On this review we are going to be using the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 as the benchmark. Check the price here. Testers had some concerns over durability based on how the controls loosened over our testing. The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! Celestron shows up in a lot of places on this list, particularly when looking for affordable quality. Also, they are generous with the hash marks on their mil dot. Thread starter Wrencoforge; Start date Jan 20, 2020; Forums. But I will say, that no matter what I did, I could not get my eye comfortable behind the glass. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. This is probably unsurprising given their name. 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . 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. The downside is that in order to do so, you will have to either sacrifice zoom power, or get much larger objective lenses (and therefore increase weight). Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. The UHDit stands for ultra-high-definitionglass also boosts its performance. 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. Dec 9, 2019 123 56. We found the usable magnification range extended to about 54-power, which is higher than many of its peers. A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. Athlon vs Vortex - Part 1 18,034 views Mar 29, 2019 93 Dislike Share Blue Line Optics 627 subscribers Two extremely good optics companies who market themselves fairly comparatively - high. Big 80 and 85mm scopes from premium brands can cost upwards of $3,000. If youre a hunter who packs in deep its worth serious consideration, as its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry into the backcountry. Hes also OLs optics editor, helping readers to make informed buying decisions. What about 600 or even futher? A good spotter can help you see your shots from where you are shooting, eliminating the need to go down range as often. The more powerful it is, the narrower the field of view. Here are some great options to consider: This scope, which gets our number one overall recommendation right now, is a shockingly good value. The Argos gives excellent images for a scope in this price range, is large enough to be seriously powerful, and has intuitive, solid controls. Compared with the HD model, which was also submitted to this years test, the UHD version has much better glass and produces an image thats on par with spotters costing significantly more. They are still honoring their warrantee but have made some changes and dont have the no fault warrantee any longer. Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? The downside: Youre stuck with the 15-45-power zoom. The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. Is it going to be used from your vehicle? Athlon Ares Spotting Scope VS. Vortex Razor Spotting Scope Review 73,201 views Mar 13, 2016 263 Dislike Share Save Backcountry Brotherhood 8.15K subscribers Watch as we review the new. The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. Dec 12, 2019. brushandbay. Spotting Scope Review after Testing. I had a minor issue one time and called them about it. But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. 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. The build boosts the durability of this spotter and gives it a stiffer and more sure-footed feel. Anything further out than that will not be visible. Minuteman. 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. . 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. Can the tripod adapter be used with a wide variety of tripod models and heads? Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and a silver-coated K9 glass prism . Argos and The Midas Tac is a $700 scope so if going that high then look at the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25. The rubber is extremely grippy, and the mid-barrel focus allows users to make fine adjustments even while wearing gloves. Hunters dont want to have to haul around the most massive scope, but it needs to be substantially more powerful than their binoculars. 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. They have been used and recommended by a lot of the most influential people in the industry, like Steven Rinella from Netflixs Meat Eater. Demerits include the slippery, non-textured armor and the underwhelming glass, which makes images above about 45-power pretty dark and grainy with some distorted edge detail. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? When budget isnt a limitation, I tend to recommend Swarovski. Athlon Optics . The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. ), then I'd go vortex. If we have a ding, its the tripod foot, which seems slightly undersized for the frame. Glass was pretty good for the price. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. If you have the money and want to get top performance, you definitely have that option. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 They also have several subsidiaries underneath them, including names you might recognize like Tasco, Browning Sport Optics, and Simmons. Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the Athlon Argos HD 20-60x85mm the best scope for most uses. Well, Athlon kept that in mind, and that is why they brought out the Ares ETR in different reticle styles. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. You can buy it here. The ED glass works pretty well, but the real appeal here is the Horus reticle inside and tactical bling on the exterior. They offer solid products at affordable prices, as well as higher end options. 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. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. Maven has a direct to consumer business model, so you can get it customized if you want, and you know that no retailer is taking a huge cut of the price you pay. The angled eyepiece and rotating tripod mount increase its versatility, and the controls are relatively tight and precise, especially for the at around $400. Thats because the glass and controls of the Argos HD are slightly disappointing. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. Show More. . Show Out of Stock Items. Oftentimes they dont even end up helping you see better at long distances. . I use the binoculars to cover wide swaths of ground, and then use my scope to get really zoomed in on an animal that Ive found. They are going to stop rifle optics but Nikon isnt going anywhere. 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. They are known to provide some of the best mid-range optics. You should see a set of numbers either in the products title or right away in its specifications that look something like 20-60x60mm. Select which one you want here. 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. Makes sense. Leupolds flagship spotting scope delivers a quality image at pretty much every magnification. Its optical shortcomings are evident in low light conditions, but thats to be expected at this bargain price. That means clearer images day and night. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. Mil Dot Hunting Rifle Scopes, 50 Loft 6-Iron Golf Clubs . 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. I have had a couple of Argos's in the past with excellent tracking and good-enough glass. The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. 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. These fit with the maxim 'you get . These describe the zoom and the objective lens size. A 20-60x60mm scope at the lowest 20 power setting has an exit pupil diameter of 6020, or 3mm. Its eyecup turns as though on ball bearings, and instead of locking into pre-determined detents, it is infinitely adjustable. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. You must log in or register to reply here. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. And if youre really a beast and can pack it in, youll be rewarded with great images. Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. Delivery. From our reviews, you can see that 2 of the Vortex models recommended come with Armortek coating. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. Most of the above options will work just as well for any kind of wildlife viewing, but here are a few more options just in case you want them: Vortexs least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. Reply Report edosan Member Apr 30, 2018 1,926 54 Vortex diamondback vs viper. Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. This can be important depending on what youll use your scope for. In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. Especially in low-light conditions, those extreme ranges are rarely usable. 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! Features: FFP, Illuminated, Lowlight-visible, CR2032, . What is the rep of the Athlon Argos 2-10x40 BDC 600? 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. I'll be honest I wasn't looking forward to reviewing Athlon optics. But for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. 1:24 . 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. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. The question for the market: Is this spotter twice as good as the Argos HD, and is it worth double the cost? The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . Rifle Scopes Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback. 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. Check the classifieds on here for something in the next tier up. 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. It has extra low dispersion glass, a key in the world of high end optics. Usually works better from a vehicle window mount. This means that objects will appear between 20 and 60 times closer than they actually are, depending on how you have it set. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. +1-800-504-5920 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. Learn more about it here. Lastly, full-sized spotters are designed to be mounted on a tripod, so consider the mounting hardware. I personally used it this last year when hunting pronghorn in Idaho extensively, and it helped me pick out minute details on horns from absurdly far away! The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. Theres nothing particularly ground-breaking in this introduction from Athlon, just a sized-up version of its very good 65mm Ares G2 UHD model. Length, weight, eye relief, and FOV are similar. Should the spotter ever fail, its fully backed by SIGs excellent five-year warranty. Getting up close images is the entire point of a spotting scope, so obviously zoom power is one of the most important things to know about the scope you are going to buy. Their Ultima is a great scope for bird watchers. But I have had several of the midway BSAs, one primary arms, they all tracked well. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. But maybe you want a spotter to mount on a tripod and use from a vantage point. You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. And the Celestron Trailseeker ED has better optical performance than the under $150 Celestron Nature DX. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. Check it out on Amazon. Therefore it stands to reason that you want the spotter labeled HD, right? Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback: . Or look at even smaller scopes, like the 9-2756 Hawke in this years test. I regularly shoot out to 300 yds with my ar and have shot to 1k with a friends equipment. The bigger the lens, the bigger and heavier the scope. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. Its not quite as spendy as the higher end Razor we recommended for hunting above, which shooters who would rather spend their hard earned money on ammo will definitely appreciate. Maven has a few great spotting scope options (all of which are customizable if you order through their website). The 65mm size is just about right for most backpack pockets, and it pairs nicely with mid-sized tripods. SKU: 214063. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. The 45-degree angled eyepiece is also a nice touch, as it allows for users to use it in a number of different stances. A 15-4565 unit has 15- to 45-power magnification behind a 65mm objective lens. Other labels you might see that all communicate the same thing are LD (low dispersion), SLD (special low dispersion), ELD (extraordinary low dispersion), and ULD (ultra-low dispersion). Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. Emarth 20-60x60AE Angled Spotting Scope (Spotting Scope Under $100) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting 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. This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. A dual focus knob is also great for fine tuning in on far away celestial bodies. 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. 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. The other half appreciated the Endurance EDs talents for a backcountry spotter. Its more than up to the task at picking out bullet holes from long range, saving you a lot of walking. Get the Bushnell Match Pro over either. Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Athlon reticle does offer a more dynamic design with a crosshair that has tons of hash marks for range and windage estimation. If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! Whale watching is a very popular activity along the coasts for both tourists and locals. The controls are tight, and we especially liked the two-speed focus and the fingertip sensitivity of the fine-focus knob. However, astronomers might consider this as one of their primary things to look for given their viewing happens always in low light conditions. Built on a composite-carbon chassis, the Vanguard VEO HD runs lighter than its peers, which makes this 80mm spotter a good choice for backcountry hunting. As expected, the Nikon 5 8x42 is clearer and brighter than the under $200 non-ED glass Vortex Diamondback. Don't let the fact that it's cheaper than the Viper and Razor deter you, this thing provides stellar optics and is backed by their excellent lifetime warranty program. 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. New. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm FFP Rifle Scope; Table of Contents. CF2-31023. An exception might occur if you are going to be looking through glasses first and then your spotter. Free Shipping & Free Returns* FREE SHIPPING on Over 250,000 Products. Anyone have more details on that? As you have seen in our list of recommendations, both Vortex and Athlon offer multicoated optics. Wednesday December 7, 2022. 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. And if anything happens to it, Leupolds lifetime transferable warranty will keep you covered. 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. The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. Maven CS.1 15-45X65mm Spotting Scope Gray/Orange ED Lens. We've also streamlined the exterior for a sleeker, snag-free profile, building in a helical focus wheel. 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 . The Ares G2 placed second in our low-light rankings and turned in very good resolution scores. Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. Along with size, price varies dramatically. I think youade the right choice. Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. 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. If youre in the market for pretty much any optic and dont have a budget thats in the stratosphere, they have good options. The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. You can check the price today and see if its the right fit for you. They are quick and easy to use when you are based out of your vehicle. 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. Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. Its virtually impossible to hold a powerful scope still enough to use effectively. . ! The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. 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. Find Athlon Optics Cronus Gen II 20-60x86mm UHD Spotting Scopes-311004 with New Product and 20% Off today at Rangefinders.com +1-800-504-5995 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies.