The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. $139.99 - $169.99. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. This pricey, indulgent, magnum-sized optic is the last spotting scope youll own, and it parses details like no other spotter in this category. I'm not going to claim that they track perfectly, and I did have reposition the parallax knob on 6-24, but for sub-$200, even sub-$150, they are the best thing I've run across and the glass smokes vortex crossfire. Weighing a full pound less than its similarly sized peers, the Endurance ED would be a good choice for a backcountry hunter who insists on carrying a larger spotter. Reviews & Ratings for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm - OpticsPlanet Introducing the Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope - long range - reddit Athlon vs Vortex Riflescope Comparison in March 2023 - ProReviewBuzz arken sh4 6 24x50 vs vortex db tactical vs athon argos btr gen2 - AR-15 If youve got a little more money to spend, its hard not to recommend the Vortex Razor series for you. 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. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. . A spotting scope helps you get crystal clear, up close views of birds, and can also help you take pictures of them. Much faster target acquisition (angled scopes can be intuitive to find what youre trying to look at because of the angle). But most commonly, you will see ED (Extra-low Dispersion) used, and that is what you want. Athlon Argos Binoculars 10X42 Review : Why You Should Buy It! Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 is a fantastic one to consider for someone who has a larger budget. You can check the price here. Athlon vs Vortex - Part 1 - YouTube They offer solid products at affordable prices, as well as higher end options. No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. Click to play video. The Maven has especially good manners. Celestron may have started out targeting astronomers with their products, but theyve expanded into a full sporting optics line suitable to all sorts of activities. Thread starter Wrencoforge; Start date Jan 20, 2020; Forums. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. Vortex Diamondback vs Hawke Endurance ED vs Vanguard Endeavor ED So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. Put it on a 40-50 MOA base and you can dial a .22 out past 500 yards. 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. Spotting Scope, Soft sided case, Lens caps, Cleaning Cloth: Spotting scope^hard case^soft case^instructions^tripod: Athlon Optics 315001: 20-60X80 Spotter: Soft Carrying Case, 20-60x zoom Eyepiece, Spotting Scope, Soft sided case, Lens caps, Cleaning Cloth Item Dimensions: 16.9 x 4 x 4.5 inches: 18.25 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches: 16.5 x 3.75 x 6 inches An ideal companion for long-range shooters and hunters, the angled viewing Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope delivers bright and sharp high-contrast images with true-to-life color and crisp clarity at all . A 15-4565 unit has 15- to 45-power magnification behind a 65mm objective lens. For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. Athlon Optics 314001: 20-60X85 Spotter - 45 - Amazon.ca 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. Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. Vanguard is a smaller, more specialized company than many on this list, and they deserve your consideration for their quality products. So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes. Also, is 40 or 48 power enough to spot holes at 500 yards? Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. 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. If you have the money and want to get top performance, you definitely have that option. While zoom is described by the initial range of all important numbers on spotting scope specs, objective lens size finishes it out. Many buyers are looking for a scope to take to the range to verify hits on distant targets, whether paper bullseyes or steel plates. 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out. Its a pattern weve seen play out over two decades of the Outdoor Life optics test. In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. How versatile do you want your scope to be? A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. 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. . At middle distances, like 50 to 400 yards, you can usually zoom in to see precise details of your target. 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. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links . There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. Nikon is one of the most well known optics brands in the world. If youre a hunter who packs in deep its worth serious consideration, as its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry into the backcountry. Whale watching is a very popular activity along the coasts for both tourists and locals. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. Show More. Far less expensive than the other scopes on this list, it doesnt offer the same kind of glass or build quality as the more expensive scopes. The Best Spotting Scopes in 2023 - Buyer's Guide - Bino Expert Any feedback on these two scopes? Though its the same size and about the same in terms of zoom power, the money is spent on the quality of glass. And the wide-angle eyepiece provides a constant 66-degree field of view throughout the entire magnification range. That brings us to the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80mm straight eyepiece spotting . I would leave the range with headaches from it. The size of that beam of light is directly derived from two of the factors mentioned above: zoom and objective lens size. 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. The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - Amazon.com Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. Rifle Scopes - Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! Athlon Cronus is up to 60 power but still have a reasonable size. Athlon Argos BTR is $280-$370ish, depending on the model. When you do buy your scope, know that youre also going to need to budget for a tripod. Maven is a very unique company in the sporting optics world. This direct-to-consumer brand delivers bright ED glass and quality Japanese build at a relatively accessible price. From reviews and videos I've seen it tracks well. Again thanks for everyones input, truthfully I had been leaning towards the Diamondback but the Athlon supporters swayed my decision. If you have the budget, Celestrons Regal is a huge optical upgrade over the Ultima. While this Argos was very well built (and very similar in style and quality to the Vortex Diamondback which is a much higher-priced scope I've used in the past), I found the optical quality to not be as good . 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 . About Us Policies. For this particular, how does it perform? 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. 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. Oftentimes they dont even end up helping you see better at long distances. Check them out at Bushnell.com. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. Or should I wait until the Element optics Titan comes out? tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. Vortex has become a staple in the optics world recently, and for good reason. We found the usable magnification range extended to about 54-power, which is higher than many of its peers. Easier to switch between binos and spotting scope. 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. Where are Athlon Scopes Made or Manufactured? 