

The Crossfire II series also has the BEST reputation for durability.

This Vortex scope can withstand even the most extreme outdoor use. It is weatherproof and is perfect for harsh hunting conditions.

I’ve brought it out during rain and snow, and it’s always held up.

Here are some of the great features of the Crossfire II models:

• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Shockproof aircraft-grade aluminum
• Waterproof
• Fog-proof (Nitrogen gas purged)
• Hard anodized finish
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Capped zero-reset turrets

The Crossfire II scope comes with most of what you need. Here’s what you can expect to see:

• Crossfire II scope
• Lens cover (removable)
• Accessories (lens cloths)
• Lifetime professional warranty

Mounting accessories and parts are NOT included in the package.

You’ll have to spend extra to properly mount the scope on your rifle. I highly recommend that you do, though.

Overview of the Vortex Diamondback Scope

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The Vortex Diamondback scope is what I’d want to pick up if you’re mostly hunting.

The Diamondback scope is a well-made heavy-duty scope that won’t add much weight to your rifle. 

I’ve found it easy to mount, easy to adjust, and easy to use.

The Diamondback models also have a reputation for ACCURACY. It is a second focal plane reticle that lets you get a clean image without hassle.

What I love about the Vortex Diamondback scopes is HOW PREMIUM IT FEELS.

You can get such a versatile scope for a budget you can reach.

I highly recommend it even for users who can afford to splurge a bit more. It’s that good!

Here are some of the features of the Diamondback scopes that you’ll love:

• Solid capped turret
• Anodized finish
• Low glare satin finish
• Waterproof and fog-proof O-ring setup
• One-piece tube (Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy)
• Parallax setting of 100 yards

The Diamondback scopes boast an anodized finish that gives EXTRA DURABILITY to the scope. It gets the rigid conditions of hunting.

Even if I’ve accidentally dropped the scope, it won’t get damaged that easily.

The low-glare satin finish is also perfect for hiding from your targets.

I’ve found that the lack of shine helps keep you hidden and allows you to stalk more stealthily.

The O-ring is argon gas purged, so you won’t have to encounter problems with fog or moisture on your scope.

It can give you a clear image with ideal consistency!

Vortex Crossfire II vs Diamondback: Comparison of Features

Both the Vortex Crossfire II and Diamondback rifle scopes are popular scope options.

Any of these scopes will improve your shooting significantly.

If you’re still unsure which one to pick up, here’s my quick side-by-side comparison of the Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback series.

1. Look and Durability: Vortex Diamondback

Honestly, at first glance, I couldn’t tell the difference between the two scopes.

Both look visually similar, with their aluminum alloy bodies, and both are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

I’ve taken both outside in the rain and snow, and both have returned indoors unscathed.

They are also both protected by an anodized finish, which adds to the protection and style points.

However, once you pick them up, you will notice the Crossfire II is a bit heavier than the Diamondback.

It’s not a huge deal for me, but some may prefer the lighter, more portable Diamondback.

2. Glass Quality: Vortex Diamondback

The quality of fully multi-coated glass is important to achieve the following:

• Reduce glare
• Avoid image distortion
• Let adequate light in
• Enhance image clarity

In terms of the quality of the glass, there really are varying opinions. However, the better sight is one whose glass meets the conditions I’ve stated.

The short answer: The Diamondback glass is better.

According to the Vortex manufacturers, the Diamondback scopes have better quality than the Crossfire II.

However, the difference is not that significant. I noticed that the Diamondback models are clearer, cleaner, and brighter by a little bit.

But not most users can really notice it.

In fact, some marksmen think that the Vortex Diamondback rifle scope can be of lower quality with lower magnification.

3. Reticles: Draw

The Vortex Diamondback and Vortex Crossfire II scopes give you the same options for the reticle type.

These are the two available types of reticles.

• Vortex DeadHold BDC Reticle
• Vortex V-Plex Reticle

How do you choose between these types?

Choosing between reticle types is dependent on your personal preference, your shooting rate, and your hunting style.

Basics of Reticle Factors

If you’re not familiar with it, BDC refers to Bullet Drop Compensation. It’s the feature that compensates for when your bullet travels.

Why is BDC important?

The bullet doesn’t simply drop unaffected by outside factors.

It is affected by the bullet’s caliber, weight, and speed. It is also affected by the environment and the atmosphere.

Essentially, BDC is important to get your shots where you want them to be.

I’d recommend using a BDC reticle if you plan on firing over LONG distances where environmental factors make a difference.

Vortex Dead-Hold BDC Reticle vs. Vortex V-Plex Reticle

The Vortex V-Plex is an all-around standard duplex reticle perfect for hunting and shooting.

Here are the features you’d get with a Vortex V-Plex.

• Wider and darker posts
• Finer lines
• Duplex-based crosshair
• Simple and traditional
• Not an illuminated reticle

The Vortex V-plex is EASY TO USE, but it’s not the best for long-range shooting.

If you are planning for long-range shots, the budget-friendly Vortex Dead-Hold BDC reticle is the better choice. 

If you’d like to compare it to the V-Plex, here are its features.

• Thicker horizontal and vertical posts
• Duplex-based
• Incorporated with 3 BDC has marks
• Versatile
• Not an illuminated reticle

However, the Vortex DeadHold BDC is a bit TECHNICAL and can take some time to fully set up.

I’m well-versed in multiple scopes, and I even had some trouble getting it zeroed.

4. Magnification Range: Vortex Diamondback

Vortex Crossfire II scopes and Diamondback scopes are not much different in terms of magnification.

The two scopes are both offered in a 4 – 12x magnification.

You can use either if you experience a need for higher magnifications. I found them both to be equally reliable in this case.

However, I have to give the Diamondback a bit of an edge because of the better eyepiece focus mechanism.

5. Tube Diameter: Vortex Crossfire II

The tube diameter may not be the most important factor for most people, but it can be for some.

The Diamondback models are great, but it is limited to a 1-inch tube build.

If you prefer to choose a scope built that fits your rifle more, you should get the Crossfire II instead.

The Vortex Crossfire II scopes are more versatile as it is offered in both a 1-inch build and a 30-mm build.

Are you unsure how to choose between these two tube diameters?

The 30 mm tube model is ideal for long-range shooting as it gives you a larger range in windage adjustments.

The range of elevation adjustment is also larger compared to the 1-inch build.

6. Objective Lens Diameter: It Depends

The objective lens of your Vortex optics is very important. A properly adjustable objective lens eliminates errors in the parallax setting.

What does this mean for your image?

Great objective lens = Clearer image with better light control

Parallax adjustment is how we GET RID OF ILLUSIONS that may cloud our view.

I’ve found eliminating parallax to be especially important when making longer-range shots.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II series has a larger objective lens of 44 mm vs. the 40 mm of the Diamondback.

Which one do you pick, then?

The Crossfire II scopes have better parallax adjustment and let more light in. It gets you quick target acquisition for when you’re immobile.

The Diamondback series, on the other hand, is a better choice if you’re mobile around your targets.

It’s ideal for hunting and tactical shooting because of the wider field of view.

7. Eye Relief: Vortex Crossfire II

I’ve talked about eye relief before, but it’s great to get into more detail.

An ideal eye relief means that the image should fill your eyepiece.

It is sharp, and there are no fuzzy edges, and you’ll notice this when you try to magnify your picture.

Essentially, HIGHER MAGNIFICATION = LESS EYE RELIEF (especially in low light conditions).

The Vortex Crossfire II has long eye relief. It is more forgiving than the Vortex Diamondback scopes. 

Out of the two models, the Diamondback’s eye relief is position-specific.

If you wish to get a clear sight picture in your view, you have to specifically position your head.

In terms of eye relief, the Vortex Crossfire II is my choice.

I’ve found it better at allowing you to see your target and sustain aiming for longer periods.

8. Pricing and Warranty: Vortex Crossfire II

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II and Diamondback scopes are affordable options for your heavy-duty rifles.

They’re popular options because they give a quality scope at a much LOWER price than more expensive second focal plane riflescopes.

Out of these fully multi-coated scopes, the Crossfire II is the cheaper option (but not by much).

The good thing is that these two models from Vortex are both covered by the Lifetime Warranty program.

If you ever have any problems with your Vortex scope, you can easily contact them to get your optics fixed or replaced.

I’ve found their customer service to be superb!

Frequently Asked Questions

After listing a dizzying amount of factors, it can be hard to choose. After all, both scopes are already excellent choices.

Perhaps, some of the frequently asked questions can help guide your decision:

Are Vortex Scopes Made in China?

All of the Vortex optics are designed in the manufacturer’s in-house production. But, the actual manufacturing of the scopes is done in several countries.

• United States
• Japan
• China
• Philippines

In this case, the Vortex Crossfire II is mostly made in China, while the Vortex Diamondback is mostly manufactured in the Philippines.

Which Scope Is More Impact-Resistant?

In terms of overall build and resistance between the Vortex Crossfire vs. Diamondback, they are not very far apart.

Both products are weatherproof, waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.

The small price difference between the Vortex Crossfire II vs. Diamondback makes all the difference in impact resistance.

But, the premium build of the Vortex Diamondback helps it withstand even the most powerful recoil.

Final Verdict: Which Scope Is Right for You?

There are a lot of similarities between the Crossfire II and Diamondback scopes.

But I’ve got to pick a winner between these two scopes. And I will.

Despite Crossfire II winning more of the features above, my winner would still be the Vortex Diamondback.

It can be a bit more expensive than the Crossfire, but its performance will speak for its quality.

Besides, the price difference is not as steep.

The Diamondback is also more versatile and portable compared to the heavier Crossfire scope. 

You can take it for hunting or tactical shooting! It is a GREAT INVESTMENT given the fast eyepiece.

The strong and compact body of the Vortex Diamondback scope makes it an excellent choice for shots that require powerful recoil.

Still, what’s best for one might not be for others.

In fact, if you’re looking for a scope in the first focal plane, none of these products might suit you.

Here is a short guide that may help you personalize your experience:

Choose the Vortex Crossfire II Series If:

• You are a beginner
• Eye relief is very important to you
• You are wearing prescription glasses
• You are looking for the cheaper option

Choose the Vortex Optics Diamondback Series If:

• You are more of a professional
• You are looking for a heavy-duty scope
• You are into long-range shots
• You are looking for a better elevation adjustment

Conclusion

The Vortex Crossfire and Diamondback are pitted against each other often.

That’s just because BOTH are high-quality and affordable options.

I hope this article helped you identify which one you want to pick. Just remember, if you’re stuck deciding, go back to the basics.

Take into account your level of experience and your purpose for buying it.

Enjoy the outdoors!