But for scouting use its perfect, or for spotting from the road. At longer distances, from 400 yards to infinity, you lose resolution in the magnified image, but youll still be able to see details that you could never see with your naked eye or even a binocular. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. These fit with the maxim 'you get . The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. Specifications. Lastly, full-sized spotters are designed to be mounted on a tripod, so consider the mounting hardware. New. These describe the zoom and the objective lens size. 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. They sell their products directly to consumers similarly to Upland Optics, but they are at the higher end of the price/quality spectrum. In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. Or look at even smaller scopes, like the 9-2756 Hawke in this years test. Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). There are only dangerous men." The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. . But the magnification range, zooming from 9x up to 27x, gives this little unit more range and a surprisingly nice image. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. Put it on a tripod, point it at the sky, and youll be opened up to a whole new world(s)! But if youre going to be hiking with that scope on your back (and all kinds of other gear), suddenly the idea of a five pound scope isnt so appealing. What is the rep of the Athlon Argos 2-10x40 BDC 600? Glass was pretty good for the price. Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. 2 models Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scopes $487.49 $389.99 Save 20% Best Rated. Learn more about their long, family owned history here. . Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. Skis are easily the most efficient way to cover snowy ground on foot in winter. You can learn about them at Leupold.com. W. Wrencoforge Sergeant of the Hide. As a hunter who uses a spotting scope and binoculars in tandem, I dont worry too much about the field of view of my scope. This year that nod goes to Athlons Argos HD. -Vortex diamondback tactical 6-24x50 EBR -2C MRAD -Bushnell match pro 6-24x50 DEPLOY MIL -Bushnell nitro 6-24x50 -Bushnel forge 4.5-24x50 DEPLOY MIL -Athlon argos btr 6-24x50 gen2 APMR MIL -Athlon midas tac 6-24x50 APRS3 MIL -Athlon ares btr gen2 4.5-27x50 APRS5 MIL -Athlon helos btr 6-24x50 APMR MIL The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. While some scopes fall into the trap of giving more magnification while sacrificing clarity, this scope hits it perfectly at the max end of its range. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. Its a pattern weve seen play out over two decades of the Outdoor Life optics test. This scope has extra low dispersion glass, and is one of the least expensive options that has that critical spec. They have been used and recommended by a lot of the most influential people in the industry, like Steven Rinella from Netflixs Meat Eater. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes - ARGOS vs. ARES - YouTube Testers had some concerns over durability based on how the controls loosened over our testing. Many consumers are understandably confused about the designations that optics companies use to describe the quality of glass in their products, but the Athlon spotters are useful to differentiate between HD and UHD glass. That glass is good, but its not quite as bright and sharp as that Japanese S-series glass. Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. Athlon vs. Vortex Riflescopes - Which One is Best? In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . Athlon Optics 314001: 20-60X85 Spotter - 45 - Amazon.ca Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. 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. I'm an optics snob and all my rifles sport Vortex Razors, AMG, Nightforce NSX, Swarovski and Zeiss. There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. 10 MIL turrets. Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . I chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. This pricey, indulgent, magnum-sized optic is the last spotting scope youll own, and it parses details like no other spotter in this category. The MIDAS uses what appears to be night and day difference SUPERIOR GLASS. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. Athlon submitted two full-sized spotters for this years test, but the Argos HD version (as opposed to the Argos G2 UHD) version represents the best combination of price and performance. Thats our opinion of how much of a bargain or a rip-off each binocular is. You can check the price today and see if its the right fit for you. 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. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. (Argos 6-24x50, Talos 4-14x44) Last weekend I mounted both of these . The best magnification for a spotting scope depends on how you plan to use it. This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Learn more about it here. 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. Hook it up to your camera with Zeisss extensive catalog of accessories and youll be taking pictures you never thought possible. Its a tough trade off, and has to be made based on your hunting style. Opinion on athlon scopes. | Shooters' Forum The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. 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. You probably dont want to be lugging around a 100mm Celestron that weighs 4.5 pounds even without the tripod if youre going deep into elk country. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. Spotting scopes are usually used on a tripod, so you dont need to worry about your hands shaking and distorting high zoom images like you do with binoculars. Whether you choose an angled or a straight-body spotting scope is largely a matter of personal preference. Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. About Us Policies. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. Spotting scopes come in a very wide selection of sizes, more so than any other kind of optic. A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. Check it out on Amazon. The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. At about 40 ounces, it isnt the lightest scope, but it gives you an excellent performance to portability ratio. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. 10 Best Spotting Scopes February 2023 - MSN They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. Vortex Diamondback HD vs Athlon Argos G2 UHD Binoculars Bullets4Bucks 18.8K subscribers Join Subscribe 212 Share Save 16K views 2 years ago Buy Here: Athlon Optics Argos:. Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. Here are the scopes Id recommend for the budding astronomer: Celestron is kind of the specialist when it comes to astronomy equipment in the sporting optics world. . 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. It is used solely as a marketing hook by companies to make their optics seem very high quality. Superdoo. 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. Oftentimes they dont even end up helping you see better at long distances. This scope is perfect for someone: Who is looking for an all-in budget build of under $1,000 (gun and scope) A beginner long-range shooter who wants to stretch into those longer distances, but doesn't want to stretch their wallet Now, don't get me wrong, this scope is a high-quality scope Leupold is one of the oldest names in the sporting optics world. $329.99 - $399.99. Only a few optics brands have new models, and those that are new for the year are product-line extensions, essentially new magnifications and sizes for an existing model. They are one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. The largest, most powerful spotting scopes are among the most expensive sports optics on the market. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . I just got the argos for my 22. How you use your scope will impact the type of scope body you get. Sold two to a friend(bought Athlon Ares and Tacticle). Should the spotter ever fail, its fully backed by SIGs excellent five-year warranty. In short: IGNORE THE TERM HD. I have had a couple of Argos's in the past with excellent tracking and good-enough glass. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. All in, theres a lot of scope here for $800, a price that represents the savings possible from the direct-to-consumer optics brand. The 10MIL locking turrets on the Match Pro alone make it worth going to the top end of your budget range. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. Or should I wait until the Element optics Titan comes out? Reply Report edosan Member Apr 30, 2018 1,926 54 It's big and heavy, so you probably will mostly use it from your vehicle or a camp, but the power behind a scope this big is something awesome to behold. Bresser Pirsch Compact Binoculars. It offers very impressive light transmission and gives unbelievable image quality to its viewer. Here are the specs that matter most: You should seriously consider this combo, check the price here. Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. They're both fairly equal when comparing in the same price range, but I will support Vortex always for their customer service and unmatched warranty. Vortex got mentioned above a lot, and there are good reasons. I'm looking at 6-24 versions and they seem similar. The Best Spotting Scopes in 2023 - Buyer's Guide - Bino Expert At lower powers, you can get by without a stabilizing tripod. Youll want to ensure that the warranty is up to snuff, but our expectation is that this capable spotter will give you years of adequate service. Learn more about it here. Best Spotting Scope - Top 10 in 2023 [Guide & Top Picks] - Target Chaser There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback - Long Range Hunting Forum Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. Itll cost you, but man does it make scopes easier to use. Range spotters often have a reticle in the eyepiece that allows you to call shots for a buddy. . I'm curious about the eye box / eye relief difference in these scopes. 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. $249.99. We found the usable magnification range extended to about 54-power, which is higher than many of its peers. Select which one you want here. What about 600 or even futher? The spotter with the highest overall score wins our Editors Choice awardthis year it went to Mavens CS.1. 30mm main tube. Spotting scope (leipold, vortex, athlon, vanguard, pentax, ?) The best brightness and image quality will be at 20X, but the image will be smallest at that magnification. Again thanks for everyones input, truthfully I had been leaning towards the Diamondback but the Athlon supporters swayed my decision. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. But most commonly, you will see ED (Extra-low Dispersion) used, and that is what you want. You are using an out of date browser. Also, they are generous with the hash marks on their mil dot. 6 Best Focal Plane FFP Scopes to Buy - ScopeExpert.com Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. This isnt the spotter for everyone, but for buyers on a budget who want decent performance and all the reach that a 60-power can deliver, its a very good choice. All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. 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. Here are some excellent scopes for that purpose: Zeiss makes premium optics, and this scope is no exception. 0 B bdzjlz Member Spotter-Vortex Viper vs. Athlon Ares. If the former, you might consider investing in models with excellent glass and mirage-taming coatings. Videos for related products. If you want to take your photography game to the next level, particularly if photographing animals you dont want to disturb or things that are dangerous to get to close to, a spotting scope with a digiscoping setup can make all the difference. The other half appreciated the Endurance EDs talents for a backcountry spotter. 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. 9 Best First Focal Plane Scopes (FFP) in 2023 - ALL BUDGETS - Target Tamers Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. Joined Jan 16, 2018 . Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and a silver-coated K9 glass prism . Its a testament to the Hawkes spotter that it adequately handles all that magnification. If youve got a little more money to spend, its hard not to recommend the Vortex Razor series for you. The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. Thread starter idahohikker; Start date Apr 21, 2018; Apr 21, 2018 #1 I. . And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. 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. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. It may not display this or other websites correctly. xugz0212 New Member. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. At first sight, the Argos 10x42 is quite a compact binocular. Or is it to view in the bright light of midday? They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! You should see a set of numbers either in the products title or right away in its specifications that look something like 20-60x60mm. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. 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! The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. The redesigned Diamondback HD spotting scopes have all the horsepower the long-distance hunter needs, and they excel in lowlightright when you need it most. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. $139.99 - $169.99. VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 20-60X80MM SPOTTING SCOPE - Sniper Central Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 Makes sense. Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scopes | Leupold Pros. JavaScript is disabled. Their HD-ATS-80 body is awesomely powerful when paired with a 20-60 power eyepiece. I have had both and still have the Athlon. Rifle Scopes Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. 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. ArmorTek Technology: The build quality is as expected top-notch. That means clearer images day and night. Much faster target acquisition (angled scopes can be intuitive to find what youre trying to look at because of the angle). But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. A spotting scope helps you get crystal clear, up close views of birds, and can also help you take pictures of them. The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. View Quote. It can be had with three different sizes of objective lenses, so you can choose just how big your scope is going to be. SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Angled. Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. 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. 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. . 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. The 5 Best Binoculars of 2023. CF2-31023. The point is..if you buy a Vortex, you have to check if the reticles are wire or not. I mention this because you are likely to get more use out of a spotter with a 20-45-power range than one that claims it goes to 60-power. Vortex has become a staple in the optics world recently, and for good reason. At a fraction of that price, this Vortex delivers an adequate image in a durable, versatile package. Is the foot large and strong enough to stabilize the optic? I would leave the range with headaches from it. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. 1.6 #6) BARSKA 30-90100 WP Gladiator Spotting Scope. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. Since you're talking 22LR and not sure if you'll shoot competitive, I'm going to throw out Hawke here. Another very high end scope from an excellent optics company, the Kowa TSN-883 Prominar is a great option for bird watchers trying to get the best. You can read more about them here. Products ( 2) Sort By. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. It is dramatically more affordable than the other optics were recommending here for bird watchers. What the CS.1 delivers, though, is rugged performance. They tend to give mediocre images at best and quality is low. athlon ares rifle scope tract optics Product Description ARGOS BTR GEN2 For those of you that are just getting started in the PRS or are looking to start, take a close look at the Argos BTR GEN2 family of scopes. Doug asked me to review two Athlon scopes for him. 1:24 . But for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. By Max Mutter and Benjamin Hickok. Argos BTR 6-2450 APMR | Precision Rifle Scope - Athlon Optics As expected, the Nikon 5 8x42 is clearer and brighter than the under $200 non-ED glass Vortex Diamondback. Youll definitely want something sturdy though, and weight will again be a factor if you are carrying it on your back. This is coming from someone who has never used either. Where are Athlon Scopes Made or Manufactured? Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. Ahtlon vs Vortex (just glass perspective) - Long Range Hunting Forum Its their higher end scope offering, but is still affordable. There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. Athlon Argos Spotting Scope 20-60x85. . Its virtually impossible to hold a powerful scope still enough to use effectively. They offer some of the clearest scopes on the market, and while you definitely pay a premium, they have a very loyal customer base among bird watchers. And we were a little disappointed in the relatively narrow field of view. Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? Field of view is obviously heavily influenced by the magnification power of your scope. They also have several subsidiaries underneath them, including names you might recognize like Tasco, Browning Sport Optics, and Simmons. While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. Another great option that is even more affordable, this scope from Vanguard will give you everything you need as a target shooter. Thx, Colice "There are no dangerous weapons. There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. 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. I am a fan of vortex but the diamond back not so much . The Argos HD is one of the best spotting scopes under 300 dollars that has a robust 20-60x magnification, 85mm objective, and is perfect for . 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. Theres limited utility for a spotting scope with an objective lens better suited to a full-sized binocular. I honestly would be fine with a 65mm but they only offer this one.