Have the Vortex Diamondback HP Scopes Been Discontinued?

Over the last few months, I’ve been repeatedly asked questions about the Vortex Diamondback HP line of scopes, both in person and via email. Several people have asked where to find a Diamondback HP scope, how they perform, how they compared to other models in the Vortex line, etc. However, the question that I’ve been more than any other about this scope series is this one: Have the Vortex Diamondback HP scopes been discontinued?

Before I get into answering that question, let’s talk a little bit about the Diamondback HP scope series of scopes:

Vortex introduced the Diamondback HP series of scopes at the 2014 SHOT show. This series was designed to be a step up from the standard Diamondback scope series with the following features:

• Higher quality optics
• Side focus
• Parallax that adjusted all the way down to 20 or 30 yards (depending on the model)
• Better eye relief
• Wider field of view

The Diamondback HP series is/was offered in 3 configurations:

	Diamondback HP 2-8x32	Diamondback HP 3-12x42	Diamondback HP 4-16x42
Image
Tube Size	1 Inch Tube	1 Inch Tube	1 Inch Tube
Focal Plane	Second Focal Plane	Second Focal Plane	Second Focal Plane
Weight	15.9 Ounces	18 Ounces	18 ounces
Length	11.6 Inches	12.5 Inches	12.5 Inches
Eye Relief	4.6 Inches	4 Inches	4 Inches
Field of View	41.9 Ft @ 100 Yards	28.8 Ft @ 100 Yards	23.8 Ft @ 100 yards

Much like the standard Diamondback scope models, the HP models were only available in the following reticle options:

Vortex Dead-Hold BDC reticle	Vortex V-Plex reticle

Now, let me get back to answering the original question: Have the Vortex Diamondback HP scopes been discontinued?

The answer is yes. Vortex opted to stop producing the Diamondback HP series at the end of 2018 and sold all their remaining HP inventory off to select high volume Vortex dealers.

If you were in the market for one of these HP scopes, you have two options:

• There are a select few vendors who still have a little bit of inventory left on some of the specific Diamondback HP scopes, and I’ll provide links to those locations down below.
• See if you can find a pre-owned one on either eBay, Armslist, or a forum.

I did manage to find a few of these scope models at different locations, so here are a few places to shop:

Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Riflescope w/ V-Plex Reticle, Black DBK-10021

Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm Riflescope w/ V-Plex Reticle, Black DBK-10021

$299.99

in stock

Check Price at Opticsplanet.com

Opticsplanet.com

FAQS

Here are some frequently asked questions that I’ve been asked about regarding the Diamondback HP scope series:

I know you mentioned that the glass on the Vortex HP models was better than the basic Diamondback models, but how much better?

How much better is hard to quantify as better is just an opinion. I will say this: The glass on the standard Diamondback models is not bad at all, but when compared side by side, the optical quality on the HP scopes is noticeably brighter and more clear, especially at higher magnifications.

Will you do a Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 review?

I’d be glad to do a full review of the 4-16 HP scope, but, honestly, there are already plenty of existing reviews of the 4-16×42 HP model out of the web. I’m not sure I’d have that much more to offer on the topic.

If you want to read some of the reviews or see any of the video reviews, just run a search in Google for “vortex diamondback hp 4-16×42 review”, and you’ll end up with hours of reading material.

Where can I find a Vortex diamondback HP 2-8×32 for sale?

Out of the 3 Diamondback HP scope models, I find that the 2-8×32 is the hardest to locate for sale these days.

I currently cannot find any of the 2-8 configurations for sale, but if I do, I’ll update this section accordingly.

Do you know why the Diamondback HP scopes were discontinued?

As far as I can tell, it seemed to be associated with two factors:

• Since the standard Diamondback scopes were less expensive, they were a better seller than the HP models.
• The cost to produce the HP series went up over time, which played a role in the decision to discontinue them.

Do you know where I can find a Diamondback HP scope for sale?

