Vortex copperhead vs. Diamondback – Which is more versatile? (2024)

You do not need to spend all that you have for a good scope. Vortex diamondback and copperhead series are designed with quality in mind but at an affordable price. The scopes lens quality is as superior as those in the top tier

Scopes have the power to turn any rifle into a precision firing weapon. In fact, whether you make the kill or miss it can largely be attributed to the kind of scope you have. Our eyes have limitations when it comes to viewing objects that are far away. This is where scopes come into play. They magnify far away objects and act as secondary eyes.

Vortex is one of top scope optics in the market. Their scopes are designed with quality and durability in mind. However, Vortex has a large model series in their arsenal and choosing the most suitable scope for your rifle or craft can be challenging. In this article, we take a closer look at the key differences between the Vortex Copperhead and diamondback.

What is the difference between the Vortex copperhead and Diamondback?

Vortex copperhead vs. Diamondback – How do they compare?

Tube diameter

There is no much difference here as both models come with 1-inch tubes, unlike the crossfire series where you get both 1” and 30mm tubes. The beauty about 1” tubes is that they are lighter and this works just fine for both models as they are marketed for hunters. However, you get more options when it comes to the objective lens diameter from the diamond series with 32mm, 35mm, 40mm and 50mm as opposed to the copperhead 40mm and 44m sizes.

Reticle options

Both scopes come with dead-hold BDC reticle but the diamondback also comes with Vortex V-Plex reticle. With these reticles you may want to go with one with a dead-hold BDC reticle in diamondback if you want to shoot long distances while if you want something that leans more towards the traditional duplex then go with the scope with V-plex. The turrets on both scopes are capped MOA adjustments. If the choice boils down to glass quality then the diamondback has a clear edge over the copperhead.

Eye relief

The copperhead offers an eye relief of 3.8” to 4” which is quite generous compared to the diamondback 3” to 3.2”. The copperhead comes with low capped turrets which are good as they are not susceptible to accidental damage. You can reset your turrets to zero immediately after sightings but you have to do this with a coin or wrench. The copperhead eye piece is gentler to the eye than the diamondback scope.

Vortex copperhead vs. Diamondback – A Comparison Overview

Vortex copperhead – Overview

The Vortex copperhead scopesare designed as entry-level scopes. The scopes are meticulously crafted but lack high-end electronics. With a copperhead scope you are well capable of doing the basics when it comes to hunting. If you are to compare all the Vortex scopes then the copperhead is better than the Sonora series but lower than the crossfire II series.

In the copperhead series you will find two second focal plane configurations – a 4x-12x models and 3x-9x model. The tubes are 1 inch tubes but you do get the option of 40mm and 44mm objective lens diameter. Like most Vortex scopes the lens are very clear, as you enjoy low distortions glass. All the air to glass surfaces are covered with multi anti-antireflective coatings. This ensures you have maximum light transmission.

The Copperhead 4-12X44 gives you a magnification from 4x to 12x. This ensures you have maximum clarity across all ranges. The solid one piece scope is made from aluminum alloy which makes as durable as other Vortex scopes. You also get capped turrets that protect you from impact damage. For camouflage you have low glare matte finish. The eye relief is set at 4” and you also get Vortex proprietary Dead-Hold BDC reticle pattern. With this, you have less of guesswork when it comes to adjusting the scope for wind conditions and bullet drop. Once you are done with your sightings you can reset your turrets to zero by the use of a wrench or coin.

Pros

• 4X– 12X magnification
• Dead-Hold BDC reticle
• Long eye relief
• Durable single piece aluminum construction
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Multiple anti-reflective coatings (air to surfaces)

Cons

• Limited performance in low light

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Diamondback – Overview

The Vortex Diamond seriesis mainly marketed to general shooting and hunting while their tactical series is more suitable for long range shooting. The magnification for the diamondback series starts at 1.75X-5X up to 4-12X. For the objective lens diameter you have models with 32mm all the way to 50mm and most of the models are built from the popular 1” tube.

The diamondback comes with a dead-hold BDC reticle that is ideal for varying ranges of shooting. It is the scope of choice for those interested in big game hunting due to its optimal optics and ease of use. the lenses like most Vortex optics are multi-coated and this ensures you get crisp and clear images. You also get a fast focus eye piece that allows for quick reticle focusing. For accurate tracking the diamondback comes with a precision glide erector system and you also get zero reset after sightings.

The solid one piece tube hard anodized and this makes it both shockproof and waterproof. It is also argon purged to ensure it is fog proof.

Pros

• Durable one piece aluminum construction
• Dead-hold BDC reticle
• Lens are full multi-coated to reduce glare
• Fast focus eye piece ensures easy reticle refocusing

Cons

• Only available in the 1 inch tube

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Verdict: So, which is better: Vortex copperhead or Diamondback?

When it comes to the quality of optics and features the diamondback is our winner. The scope is more versatile but with the downside of being more pricier than the copperhead. However, the copperhead is an entry-level scope for beginners who may not be familiar with all the fancy features in advanced scopes. Vortex design of quality ensures that you are going to be using your scope for years.

FAQ

How good is the reticle for the diamondback?

The diamondback comes with dead-hold BDC reticle that comes with some customized dot design that eliminate your need for guesswork calculations when you are estimating Windage corrections and holdover. You also get a second focal plane reticles that you will find near the eye piece. For longer shots beyond 100 yards you may want to go with a more powerful scope like the Vortex viper series.

What makes the Vortex copperhead a favorite amongst hunters?

The scope comes with fully multi-coated lenses, long eye relief and locking diopter. The glass quality is amazing considering the price. Since it is nitrogen purged you do not need to worry much about the lens getting fogged.