Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scope
The Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scopes are a significant upgrade from the previous 20-60x60 version. Vortex added their HD Optical System lenses and coatings to deliver sharper, brighter images with less chromatic aberration. The 65mm objective lens feeds more light to the system and the improved coatings make sure that a higher percentage of that light makes it to your eye. The focusing knob has been replaced with a helical focus collar, making it easier to move the scope in and out of a day pack. The Diamondback HD scopes are waterproof and argon purged, and are rubber armored for a good grip and shock resistance.
The Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scopes are a significant upgrade from the previous 20-60x60 version. Vortex added their HD Optical System lenses and coatings to deliver sharper, brighter images with less chromatic aberration. The 65mm objective lens feeds more light to the system and the improved coatings make sure that a higher percentage of that light makes it to your eye. The focusing knob has been replaced with a helical focus collar, making it easier to move the scope in and out of a day pack. The Diamondback HD scopes are waterproof and argon purged, and are rubber armored for a good grip and shock resistance.
The Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scopes are a significant upgrade from the previous 20-60x60 version. Vortex added their HD Optical System lenses and coatings to deliver sharper, brighter images with less chromatic aberration. The 65mm objective lens feeds more light to the system and the improved coatings make sure that a higher percentage of that light makes it to your eye. The focusing knob has been replaced with a helical focus collar, making it easier to move the scope in and out of a day pack. The Diamondback HD scopes are waterproof and argon purged, and are rubber armored for a good grip and shock resistance.
The Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scopes are a significant upgrade from the previous 20-60x60 version. Vortex added their HD Optical System lenses and coatings to deliver sharper, brighter images with less chromatic aberration. The 65mm objective lens feeds more light to the system and the improved coatings make sure that a higher percentage of that light makes it to your eye. The focusing knob has been replaced with a helical focus collar, making it easier to move the scope in and out of a day pack. The Diamondback HD scopes are waterproof and argon purged, and are rubber armored for a good grip and shock resistance.
in 25 offers
The lowest price for Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scope right now is $584.54 at Planetshooters, compared across 19 retailers.
The all-time low was $476.96 on 7 Mar 2026 — today's price is 23% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 9 Sept 2026.
Last updated at 09/09/2026 09:12:26
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Straight Spotting Scope
Delivery $111.12
1-pack Vortex Diamondback Hd Spotting Scope 16-48x & 65 Lens Diameter
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48 x 65 Angled Spotting Scope
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48 x 65 Straight Spotting Scope
Free delivery between 14–21 Sept
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48 x 65 Angled Spotting Scope
Free delivery between 14–21 Sept
Vortex Diamondback Hd 16-48x65 Spotting Scope
Free delivery between 12–23 Sept
Vortex Diamondback HD Spotter
Delivery between 15–23 Sept $16
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Straight Spotting Scope
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Angled Spotting Scope
Free delivery between 12–16 Sept
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Spotting Scope (Straight Viewing)
Delivery $7.90
originally posted on cabelas.com
Absolutely amazed at the clarity and low light performance even at max 60X !!! I bought this to replace an aging spotting scope I had for 20 years. My focus was Elk Hunting (definite low light) and range use. I received the Diamondback HD scope today. The quality, construction, and workmanship is superb. The design is well thought out and engineered. Now for the initial test, glass , and performance. This was a low light afternoon, thunderstorms and rain (crummy conditions to test any scope). I used a mountain saddle 4 miles away for a testing gauge. I started low and worked from 20 to 60X stopping to check clarity, operation, and light gathering. All the way from 20-60 crystal clear, no chromic or other abortions, and no fringe distortion!! Amazing.!! I could pick ... MoreAbsolutely amazed at the clarity and low light performance even at max 60X !!! I bought this to replace an aging spotting scope I had for 20 years. My focus was Elk Hunting (definite low light) and range use. I received the Diamondback HD scope today. The quality, construction, and workmanship is superb. The design is well thought out and engineered. Now for the initial test, glass , and performance. This was a low light afternoon, thunderstorms and rain (crummy conditions to test any scope). I used a mountain saddle 4 miles away for a testing gauge. I started low and worked from 20 to 60X stopping to check clarity, operation, and light gathering. All the way from 20-60 crystal clear, no chromic or other abortions, and no fringe distortion!! Amazing.!! I could pick out and clearly see individual pinion pine branches and greenery. Tested at 3 and 1 mile as well. Even better results. I would definitely see deer or elk. I have not had the Diamondback at the range yet (another write up to follow), but based on the initial performance I'm sure scope will work well at 100 or 1000 yds plus. I shoot PRS out past 1000 yds (wanted optics to support). Features: Besides great engineering, the design, removable eye piece, rubber scope caps, extendable eye piece and sun shade, and neoprene cover (all included), make this the "Bange for your Buck" and top performer!!! I have diamond back binoculars as well (awesome). Vortex is "spot on" w/ price, value, construction, and performance. Great job Vortex!!!
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I had no experience with scopes prior to buying this, and have only used it a short time in very limited ways. i plan to use it more for nature/bird watching, and phone scoping through it. I bought Vortex Diamondback binoculars earlier this year, so had some expectations. Those expectations were met. Very nice quality. The focus and zoom wheels are very smooth. The image quality is very good, but it does exhibit some color fringing (purple edges) in very high contrast situations when zoomed in. At this price point, that will never be fully eliminated. B&H had the best price by far. Great communication and service. Ordered on a Saturday night, and was at my door Tuesday morning.
originally posted on basspro.com
Was looking for something for more everyday birding/wildlife viewing use that was smaller and lighter than our Vortex Razor 85mm. Also bought to use as a car window-mounted optic. This is a solid value for the price. Focus ring is slightly stiff to start but retains the perfect amount of resistance to quickly rough focus and then fine focus without missing the mark. Glass is good under normal lighting with no obvious chromatic flaws. The included cover is a bit odd with the way the covers attach, but I won't subtract a star from the actual scope because of it.
| Magnification | 16-48x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 65 mm |
| Body Design | Angled |
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65 Straight Spotting Scope
Delivery $111.12
1-pack Vortex Diamondback Hd Spotting Scope 16-48x & 65 Lens Diameter
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48 x 65 Angled Spotting Scope
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48 x 65 Straight Spotting Scope
Free delivery between 14–21 Sept
Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48 x 65 Angled Spotting Scope
Free delivery between 14–21 Sept
Absolutely amazed at the clarity and low light performance even at max 60X !!! I bought this to replace an aging spotting scope I had for 20 years. My focus was Elk Hunting (definite low light) and range use. I received the Diamondback HD scope today. The quality, construction, and workmanship is superb. The design is well thought out and engineered. Now for the initial test, glass , and performance. This was a low light afternoon, thunderstorms and rain (crummy conditions to test any scope). I used a mountain saddle 4 miles away for a testing gauge. I started low and worked from 20 to 60X stopping to check clarity, operation, and light gathering. All the way from 20-60 crystal clear, no chromic or other abortions, and no fringe distortion!! Amazing.!! I could pick ... MoreAbsolutely amazed at the clarity and low light performance even at max 60X !!! I bought this to replace an aging spotting scope I had for 20 years. My focus was Elk Hunting (definite low light) and range use. I received the Diamondback HD scope today. The quality, construction, and workmanship is superb. The design is well thought out and engineered. Now for the initial test, glass , and performance. This was a low light afternoon, thunderstorms and rain (crummy conditions to test any scope). I used a mountain saddle 4 miles away for a testing gauge. I started low and worked from 20 to 60X stopping to check clarity, operation, and light gathering. All the way from 20-60 crystal clear, no chromic or other abortions, and no fringe distortion!! Amazing.!! I could pick out and clearly see individual pinion pine branches and greenery. Tested at 3 and 1 mile as well. Even better results. I would definitely see deer or elk. I have not had the Diamondback at the range yet (another write up to follow), but based on the initial performance I'm sure scope will work well at 100 or 1000 yds plus. I shoot PRS out past 1000 yds (wanted optics to support). Features: Besides great engineering, the design, removable eye piece, rubber scope caps, extendable eye piece and sun shade, and neoprene cover (all included), make this the "Bange for your Buck" and top performer!!! I have diamond back binoculars as well (awesome). Vortex is "spot on" w/ price, value, construction, and performance. Great job Vortex!!!
I had no experience with scopes prior to buying this, and have only used it a short time in very limited ways. i plan to use it more for nature/bird watching, and phone scoping through it. I bought Vortex Diamondback binoculars earlier this year, so had some expectations. Those expectations were met. Very nice quality. The focus and zoom wheels are very smooth. The image quality is very good, but it does exhibit some color fringing (purple edges) in very high contrast situations when zoomed in. At this price point, that will never be fully eliminated. B&H had the best price by far. Great communication and service. Ordered on a Saturday night, and was at my door Tuesday morning.
Was looking for something for more everyday birding/wildlife viewing use that was smaller and lighter than our Vortex Razor 85mm. Also bought to use as a car window-mounted optic. This is a solid value for the price. Focus ring is slightly stiff to start but retains the perfect amount of resistance to quickly rough focus and then fine focus without missing the mark. Glass is good under normal lighting with no obvious chromatic flaws. The included cover is a bit odd with the way the covers attach, but I won't subtract a star from the actual scope because of it.
This was my first experience with Vortex and I honestly bought the name because they tend to have a good reputation. Straight out of the box my scope was defective. It wouldn’t focus past 10-15yds but would focus very close which kinda defeats the purpose of a spotting scope. I contacted B&H and they of course replaced it after I shipped the first one back which was kind of a hassle but a necessary evil I suppose. The second scope works as you’d expect. It gets kinda soft at the long end of the focal range so I tend to use the mid-range. The body is just plastic, it doesn’t give the impression that it would handle much rough abuse or drops. Overall I’d say it’s just ok, probably as good as anything in this price range. If I were in the market for another one I’d ... MoreThis was my first experience with Vortex and I honestly bought the name because they tend to have a good reputation. Straight out of the box my scope was defective. It wouldn’t focus past 10-15yds but would focus very close which kinda defeats the purpose of a spotting scope. I contacted B&H and they of course replaced it after I shipped the first one back which was kind of a hassle but a necessary evil I suppose. The second scope works as you’d expect. It gets kinda soft at the long end of the focal range so I tend to use the mid-range. The body is just plastic, it doesn’t give the impression that it would handle much rough abuse or drops. Overall I’d say it’s just ok, probably as good as anything in this price range. If I were in the market for another one I’d shop around some more.
Have been using this scope for a while and it was ok out to 100 yds. Didn't try it any further till recently. At 400 500 yards the scope was blurry and impossible to focus. My rifle glass was much better and clearer. The money spent was a waste as you can't get store credit to upgrade a return. Im sending it back and hopefully it will not be a total waste. Before you make any scope purchase consider buying up and getting better glass that you can depend on.
This is a good overall scope with pros and cons. The scope is well built, durable with a lifetime warranty. The eyepiece is excellent with smooth actuation from 20-60x. The focus mechanism is excellent with good sharpness to 40x then loss of sharpness from 40-60x. The 85mm objective provides plenty of light. However there is significant chromatic aberration which limits quality of photographs through the eyepiece. A good scope except issues with CA at this price point.
Clarity is good until you zoom past 30 with large frame glasses. I've had the scope for 6-weeks trying to determine if it was me or the scope. It's the scope 3/8" vignetting at max power and shows up around 30I will be reaching out to midway for return/refund. Otherwise vortex will refund purchase priceVortex tech support spent 30+minutes on call with me and stated that this is a common issue with some glasses.Personally this is the biggest issue when you can't try a product or find one at a retailer where you can walk outside and mount to tripod to see how the scope works through its zoom rangeI can only recommend with warnings about eye relief. However at the lower power range clarity is very good
Initially I was looking at big $1,000+ scopes. But I want to have this scope always with me under the back seat; in this smash & grab world I had second thoughts. Then I found this baby.Had it out for first time watching wildlife at sunset - it was awesome! Everyone in our group was amazed how bright & clear it is, especially in dim light.Finally the size is perfect. I'm glad I didn't trade FOV for bragging rights. It travels well & packs easily.
I finally had the chance to use this. For the price it is very nice. It's not my $1500 scope but it is all I expected it to be. You can't beat Vortex warranties either. Glass is very clear. The only complaint is that the focusing ring is slightly stiff, but not so much that it makes it difficult to use. Comes with a protective cover that you can leave on while in use. I'm considering sending one to my brother.
I bought this online because the store was sold out. I had complete confidence because Vortex has a awesome warranty and Academy is great to deal with. After opening the box I set up my old scope and the new one. Same distance, same power. The clarity is real. The body is armored. The lenses are perfect. I really have zero complaints. No regrets on this purchase.
| Magnification | 16-48x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 65 mm |
| Body Design | Angled |