I’ve listed a few places above where you can still find some of the Diamondback HP scope models for sale.

Can you make a comparison between the Vortex Crossfire II vs Diamondback HP?

Certainly.

Here’s a quick look at how they compare side by side:

Here’s a quick comparison of the major differences between the two models:

Glass Quality: The Diamondback HP series features better glass than the Crossfire II series.

Magnification range: The Crossfire II series offers a more extensive range of magnification and also a higher range of magnification. The Diamondback HP series tops out at a 4-16×42 model, while the Crossfire II series tops out with a 6-24×50 model.

Reticles: Both the Crossfire II and Diamondback HP models share the same reticle options, which are the Dead Hold BDC and the V-Plex reticles. However, between the two scope series, only the Crossfire II series has an illuminated reticle option.

Adjustments – The Crossfire II models use an adjustable objective for the parallax adjustments, while the HP scopes feature a side focus for parallax adjustment. In my book, the advantage goes to the side focus on the HP scopes.

Costs: When they were being sold by Vortex, the Diamondback HP scopes were more expensive than the Crossfire II scopes. However, given the upgraded glass and features, you’d somewhat expect that.

However, now that the HP models have been phased out, the vendors that still have them in stock are typically offering the HP scopes at discounted prices that are much closer to the costs associated with the Crossfire II scope models.

Suggestions:

• If you don’t need or want a scope with a magnification over 4-16, then the Diamondback HP scopes are certainly a good option, especially if you can find one at a nice discount.

• If you want or need a scope with a magnification range over 4-16, then the Crossfire II scopes are a better option for you.

• If you want or need a scope with an illuminated reticle, then the Crossfire II scopes are a better fit.

• However, if you have an issue buying a model that is no longer in production, then the HP scopes are probably not for you.

If I buy or already own a Diamondback HP rifle scope, is Vortex still honoring the warranty on it?

The answer is yes, as Vortex has one of the best warranty programs in the scope industry. However, it’s worth mentioning the following scenario:

If you send a Diamondback HP scope in for warranty repair, and Vortex cannot repair it, they will most likely offer you either a credit towards a replacement scope or a standard Diamondback or Crossfire II scope model as a replacement.

Can you make a comparison between the Vortex Diamondback HP vs Nikon Prostaff 5? 

I can, but it’s worth mentioning that Nikon is no longer in the rifle scope business, so they are no longer making the Prostaff 5 scopes. Any new Prostaff 5 model that you find for sale today is most likely leftover inventory.

Here’s a quick comparison of the two scope series side by side: 

Glass Quality: In my opinion, the Nikon Prostaff P5 has better optics between the two. The Prostaff 5 seems brighter and more precise, especially at longer distances.

Magnification range: Both the Diamondback HP and the P5 series offer a similar range of magnification options. However, the Prostaff P5 does have a higher range of magnification as they offer a 6-24×50 model compared to the Diamondback HP series maxes out at a 4-16×42 model.

Reticles: Both series offer nearly identical reticle options as both offer a BDC reticle option, and both offer a duplex based reticle.

While I like the Vortex Dead-Hold BDC reticle, I think the Nikon BDC is slightly better as the BDC marks are open circles, so the target isn’t covered.

Eye Relief: Having compared both scope series side by side, the Nikon P5 series seems to have better eye relief compared to the HP scopes.

Adjustments – Both series offer side focus, which is a big plus in my book. I’d rate the Diamondback HP as the winner in this category as the HP models focus down to either 20 or 30 yards, compared to the Prostaff P5 scopes only focusing down to a minimum of 50 yards.

As a side note, one of my on-going pet peeves with the Nikon line of scopes has been the fact that almost all the scopes they offer have a parallax that defaults to 50 yards. This can be an issue when you’re hunting if you have to take a shot at under 50 yards. A shot at a target closer than 50 yards means that the image in the scope is slightly out of focus and blurry. I know it’s a small detail, but I find it irritating.

