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. A spotting scope is sort of a low-power telescope, while also offering better magnification than a set of binoculars. Maven CS.1 15-45X65mm Spotting Scope Gray/Orange ED Lens. They have many scopes under 500$ that comes in both straight and angled version. They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. That means clearer images day and night. This is probably unsurprising given their name. We've rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. 1:24 . Check the price here. 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 . Athlon Argos BTR 6-2450 Gen2 APLR2 FFP MOA reticle. 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. 2 models Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scopes $487.49 $389.99 Save 20% Best Rated. Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback: . And if youre shooting at really long ranges, an afternoon trip to the range can feel more like a lengthy hike. 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? In normal bright conditions, your pupil will usually be open about 2mm. The best magnification for a spotting scope depends on how you plan to use it. A 20-60x60mm scope at the lowest 20 power setting has an exit pupil diameter of 6020, or 3mm. . A 15-4565 unit has 15- to 45-power magnification behind a 65mm objective lens. 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. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. Definitions aside, if youre in the market for a full-sized spotter and have limited funds, consider the Argos HD. It requires little equipment, can often be done from your home, and offers unlimited opportunities for expanding on the hobby with trips to see exotic birds. Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. I haven't had a chance to mount and shoot it yet, but construction feels solid. 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 chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. While the best binoculars for hunting have close focus of about 6 to 8 feet, spotting scopes can only focus to about 12 feet. The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. The build boosts the durability of this spotter and gives it a stiffer and more sure-footed feel. Put it on a 40-50 MOA base and you can dial a .22 out past 500 yards. They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. And the rubber armor is as grippy as it is protective. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. Or look at even smaller scopes, like the 9-2756 Hawke in this years test. 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. 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. 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. Likewise, the triply more expensive Vortex Viper is optically superior to the Vortex Diamondback. Learn more about their long, family owned history here. This is the optic I have been testing for the last few weeks, and I can finally give you guys the full specs: 6-24 magnification, 50mm front lens. All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. 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. I regularly shoot out to 300 yds with my ar and have shot to 1k with a friends equipment. Another great option depending on your uses is a car window mount. I have an argos, I replaced it after less than a year. Athlon Optics / RIFLE SCOPES / ARGOS BTR GEN2 / ARGOS BTR GEN2 6-2450 APMR FFP IR MIL. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . The question for the market: Is this spotter twice as good as the Argos HD, and is it worth double the cost? So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. The ED glass delivers a bright image that showed only minor color fringing and slight deformity on the very edge of the image at lower powers. At a fraction of that price, this Vortex delivers an adequate image in a durable, versatile package. The mid-barrel focus wheel is tight and precise. Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. Leupold is one of the oldest names in the sporting optics world. Check it out here. 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. Show More. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Angled. All the money is going straight into the glass. Whether you choose an angled or a straight-body spotting scope is largely a matter of personal preference. Learn more about it here. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60, Fully Multicoated, Excellent Image Quality, Field of view: 108 to 60 feet @ 1,000 yards. Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. This scope is offered in either an angled or straight body, and either way you can get a 16-48x65mm or a 20-60x85mm for viewing far off wildlife. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Another is I won State overall in Field Target air rifle in 2016 and my division last year. I have both and would buy another Athlon. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. Maven applied the Goldilocks Rule to this versatile spotter. Athlon Cronus is up to 60 power but still have a reasonable size. Thats our opinion of how much of a bargain or a rip-off each binocular is. 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. Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback. They sent me a prepaid label without a fight. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 Full Member. 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. 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. You can read more about them here. Here are some great options to consider: This scope, which gets our number one overall recommendation right now, is a shockingly good value. While zoom is described by the initial range of all important numbers on spotting scope specs, objective lens size finishes it out. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. Spotting Scope Review after Testing. Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. 30mm main tube. The Maven has especially good manners. The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. Maven is a very unique company in the sporting optics world. Since you're talking 22LR and not sure if you'll shoot competitive, I'm going to throw out Hawke here. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. You can buy it here. 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. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm FFP Rifle Scope; Table of Contents. And its ultra-compact size means youll take this optic more places than a larger spotter or a big-boned binocular. German Precision Optics ED Binoculars. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. 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. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. However, astronomers might consider this as one of their primary things to look for given their viewing happens always in low light conditions. Features: FFP, Illuminated, Lowlight-visible, CR2032, . Gosky Newest 20-6080 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope. One example is hitting the coldbore shots on steel often out to 1122Y. Its a testament to the Hawkes spotter that it adequately handles all that magnification. The Argos mechanism has proven to track and is robust. This Japanese scope uses pure fluorite crystal lenses, which is unique in the industry and gives them excellent optical clarity. 