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. They rapidly expanded into a full suite of optics products spanning the entirety of the price ranges, which they still are today, though they mostly focus on the lower/mid range. The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. The Nature-Trek has some nice appointments, including the responsive center-barrel focus and the comfortable eyecups. Diamondback HD 20-60x85 (Angled) - Vortex Optics There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. 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. 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. Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? 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. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. If you spend a few hundred dollars, youre going to get something that will definitely improve on your naked eyes vision and help you be successful at whatever activity you are doing. If you want clear views, you want to minimize dispersion. That glass is good, but its not quite as bright and sharp as that Japanese S-series glass. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope - OpticsPlanet Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. You can get monsters with objective lenses over 100mm designed for leaving in place, or get something portable. Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. 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. $329.99 - $399.99. So for a brief period of time, I had both the Athlon Talos 20x60x80 and this Athlon Argos 20x60x85 side by side for a detailed comparison. Athlon 214061 Argos BTR 6-2450 Riflescope APMR FFP MIL | eBay I have access to a 1,200 yd range now and want to get into long range. If the former, you might consider investing in models with excellent glass and mirage-taming coatings. By Max Mutter and Benjamin Hickok. The mid-barrel focus wheel is tight and precise. Here are some excellent scopes for that purpose: Zeiss makes premium optics, and this scope is no exception. A smaller company than some others on this list, Athlon continually impresses me with their quality mid range products. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. This durable one-piece design keeps dust out of the innards but also prevents users from trading out the variable-power eyepiece for a different zoom range or a fixed-power alternative. Leupolds flagship spotting scope delivers a quality image at pretty much every magnification. 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. free shipping & returns. 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. 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. Maybe, but maybe not. Athlon vs. Vortex Riflescopes - Which One is Best? Products ( 2) Sort By. Founded in the United States in 1907, it has been family owned and operated for five generations, an incredible feat for any company. Lastly, full-sized spotters are designed to be mounted on a tripod, so consider the mounting hardware. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. 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. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. Best Spotting Scope - Top 10 in 2023 [Guide & Top Picks] - Target Chaser 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. I had a Diamondback FFP and I sold it immediately. And with $500, I would definitely buy the Diamondback 20-60x85mm. The focus, magnification ring, and retractable sunshade all move with silky precision. 10 Best Spotting Scopes February 2023 - MSN Gosky Newest 20-6080 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope. We were able to arrive at a consensus on the optical talents of this spotter. Are you going to pack it deep into the backcountry? Is it going to be used from your vehicle? Their HD-ATS-80 body is awesomely powerful when paired with a 20-60 power eyepiece. The 45-degree angled eyepiece is also a nice touch, as it allows for users to use it in a number of different stances. What this means is that if you look at a hill that is 1000 yards away, you will see an image that is between 48 and 102 feet wide based on how zoomed in you are. One example is hitting the coldbore shots on steel often out to 1122Y. The eyecups and sunshade move with snappy precision. It can be had with three different sizes of objective lenses, so you can choose just how big your scope is going to be. Another great option depending on your uses is a car window mount. $249.99. 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. 10 MIL turrets. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . ), here are some great resources to help you buy a scope: Cheap vs. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. The Athlon reticle does offer a more dynamic design with a crosshair that has tons of hash marks for range and windage estimation. Bino Expert is a member of the Amazon Associates affiliate program. (130) Compare Product. The Argos mechanism has proven to track and is robust. All the money is going straight into the glass. The Argos gives excellent images for a scope in this price range, is large enough to be seriously powerful, and has intuitive, solid controls. The first instance stands for high-definition while the second is ultra-high-definition. Theres still no rigor around those terms, but the HD model was measurably darker and muddier than the UHD model. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. Free shipping for many products! But for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . But if its the latter, than less expensive glass might be fine. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes - ARGOS vs. ARES - YouTube Youll notice the images starts to get dark and grainy at about 45-power, and our low-light test confirmed that, compared with its UHD brother, the Argos HD will wink out several minutes before its peers. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. Like most scopes, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 does not come with a mount and rings included. If you divide the objective size by the zoom, you get the exact diameter of the exit pupil. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 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. We later measure the scopes optical resolution, or how finely they render details. The extra low-dispersion glass in this model and the oversized objective lens make this a good choice for mid-range field work. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. Which makes it a perfect option for hunters. 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. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 Review - Sharp Shooter Optics 1. Its affordable and the glass is super high quality. You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. All high magnification rifle scopes with at least 24X under $750 Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. Best Spotting Scopes of 2023 | Outdoor Life They are going to stop rifle optics but Nikon isnt going anywhere. Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. 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. 1:24 . 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. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. Brands make a big deal out of the upper end of the magnification range for their spotters, but that doesnt mean those higher powers are very useful. . We've also streamlined the exterior for a sleeker, snag-free profile, building in a helical focus wheel. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. Leupold GR Vs Vortex Razor HD Vs Athlon Ares? Just attach your camera and youll be taking clear photos from far away.