Costs: When both of these scopes were still in production and being offered by their respective makers, the Prostaff P5 scopes ranged anywhere from $230 up to $450 for the 6-24×50 models, and the Diamondback HP scopes ranged anywhere from $369 up to $430.

As both scope series are now no longer being produced, the prices have dropped some, but they are still very close in pricing today.

Suggestions:

• If you are shopping between the two scope series strictly on the quality of the glass, then the Nikon P5 scopes are a better bet.

• If you want or need a scope with a magnification range over 4-16, then the Nikon Prostaff 5 in 6-24×50 is a better option.

• If you want or need a scope with an illuminated reticle, then neither of these scope series are an excellent choice as either are available with an illuminated reticle.

• If you are considering one of these two models and still being covered under warranty is a concern. The Diamondback HP series is a better choice as Nikon does not appear to be covering their scopes under warranty anymore.

• If you aren’t concerned about the warranty coverage and the 50-yard minimum parallax isn’t an issue, then the Prostaff 5 scopes are still an outstanding value.

Here are a few places where I located some Prostaff 5 scope models still for sale at excellent prices:

Nikon PROSTAFF P5 2.5-10x42 Riflescope, 1 inch, BDC Reticle, Matte Black, 16618

Nikon PROSTAFF P5 2.5-10x42 Riflescope, 1 inch, BDC Reticle, Matte Black, 16618

$188.49

in stock

Check Price at Opticsplanet.com

Opticsplanet.com

Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42 Riflescope w/ Side Focus Adjustment, 1 inch, BDC Reticle, Matte Black,...

Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42 Riflescope w/ Side Focus Adjustment, 1 inch, BDC Reticle, Matte Black,...

$218.99

in stock

Check Price at Opticsplanet.com

Opticsplanet.com

Nikon PROSTAFF P5 4-16x42 Riflescope w/ Side Focus Adjustment, 1 inch, BDC Reticle, Matte Black,...

Nikon PROSTAFF P5 4-16x42 Riflescope w/ Side Focus Adjustment, 1 inch, BDC Reticle, Matte Black,...

$288.99

in stock

Check Price at Opticsplanet.com

Opticsplanet.com

Where are the Diamondback HP scopes made or manufactured?

Like several of the Vortex scope models, the Diamondback HP scope models were made in China.

Can you make a comparison between the Vortex Diamondback Tactical vs Diamondback HP?

These two series of Vortex scopes are built for different uses. The Diamondback HP series was geared more towards hunting and general shooting while the Diamondback Tactical scopes are more geared towards long-range shooting and tactical based shooting.

Most of the Diamondback Tactical scope models are first focal plane (FFP), which is better suited to long-range types of shooting versus hunting (although you can certainly hunt with an FFP scope).

Here’s a look at how these two scope series compare side to side:

Suggestions:

• If you are shopping for a first focal plane scope, then the Diamondback Tactical is the only option as the HP series are second focal plane only.

• If you want or need a scope with a magnification range over 4-16, then the Diamondback Tactical is an option. Still, you’d be moving from second focal plane over to a first focal plane configuration.

• Neither series offer an illuminated reticle option.

• If you only wanted a second focal plane scope, then your best option would be the HP series of rifle scopes.

• If you were shopping more for a scope for strictly hunting purposes, then the HP series would be a better option than the Tactical series.

I’m trying to find a Vortex Diamondback HP 3.5-10×50 scope, but I can’t find one anywhere. Any idea where to look?

Unfortunately, Vortex never offered the HP series in a 3.5-10×50 configuration. I think you may be talking about the standard Vortex Diamondback series as they did and still do offer it in a 3.5-10×50 model.

As I come across more questions related to the Diamondback HP line of scopes, I’ll update this page accordingly.

BradJ

I’ve been working in the firearms and sporting optics industry for over 20 years, with a personal and professional interest in all things related to rifle scopes, Through a combination of work experience, formal training, and personal experiences, I have extensive experience mounting, testing, and evaluating different rifle scope models across most major optical brands.