Magnification: 4-16X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 12.5"/18 oz/1"
Field of View: 23.8-6.1 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 4.0"/10.5-2.6 mm
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Adjustment Info: 1/4" MOA/Click
Optics Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Finish: Black/Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: Yes/Side focus
Airgun rated: No
Illuminated Reticle: No
Mounting Rings Included: No
Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Small Game Hunting, Target Shooting
Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16X42 Scope Review
The High Performance series kicks off to a great start with its improved optical coatings and additional features that make it an excellent buy in the rifle scope market. Vortex gave the already very popular Diamondback line a face-lift with their HP models rocking the red carpet!
This particular 4-16X42 model isn't only the biggest scope in the HP series, but it's also the largest of the entire Diamondback line. It's a beast in power while still being lightweight and compact for its magnification and additional features.
Since it's a 4-16X scope, you can bet that it has parallax correction. It has a side focus turret that can be adjusted from 30 yards to infinity. With 80 MOA of windage and elevation adjustments available at the tips of your fingers, you'll have enough room to travel to make use of that high power for long range shots, and you can even correct for wind drift!
But, what optical coatings have been upgraded? Like the rest in the Diamondback line, it has fully multi-coated optics. However, this HP scope has Vortex's patented XR proprietary coatings with XD glass lens elements to boot.
As you can expect, the masses love the clear glass, it holds zero, and it's super smooth to use and change power. However, a few defective items have missed quality control and problems with inability to sight it in or keep zero seems to be the main issues. But, notice how there is never any complaint about warranty claims? Vortex stays true to their Very Important Promise to take care of their consumers! Now, that's something that money can't always buy, even with a scope that costs thousands of bucks. Why take the risk elsewhere?
Pros:
- Price
- Side focus
- XD glass
- Upgraded coatings
- Fast focus eyepiece
Cons:
- Defective units
Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16X42 Q&A:
What's in the Box?
The Diamondback HP rifle scope comes with a 4" sunshade, protective lens caps, and a lens cleaning cloth.
What is XD Glass?
This is Vortex's term for Extra-low Dispersion (XD) glass elements with fluorite crystals that improves resolution and reduces chromatic aberration. The result is true color fidelity and sharp and crystal clear image quality.
What are the HP rifle scope's dimensions?
The 4-16X42 rifle scope is 12.5 inches long by 2 inches high. The area to mount rings to the rifle is 5.2 inches long. The entire rifle scope weighs 18 ounces.
Do the Turrets make Audible Clicks?
Making adjustments results in positive clicking turns, however, they do not make audible clicks.
What Size Rings would work for Mounting the Scope?
In general, most 1 inch medium rings will work with a Picatinny rail.
How to Index the Zero-Reset after Sighting-In?
This feature is a nice one to have to quickly return to your zero no matter how many adjustments you've made. After sighting-in at the range, you'll want to remove the cap on top of the elevation turret that sits on top of scope. Firmly hold the dial in place while removing the center screw. Take the dial off the turret assembly and position the zero mark on the index line. Replace the dial on the turret assembly, tightly hold it while returning the screw and tightening back in place. Return the cap and you've just indexed your zero-reset feature.
Does the Vortex Rifle Scope Need Cleaning?
This Vortex Optics rifle scope requires very little cleaning and maintenance, and it requires no lubrication from you at all. The scope has already been permanently lubricated, and all you need to do is give the exterior wipe down if you wish. To clean external lenses, use a soft, dry cloth or the included lens cloth to wipe down glass after a little blow to remove dust and grit. For stubborn water spots, use a tiny amount of water, pure alcohol, or your breath to wipe down glass. You can also use specialized products like a LensPen or Fog Free cleaning products designed for optics cleaning.
What is the Image Clarity like at Max Power?
Vortex takes pride in having a pristine field of view like no other brand in its price range. According to the masses, the image is bright and crystal clear all the up to 16X magnification with the side focus and fast focus eyepiece set correctly.
Noteworthy Features:
- Extra-low Dispersion glass for improved image quality
- Precision-Glide Erector System for smooth magnification transitions
- Resettable zero feature
- Side focus for parallax correction
- VIP Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
Our Verdict on the HP 4-16X42 Rifle Scope
According to the bull's-eye, the Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16X42 rifle scope is a winner in every field - clear glass, accurate adjustments, and long range power. The right ingredients for a successful hunt! Being sure to inspect your scope after receiving it is one way to ensure you won't be disappointed. Besides, Vortex has the best warranty anyway.
If you don't have the budget to burn on this sweet HP, then opt for the Diamondback 4-12X40 scope instead. Still with features and optical specs to match, it'll hardly feel like settling. Besides, you're saving a few bucks too.
However, at under $500, the Vortex came in at a close second to the Leupold VX3i 3.5-10X40 rifle scope. The Leupold scope earned its place with its twin bias spring erector system, various available reticles and scope options, and its Made in USA construction.
Just when you think something couldn't get any better, Vortex shows us that it can. The Diamondback HP series is proof that you can make something that's already popular even better. Why go the mainstay way when you can go the new and improved way?
Further Reading
what is your source when you share that XD glass is ED glass?
Hi Troy. Vortex is the source. Their description for XD glass as stated on the Vortex website is as follows verbatim: "Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass increases resolution and color fidelity, resulting in crisp, sharp images." This is defined in the "Features" column in any Vortex scope that has the XD feature. This description is included in the Overview description for this product (DBK-10021). I've hyperlinked the source for you. Thanks!