Vortex Optics Diamondback HP Second Focal Plane
- Rifle Scope
- 42 mm
- 4x
- Hunting
- Better rated than 77%
- More reviewed than 85%
For hunters wanting a clear 4-16x42 scope with holdover reference, this one draws consistent praise from owners, especially for glass clarity and Vortex's warranty support.
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How it ranks among the 359 rifle scopes we track
4.8★ across 335 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
335 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 359 rifle scopes we track - how the scorecard works · full rifle scopes data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jun 22, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
The Diamondback HP 4-16x42 is a second focal plane riflescope built on a 1 inch tube with extra-low dispersion glass and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle for holdover reference at varying ranges. Side focus parallax adjustment and finger-adjustable, zero-resettable turrets are built into the housing.
Because this is a second focal plane scope, the Dead-Hold BDC holdover marks are calibrated to a specific magnification rather than scaling automatically as you zoom, which is standard for hunting scopes at this price point. Reviewers across multiple Vortex products cite the warranty as a recurring reason to buy.
- 4-16x42 second focal plane scope
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Nitrogen purged, waterproof and fogproof
Who it's for
Hunters and range shooters who want a rugged, waterproof and fogproof scope with holdover reference and Vortex's warranty behind it. Not the choice for shooters who specifically want a first focal plane scope where reticle subtensions scale with zoom.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Owners consistently praise the glass clarity and light transmission for the price, with several specifically valuing Vortex's warranty and comparing it favorably to Leupold and Burris optics they also own. Multiple reviewers also mention the turrets tracking precisely and holding zero once sighted in.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Reviewers consistently praise glass clarity at this price
- Turrets reset to zero after sighting in
- Vortex's warranty cited repeatedly by owners
- BDC holdover marks calibrated to a fixed magnification
Performance notes
Extra-low dispersion glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses are built to raise light transmission and clarity across the 4x zoom range. Nitrogen purging with o-ring seals is meant to keep the scope waterproof and fogproof, and the housing is built shockproof for recoil. Side focus lets parallax be dialed from the shooting position rather than at the objective bell.
Specifications
| Brand | Brand |
|---|---|
| Model | DBK-10019 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42 mm |
| Item Weight | 1.12 pounds |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Dri-Lux |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Mounting Type | Picatinny Mount |
| Compatible Devices | Rifle |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Included Components | Riflescope, 4-inch sunshade, Protective lens caps, Lens cloth |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | Limited lifetime |
| Other details | |
| Magnification Minimum | 4x |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
| Reticle Type | Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) |
| Thread Type | 1-inch |
| Night vision | No |
| Product Style | Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) |
| Field Of View | 23.8 Feet |
| Item Type Name | riflescope |
Other Brand rifle scopes
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in rifle scopes.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Diamondback HP Second Focal PlaneThis product | 4.8 / 5 | 335 | 4.2 / 5 |
| UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact ScopeUTG | 4.5 / 5 | 3,000 | 4.4 / 5 |
| PINTY Tactical Rifle Scope Combo: Illuminated OpticsPinty | 4.4 / 5 | 1,100 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Firefield RapidStrike 1-6x24 SFP Riflescope KitFirefield | 4.5 / 5 | 900 | 4.3 / 5 |
| EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon SightEotech | 4.6 / 5 | 1,100 | 4.2 / 5 |
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Questions about the Brand DBK-10019
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Is the Vortex Diamondback HP a first or second focal plane scope?
It is a second focal plane scope, so the Dead-Hold BDC holdover marks apply at their calibrated magnification rather than scaling with zoom.
What magnification range does this scope cover?
It is a 4-16x42 scope with a 1 inch main tube.
Is it waterproof and fogproof?
Yes, Vortex builds it with o-ring seals and nitrogen purging for waterproof and fogproof performance.