![vortex diamondback vortex diamondback](https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.nz/attachments/f13/92752d1533874502-vortex-diamondback-4-12x40-img_2820.jpg)
I used to include this section at the end of reviews – but realised it’s kinda the most important question of them all – I am getting tired of guys turning up with the wrong equipment for the task – this is often not their fault, especially when you are getting into this sport and trying to absorb the huge amount of information that is out there. So, $599 – not the cheapest option out there – but certainly a lot cheaper than the $3499 you are looking to pay for my Razor HD II, in comparison. In the camera world – it’s fairly well accepted that a cheaper camera on better glass is going to give you a better result than the other way around – so to me – I would prefer to have awesome glass, before a custom rifle. That’s likely going to have some of you gasping for air – but, my thinking is this – the optics are ultimately what you aim the entire rifle system with – it’s what the final firing decision (target ID, shot placement, etc) are often based off, and it’s the one thing that I think people tend to skrimp on when they shouldn’t. I am of the personal opinion that you should be budgeting the SAME amount you paid for your firearm for the optics you put on it.
![vortex diamondback vortex diamondback](http://ep.yimg.com/ay/usaoptics-store/vortex-diamondback-scopes-8.jpg)
Wait I hear you say – $599 is the lower end? Yes. However, at an RRP of $599, to me, puts it in the lower end of optics choices. The Diamondback line isn’t exactly their entry-level – there are the Crossfire and Copperhead below it.