Vortex introduced two new scopes in the Diamondback series. This wouldn’t overall be a big deal to brag about, but there’s something quite exciting about these two scopes.
Vortex Diamondback First Focal Plane
Scopes that have the reticle on the first focal plane for most shooters instantly means that they are expensive. Probably somewhere in the 4-digit range expensive.
Not these two. The MSRP for both Vortex Diamondback Tactical scopes is below 500 and the street price is expected to be even lower.
Too good to be true?
Fortunately – Not in this case! These models in the Diamondback Tactical lineup are a bargain at this price point for being first focal plane rifle scopes.
You are getting a great scope if you pick up one of the Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP’s. The first scope in the family is the 4-16×44.
The second scope is 6-24×50. Both scopes are predestined for medium-range to long-distance shots, and the first frontal plane reticle is perfect for this use.
Looking at the Diamondback Tactical scopes it’s pretty obvious that the lower magnification is a great match for medium-range shots. The 6-24x optic works exceptionally well for long-range shots. The lower magnification of 6x does make it challenging to use this scope for many hunting applications as it’s not best used for shorter ranges.
Vortex Product Video
Vortex provides a video to highlight the features of the Vortex Diamondback Tactical scopes:
Why FFP?
Having the reticle on the first frontal plane results in a proportional change of the reticle when the magnification changes. A first focal plane reticle is tremendously helpful for long-range shots as windage, elevation, holdovers, etc. all stay consistent across the magnification changes.
What Reticle on the Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope?
Both scopes come with Vortex’ EBR-2C MOA or EBR-2C MRAD reticle. It comes in either MOA or MRAD (MRAD vs MOA in shooting) and is a fantastic reticle to hold windage and elevation adjustments when you engage multiple targets rapidly.
The EBR-2C reticle is genuinely designed to be a reticle that allows for quick target acquisition. Vortex initially introduced this reticle in the Razor HD Gen II riflescope series.
Tube, Lens and Turrets
Both Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP scopes – the 4-16×44 and the 6-24×50 – come with a 30 mm tube. In addition to these two 30 mm scope tube models, there’s also a Diamondback optic with a 1″ tube. It’s the 4-12x40mm Diamondback Tactical FFP riflescope.
This is what you’d expect from scopes for long-distance shots. This large diameter ensures that you have enough adjustment range for both windage and elevation and that you’ll get enough light into the scope to get a great image.
Multi-Coated Lenses
As you would expect, the lenses are multi-coated and anti-reflective. They provide a crisp and clear image even in low light conditions. The reticles are etched into the glass.
The scopes are entirely fog proof and waterproof with the tubes being nitrogen purged to prevent any moisturization on the inside.
The tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. Being long-range scopes, they are also built shockproof to keep stable under heavy recoil.
Exposed Turrets
The turrets are exposed and allow quick and precise adjustments for windage and elevation. They offer a zero-reset feature, so you can set them to zero after you sighted the scope.
What’s the warranty?
Similar to all other Vortex scopes, you get the VIP warranty that is for the lifetime, can be transferred and is a no-fault warranty.
Diamondback Tactical FFP Specifications
At a short glance, here are the specifications for both scopes:
| 4-16×44 | 6-24×50 | |
| Magnification | 4-16 x | 6-24x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 44mm | 50mm |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm | 30mm |
| Turret Style | Tall Exposed Tactical | Tall Exposed Tactical |
| Field of View @ 100 yards | 29.6 – 6.7 feet | 18 – 4.5 feet |
| Adjustment Graduation | 0.25 MOA | 0.25 MOA |
| Max. Adjustment Elevation/Windage | 85 MOA | 65 MOA |
| Travel per Rotation | 15 MOA | 15 MOA |
| Parallax Setting | 20 yards to Infinity | 10 yards to Infinity |
| Length | 14 inches | 14.5 inches |
| Weight | 23.1 ounces | 24.6 ounces |
Final Thoughts on the Vortex Diamondback FFP Scopes
The 4-16x44mm model is designed for medium-range shots and offers everything you’d need for those distances.
The 6-24x50mm is a useful scope for long-range shooting. Compared to more expensive models, this ffp scope does not offer a 34mm tube which would significantly increase the adjustment range for elevation and windage. However, considering the price these scopes are available for, you get great performance for your money!
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