Athlon Cronus is up to 60 power but still have a reasonable size. The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Youll definitely want something sturdy though, and weight will again be a factor if you are carrying it on your back. They are known to provide some of the best mid-range optics. The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! A handsome, versatile, and rugged spotting scope, the OSCAR8 has a sensibly restrained magnification range that zooms from 27 to 55-power. The Nature-Trek has some nice appointments, including the responsive center-barrel focus and the comfortable eyecups. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. What about 600 or even futher? I would leave the range with headaches from it. If you want a spotter to carry into the field to help you assess distant game, then consider a mid-sized scope, generally 20-50-power built behind a 65mm objective lens. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. Also, is 40 or 48 power enough to spot holes at 500 yards? I noticed the gen 2 Argos is out now and it mentions upgraded turrets. Is it going to be used from your vehicle? Athlon sells their own rings and mounts, which obviously mesh well when used in tandem with their scope . A great all-around spotter, the SIG OSCAR8 has enough optical horsepower for most hunting situations and exterior styling that fits right at home on a rifle range. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. That means you need to think about what you want and need a spotter to do. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the. Hook it up to your camera with Zeisss extensive catalog of accessories and youll be taking pictures you never thought possible. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. What is the rep of the Athlon Argos 2-10x40 BDC 600? Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. . Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and a silver-coated K9 glass prism . This series comes in three sizes: 11-33x50mm, 22-48x65mm, and 27-60x85mm. The 5 Best Binoculars of 2023. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. Or should I wait until the Element optics Titan comes out? We measure and record the optical attributesfield of view, eye relief, weight, and other specificationsand mount every submission on a tripod suitable for that particular size and weight. This scope gives some of the crispest images around. Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Athlon 214061 Argos BTR 6-2450 Riflescope APMR FFP MIL at the best online prices at eBay! Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. If we have a ding, its the tripod foot, which seems slightly undersized for the frame. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. The Athlon reticle does offer a more dynamic design with a crosshair that has tons of hash marks for range and windage estimation. This is a list of rifle scopes with at least 24X magnification that cost less than $750. I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. If you have the budget, Celestrons Regal is a huge optical upgrade over the Ultima. Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback: . Though its the same size and about the same in terms of zoom power, the money is spent on the quality of glass. Is the foot large and strong enough to stabilize the optic? These coatings help the scope transmit and gather light better, thus increasing the quality and clarity of the image it delivers. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD - Best FFP Scope Under $1500. The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. You can buy it here. The unit defaults to a 20-70x eyepiece, which you have to purchase separately from the body, but the wide-angle 30-60x eyepiece may have even more utility. Pros. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. We found the usable magnification range extended to about 54-power, which is higher than many of its peers. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. I honestly would be fine with a 65mm but they only offer this one. . The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. Hes also OLs optics editor, helping readers to make informed buying decisions. ), here are some great resources to help you buy a scope: Cheap vs. That despite an 80mm lens (many of its peers have 85mm objectives). And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. Many buyers are looking for a scope to take to the range to verify hits on distant targets, whether paper bullseyes or steel plates. Spotting scopes come in a very wide selection of sizes, more so than any other kind of optic. They are one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. Here are some good picks: You dont necessarily need a scope youre going to use for target shooting to be portable, so you may as well get something with a beefy objective lens. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. If you want to be counting antler points on mule deer from a few miles away youre going to have to have perfect conditions and a very high end scope, regardless of the zoom power. What the CS.1 delivers, though, is rugged performance. At a fraction of that price, this Vortex delivers an adequate image in a durable, versatile package. Joined Jan 16, 2018 . 1:24 . Athlon Argos BTR is $280-$370ish, depending on the model. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope 6-24x50, EBR-2C MRAD DBK-10029. And the 27-55-power zoom range covers most hunting scenarios, while the 80mm objective lensmade with extra-low dispersion glasslets in plenty of light. Carefully consider exactly how youre going to use it. You are using an out of date browser. Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. This is not a particularly exciting year for spotting scopes. $139.99 - $169.99. Range spotters often have a reticle in the eyepiece that allows you to call shots for a buddy. Vortex diamondback FFP scope also comes with elevated finger-adjustable turrets. The Vortex strike eagle 5-25x56 FFP The Athlon Midas TAC 5-25x56 FFP Are there people who have been able to compare these 2 scopes? The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. I am a fan of vortex but the diamond back not so much . The point is..if you buy a Vortex, you have to check if the reticles are wire or not. Most are designed to be held directly up near your eyes and therefore have a short eye relief, and this works perfectly for most situations. If you like shooting, ESPECIALLY at distance, you really need a decent Spotting Scope. Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. (130) Compare Product. Thats because any object you can see at 60x will only darken at 70x, so the additional magnification might not be worth the degradation in image. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. Get as much zoom power as you need, but keep in mind the more you zoom in, especially with a cheap scope, the more clarity you will lose. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. Thread starter idahohikker; Start date Apr 21, 2018; Apr 21, 2018 #1 I. . Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm . Its on the larger side for a hunting scope, and you may not want to pack it in if youve already got a heavy pack and are going in deep. The Ares G2 placed second in our low-light rankings and turned in very good resolution scores. Minuteman. At lower powers, you can get by without a stabilizing tripod. These scopes have features normally only found on high-end scopes. They are going to stop rifle optics but Nikon isnt going anywhere. While zoom is described by the initial range of all important numbers on spotting scope specs, objective lens size finishes it out. You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. If you want clear views, you want to minimize dispersion. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . You will pay a pretty penny to get your hands on one of their scopes, but if you want the best there is no substitute. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. 30mm main tube. Any feedback on these two scopes? The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60, Fully Multicoated, Excellent Image Quality, Field of view: 108 to 60 feet @ 1,000 yards. German Precision Optics ED Binoculars. In short: IGNORE THE TERM HD. As youll see in the two Athlon scopes in this years test, better-quality glass can double the price of a spotter. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. The straight-barrel design will appeal to viewers who want to make quick target acquisition, instead of the hunting-and-pecking sometimes required with angled eyepieces. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. On the other hand, the image delivered by the UHD glass was bright and free of flares and distortion, and the balance and heft of the chassis are both satisfyingly substantial. And then, we perform a low-light test on several evenings. The Maven has especially good manners. Large 85mm Objective Lens. Since some of the most prime hunting hours are during low light dawn/dusk conditions, it can be tempting to get a scope with a larger exit pupil. If youve ever been to a rifle range, you know youre in for some walking. The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. This spotter makes an excellent choice for a hunter who wants a versatile spotting scope without paying a months wages. Dispersion is an effect in glass that causes distortion as light travels through it, or actually with any kind of waves. I hunted with this scope during Montanas elk season, and it took in stride all the temperature changes, bumps and drops, and dust the hunts dealt it. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . They were the company that made optics available to the masses for the first time by importing binoculars from manufacturers in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. And the Celestron Trailseeker ED has better optical performance than the under $150 Celestron Nature DX. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. Its positioned just right between the companys big, bright, and spendy S.1 series and its big-boned B.5 binoculars, which sport 56mm objective lenses and magnifications from 10- to 18-power. They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units. While theres no shortage of angled-body spotting scopes, its rare to find a premium straight-body-design like the MeoStar S2, and its ability to trade out eyepieces makes it extremely versatile. If you divide the objective size by the zoom, you get the exact diameter of the exit pupil. This is probably unsurprising given their name. The 27 to 55-power is the sweet spot for combining magnification with a reasonably bright image. I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 on a Diana 240, and a Hawke Vantage SF 6-24x44 on a Savage Mark 2 22LR. Ok, folks - here it is: The Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope. Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. Likewise, the triply more expensive Vortex Viper is optically superior to the Vortex Diamondback. Still, if you use this scope in daylight and dont max out its magnification, its a worthy companion for most hunting situations or first-time buyers. Note that the price varies widely on these different models of Razors, with the smallest scope costing half as much as the biggest. Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting. All the money is going straight into the glass. That brings us to the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80mm straight eyepiece spotting . Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black Customer reviews Customer reviews 4.4 out of 5 174 global ratings Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black by Size: 45 Degree Change How customer reviews and ratings work Top positive review Jack Holcomb Great spotting scope This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. Just $1 per month , We tested the best spotting scopes from premium glass to dependable budget options, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. Big, grippy, and durable, the Santiam is a no-nonsense full-sized spotter that feels a little heavy for a walk-about optic but will give years of service as a base-camp, shooting-range, or pickup scope. An immensely capable mid-sized spotter, the CS.1 features decent glass in a rugged and lightweight alloy frame that handles mid-distance spotting chores with style and talent. Astronomy is usually thought to be done with a big telescope setup, but a spotting scope can also work well for a hobbyist. The lenses are also fully multicoated, meaning better light transmission and clearer looks at the night sky. This can be important depending on what youll use your scope for. They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. Dec 12, 2019. brushandbay. Check them out at Bushnell.com. . Side By Side Review Athlon NEOS 10x42 vs. Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars Home ADVENTURES Store About Updates Contact MIL/LEO Custom Shop Group Buy Polices UPDATE STATION . Maven has a few great spotting scope options (all of which are customizable if you order through their website). Half felt it implied a lack of durability. We later measure the scopes optical resolution, or how finely they render details. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Magnification. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. The Diamondback Tactical2 has much better glass than the ARGOS/HELOS at a cheaper price but the MIDAS has a slight overall edge in clarity image quality overall. Like we mentioned above, the HD-ATS-80 HD is a fantastic scope body that you wont be disappointed by, and when coupled with their 20-60x eyepiece makes for a powerful spotting scope. From reviews and videos I've seen it tracks well. Wednesday December 7, 2022. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 & the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50. I am looking at the ballistic reticle scopes in the 3-9x40 and 4/4.5-12x40/42 range in both product lines. Replies 44 Views 30K. It may not have the extra low dispersion glass and other high end features of more expensive scopes, but it does a great job considering how little it takes to get your hands on one. Learn More . The MIDAS uses what appears to be night and day difference SUPERIOR GLASS. The other half appreciated the Endurance EDs talents for a backcountry spotter. It is worth a trip to your local sporting goods store to look through some scopes and make sure that your glasses do not interfere with the normal eye relief on models you are considering. Leupolds flagship spotting scope delivers a quality image at pretty much every magnification. We rate the tightness and precision of their controls, how comfortably the scopes fit our hands and eyes, and then assess their style, versatility, and durability. Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. You must log in or register to reply here. Show More. With an 80mm objective lens, its big enough to handle pretty much any task you throw at it. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO Riflescope with Dead Hold BDC Reticle (MOA). Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. I have access to a 1,200 yd range now and want to get into long range. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. But maybe you want a spotter to mount on a tripod and use from a vantage point. Athlon submitted two full-sized spotters for this year's test, but the Argos HD version (as opposed to the Argos G2 UHD) version represents the best combination of price and performance. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. . Did a quick sight in using a snow bank ( makes things so quick and easy being able to see impact as it happens), and was able to start hitting some targets. Therefore it stands to reason that you want the spotter labeled HD, right? Like most scopes, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 does not come with a mount and rings included. This year that nod goes to Athlons Argos HD. Hunters who want a mini optic to pack into the high country, or travelers who want a little more reach than a smaller binocular should consider this little spotting scope. Get the Bushnell Match Pro over either. Perhaps the highest end brand in the optics world, Swarovski caters to those who want the absolute clearest glass and the best quality images. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. If youre a hobbyist photographer who doesnt care about squeezing the maximum amount of performance possible from a scope, give the Celestron Regal a look. Much faster target acquisition (angled scopes can be intuitive to find what youre trying to look at because of the angle). Here are some excellent scopes for that purpose: Zeiss makes premium optics, and this scope is no exception. The most hard-wearing models have oversized controls that can be used with gloved hands, and they are double-sealed against dust, grit, and moisture. And the wide-angle eyepiece provides a constant 66-degree field of view throughout the entire magnification range. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. xugz0212 New Member. Not all hunters need a spotting scope, but for those who want to get a detailed look at their quarry before taking a shot, its a lifesaver. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. If youre just casually looking at wildlife and dont want to spend the dollars on a premium scope, then this Gosky model will fill your needs. Maven is a very unique company in the sporting optics world. It is dramatically more affordable than the other optics were recommending here for bird watchers. It has extra low dispersion glass, a key in the world of high end optics. The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . The mid-barrel focus wheel is tight and precise. The test team was divided on the merits of the relatively light weight. Shop Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope | 4.4 Star Rating on 92 Reviews for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope + Free Shipping over $49. But I will say, that no matter what I did, I could not get my eye comfortable behind the glass. Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. Nikon BLACK FX1000 Riflescope 6-24x50SF Matte IL FX-MRAD FFP 16516, Ive had my hands on both scopes, I still havent used the illuminated reticle, I personally liked the Argos better than the diamondback.. but I feel if your taking a step above diamondback then I would go vortex .. but since you want ffp I think Argos would be a bit better imo. I'm an optics snob and all my rifles sport Vortex Razors, AMG, Nightforce NSX, Swarovski and Zeiss. Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . We've rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. Long Island. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. Gosky Newest 20-6080 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope. In this test, we mount all scopes on tripods, set their magnification to 20-power, and then measure how long they can see into the dark, averaging the results to assess performance. 