Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 vs Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 is a 4-12×40 SFP on a 1-inch tube with MOA turrets; Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 is a 3-15×42 SFP on a 30 mm tube with MOA turrets. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 is lighter by 1.6 oz. The Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 has more elevation travel, 80 MOA to 70 MOA in the same unit. At its top magnification the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 keeps a 3.3 mm exit pupil against 2.8 mm for the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 — estimated from the layout, not measured. On our last catalog check the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 listed for about $1,450 less.
| Spec | VortexVortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 | VortexVortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$450 | ~$1,900 |
| Magnification | 4-12× | 3-15× |
| Objective lens | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Focal plane | SFP | SFP |
| Reticle | VMR-1 MOA | HSR-5i MOA |
| Illuminated | No | Yes |
| Turret unit | MOA | MOA |
| Per click | 0.25 MOA (0.26″ at 100 yd) | 0.25 MOA (0.26″ at 100 yd) |
| Elevation travel | 70 MOA (≈20.4 MRAD) | 80 MOA (≈23.3 MRAD) |
| Windage travel | 70 MOA | 80 MOA |
| Zero stop | No | Yes |
| Turrets | Exposed | Exposed |
| Parallax | Fixed 100 yd | Side focus from 20 yd |
| Eye relief | 3.9″ | 3.8″ |
| Field of view | 23.6–7.9 ft at 100 yd | 35.3–7 ft at 100 yd |
| Tube | 1-inch | 30 mm |
| Length | 14.1″ | 13.4″ |
| Weight | 17.5 oz | 19.1 oz |
| Warranty | VIP unlimited unconditional lifetime | VIP unlimited unconditional lifetime |
| Exit pupilest. | 10–3.3 mm (4×–12×) | 14–2.8 mm (3×–15×) |
| Twilight factorest. | 21.9 at 12× | 25.1 at 15× |
| Zoom ratioest. | 3× | 5× |
| Where to buy | Vortex → | Vortex → |
Tinted rows are where these two differ. Rows marked est. are computed, not published.
Exit pupil and twilight factor are computed from the published magnification and objective diameter, not measured. Real exit pupil is also capped by the erector at low magnification, and coatings and glass quality move low-light performance in ways the formula cannot see — read these as comparisons between layouts, not verdicts on scopes.