Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 vs Athlon Midas G2 10x42 Binoculars

Below is a quick response to this question I received in the comments section of a video on the BBR Youtube Channel:

Question:

Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 or Athlon Midas G2 10x42 Binoculars?

Both the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 and Athlon Midas G2 are popular binocular models known for their optical performance and value for money. Here's a comparison of the key features and specifications of each binocular to help you make a more informed decision:

Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42:

1. Magnification and Objective Lens: 10x magnification with a 42mm objective lens.
2. Optics and Image Quality: Features high-density, extra-low dispersion glass to provide clear and sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration. Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and color fidelity.
3. Field of View: Offers a wide field of view, allowing you to observe a larger area.
4. Construction: The binoculars have a rugged construction with a rubber-armored housing, making them durable and resistant to impacts. They are also waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
5. Eye Relief and Adjustable Eyecups: Provides comfortable eye relief and twist-up eyecups to accommodate users with or without eyeglasses.
6. Focus System: Utilizes a central focus wheel for easy and precise focusing.
7. Weight and Dimensions: Weighs approximately 618 grams (21.8 ounces) and measures about 14.5cm x 12.7cm (5.7" x 5") in size.

Athlon Midas G2 10x42:

1. Magnification and Objective Lens: 10x magnification paired with a 42mm objective lens.
2. Optics and Image Quality: Equipped with ED glass elements for improved color reproduction and reduced chromatic aberration. Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and image clarity.
3. Field of View: Provides a generous field of view for better observation of the surrounding area.
4. Construction: Features a lightweight magnesium alloy chassis that is both durable and ergonomic. The binoculars are also waterproof and fogproof.
5. Eye Relief and Adjustable Eyecups: Offers comfortable eye relief and twist-up eyecups to accommodate eyeglass wearers.
6. Focus System: Utilizes a smooth central focus wheel for precise and quick focusing.
7. Weight and Dimensions: Weighs approximately 679 grams (23.9 ounces) and measures about 14.7cm x 12.6cm (5.8" x 5") in size.

Both the Vortex Diamondback HD and Athlon Midas G2 binoculars are well-regarded for their optical quality, durability, and suitability for a range of outdoor activities. The choice between them may come down to personal preferences, such as the feel and handling of the binoculars, brand loyalty, or specific features that stand out to you. 

Here’s a comparison of the eye relief, the field of view, and close focus distance for the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 and Athlon Midas G2 10x42 binoculars:


Eye Relief:

Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: It offers an eye relief of 15mm, which is a comfortable distance for most users, including eyeglass wearers.

Athlon Midas G2 10x42: It provides a slightly longer eye relief of 16.5mm, which may be beneficial for those who wear eyeglasses or prefer more space between their eyes and the binocular eyecups.

Field of View:

Winner: Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: The field of view is 330 feet at 1,000 yards, equivalent to 6.3 degrees. This wider field of view allows you to observe a larger area, making it suitable for nature observation, birding, and similar activities.

Athlon Midas G2 10x42: The field of view is slightly narrower compared to the Diamondback HD, at 315 feet at 1,000 yards, equivalent to 6 degrees. While it's slightly smaller, it still provides a good field of view for most general observation purposes.

Close Focus Distance:

Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: It has a close focus distance of 6.5 feet, which means you can focus on objects as close as 6.5 feet away. This is useful when observing nearby subjects, such as butterflies or flowers.

Athlon Midas G2 10x42: It has a longer close focus distance of 8.2 feet, meaning you can focus on objects as close as 8.2 feet away. While it's a bit farther, it still allows you to observe subjects at reasonably close range with decent clarity.

In summary, the Athlon Midas G2 10x42 offers a slightly longer eye relief, while the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 provides a slightly wider field of view and a closer close focus distance. These differences may be factors to consider depending on your specific preferences and use cases.

The Chassis material for these two binoculars:

The Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 binoculars feature a chassis made of a durable and lightweight polycarbonate material. Polycarbonate is known for its strength and impact resistance, making the binoculars rugged and suitable for outdoor use.

The Athlon Midas G2 10x42 binoculars, on the other hand improves on this, as it has a chassis constructed from a magnesium alloy material. Magnesium alloy is not as  lightweight, but is usually considered to be more robust and thus is often the prefered option in terms of quality.

Both polycarbonate and magnesium alloy are commonly used in binocular construction due to their durability, lightweight nature, and ability to withstand various environmental conditions.

Let’s compare the optics and coatings used in Athlon Midas Gen II UHD 10x42 versus the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 binoculars


ED Glass:

- Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: The Diamondback HD binoculars utilize high-density, extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements in their optical design. This glass helps minimize chromatic aberration and produces sharp, high-contrast images with accurate color representation.

- Athlon Midas G2 10x42: The Midas G2 binoculars feature ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements as well. Similar to the Diamondback HD, these glass elements help reduce chromatic aberration and enhance color fidelity, resulting in clear and vibrant images.

Coatings:

- Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: The Diamondback HD binoculars incorporate multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. These coatings, known as fully multi-coated, optimize light transmission for maximum brightness and clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions.

- Athlon Midas G2 10x42: The Midas G2 binoculars also employ fully multi-coated lenses. This coating treatment enhances light transmission across the entire visible spectrum, ensuring sharp and bright images.

Both the Vortex Diamondback HD and Athlon Midas G2 binoculars utilize ED glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and provide high-quality images. Additionally, both binoculars feature fully multi-coated lenses to optimize light transmission and improve image brightness and clarity.

Conclusion:

As you can see above, both instruments are quite close, and as I have not tested them and I don’t really know what you intend to use them for it is hard for me to give a definitive answer. Often it can boil down to which you like the look of best, or where you get the better deal:

Cost and Where to Buy:

Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42

Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 10x42

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Vortex Diamondback Binoculars do not have ED glass. This is a biggest difference between Diamondback and Midas – UHD Glass

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