60mm scopes are popular with hunters, although they definitely dont have the image quality of an 85mm. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. Here are the specs that matter most: You should seriously consider this combo, check the price here. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. . Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). That and it was $120 less.. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . Springers abuse the crap out of scopes. When you see 20-60x85mm, that means that the objective lens (the one that points out towards whatever you are viewing) is 85mm in diameter. The average user who uses them primarily during the day wont have an issue with almost any scope sold on the market, since the exit pupil will be large enough to work effectively during full light conditions. Check it out here. Put it on a tripod, point it at the sky, and youll be opened up to a whole new world(s)! If the former, you might consider investing in models with excellent glass and mirage-taming coatings. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. When you do buy your scope, know that youre also going to need to budget for a tripod. Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. Makes sense. After consulting with other experts I compiled this guide that includes information about spotting scopes, how to choose the best one, and reviews of our favorites on the market right now. The Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope is a long-range spotting scope with a 45-degree eyepiece angle. 1.6 #6) BARSKA 30-90100 WP Gladiator Spotting Scope. It also has ArmorTek technology that prevents the body from scratches. It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. This means that objects will appear between 20 and 60 times closer than they actually are, depending on how you have it set. Just attach your camera and youll be taking clear photos from far away. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. If the exit pupil diameter of your scope is smaller than your eyes pupil, the image you see through them will appear darker than it does with the naked eye. However, astronomers might consider this as one of their primary things to look for given their viewing happens always in low light conditions. At 40 to 55x, the scope has enough magnification to enable users to count points on a distant buck without making the image maddeningly dark. When budget isnt a limitation, I tend to recommend Swarovski. The focus, magnification ring, and retractable sunshade all move with silky precision. The downside: Youre stuck with the 15-45-power zoom. But for scouting use its perfect, or for spotting from the road. ! Skis are easily the most efficient way to cover snowy ground on foot in winter. If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! However, with Vortexs best-in-class warranty, youll never have to worry if it fails to perform. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. You can think of it like the limits of your peripheral vision. Their HD-ATS-80 body is awesomely powerful when paired with a 20-60 power eyepiece. Full Member. Because our test doesnt intentionally punish submissions until they break, the durability question is necessarily unanswered. Theres limited utility for a spotting scope with an objective lens better suited to a full-sized binocular. Sold two to a friend(bought Athlon Ares and Tacticle). Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback. Another great option that is even more affordable, this scope from Vanguard will give you everything you need as a target shooter. There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. However, it can be hard to get your scope on target with an angled eyepiece because the 45-degree angle means the eyepiece isnt pointing at your target, like a straight-body spotter, so target acquisition occurs much faster. Field of view is a measurement of how wide of a picture you will see when you are looking through a scope. 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece. $399.99. A dual focus knob is also great for fine tuning in on far away celestial bodies. Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. Say you have a 20- to 60-power eyepiece on an 80mm spotter. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links . This Athlon spotting scope is nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging and is sealed for waterproofing, allowing the scope to be used in any weather. Athlon Optics . You wont be counting antler tines on a bull three miles away with this thing, but it will at least get you closer than your naked eye. But the magnification range, zooming from 9x up to 27x, gives this little unit more range and a surprisingly nice image. But even more approachable scopes will set you back around $1,000. No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. Check the classifieds on here for something in the next tier up. These are big, expensive optics for a fairly narrow segment of the market, and most hunters dont buy a new spotter every year or even more than a couple times in their careers. Most spotting scopes that zoom up to 60-power get so dark and grainy at that magnification that theyre really only useful up to about 50-power. But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. But at magnifications above about 18, youre going to want to mount this, because the shakes introduced by your hands, or an improvised support, blur the image. Bresser Pirsch Compact Binoculars. And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. If youre a bird watcher that likes to photograph your quarry, youll be happy to know this scope has a ton of available accessories for connecting to cameras of all sorts. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 is a fantastic one to consider for someone who has a larger budget. The two-speed focus control allows you to riff from close-in to far-distant targets with a single revolution, and then feather the focus for precision. Click to play video. I have had both and still have the Athlon. We did notice a fair amount of slop in the threaded eyepiece adapter and would rather see a bayonet mount rather than the threaded ring. Here are the main positives of each: Many scopes, particularly the higher end ones, are sold with the option of getting either straight or angled, so youll get to choose what works best for you.