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 bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. Another great option that is even more affordable, this scope from Vanguard will give you everything you need as a target shooter. Easier to switch between binos and spotting scope. Magnification. 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 That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. All these attributes make it an ideal budget option for hunters. It is used solely as a marketing hook by companies to make their optics seem very high quality. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. Makes sense. 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. Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? Its optical shortcomings are evident in low light conditions, but thats to be expected at this bargain price. 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. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. The first spotter from this direct-to-consumer is a versatile powerhouse. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. . It also has a dual focus knob, one of our favorite features on any scope that allows you to focus it both quickly and precisely. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. It also has ArmorTek technology that prevents the body from scratches. At almost 4.3 pounds this spotter feels like a tank, which means its a better base-camp scope than a walk-about optic. 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. But even more approachable scopes will set you back around $1,000. Leupolds flagship spotting scope delivers a quality image at pretty much every magnification. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. The upside: Its especially weather- and moisture-proof. There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. You can think of it like the limits of your peripheral vision. Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. 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. If we have a ding, its the tripod foot, which seems slightly undersized for the frame. And while their telescopes are awesome for picking out constellations, their spotting scopes give you some flexibility to use in different situations. They are heavy to carry into the field, but the work is worth it if it can save you from stalking an animal that you dont want to harvest thanks to being able to identify it from so far away. Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. They especially are a good choice for astronomy if you need your optics to be compact and/or you want to use them for more than just stargazing. Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. They are quick and easy to use when you are based out of your vehicle. The UHDit stands for ultra-high-definitionglass also boosts its performance. SKU: 214063. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. 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. Much faster target acquisition (angled scopes can be intuitive to find what youre trying to look at because of the angle). Thread starter Kyle Wheeler; Start date Nov 11, 2020; Nov 11, 2020 #1 Kyle Wheeler Well Known Rokslider. 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. Carefully consider exactly how youre going to use it. 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. 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). If youre a hunter who packs in deep its worth serious consideration, as its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry into the backcountry. The downside: Youre stuck with the 15-45-power zoom. Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting. Big 80 and 85mm scopes from premium brands can cost upwards of $3,000. 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. Athlon Optics . 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 Yes, Vortex Tactical line is part of their upper tier level. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. free shipping & returns. They have come to dominate those segments of the market. Athlon Argos Spotting Scope 20-60x85. Spotter-Vortex Viper vs. Athlon Ares. The straight-style tactical spotter is built like a tank, with double-tough armor and attachment points for Picatinny rails, so you can add accessories like thermals or lights to the optic. 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. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. You are using an out of date browser. I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. 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. Pros. In other words, will you use it just for hunting, or should you consider a model with removable eyepiece so you can trade out wide-angle eyepieces or ones with reticles? In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. Note that the price varies widely on these different models of Razors, with the smallest scope costing half as much as the biggest. Argos and The Midas Tac is a $700 scope so if going that high then look at the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25. Unsurprisingly, letting more light in is what you want. 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. But most commonly, you will see ED (Extra-low Dispersion) used, and that is what you want. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. 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. I honestly would be fine with a 65mm but they only offer this one. tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. xugz0212 New Member. That despite an 80mm lens (many of its peers have 85mm objectives). 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 1. It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. Vortex diamondback FFP scope also comes with elevated finger-adjustable turrets. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. Wednesday December 7, 2022. The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. 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. The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. The image delivered by the 23-70-power eyepiece is stunning, and the amount of light delivered to the eye through the 95mm objective lens makes even low-light glassing a pleasure. Also, they are generous with the hash marks on their mil dot. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes. The more powerful it is, the narrower the field of view. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? Ok, folks - here it is: The Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope. Range spotters often have a reticle in the eyepiece that allows you to call shots for a buddy. Thats too bad, because its durable and well-balanced for just about any tripod work. 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. 1.6 #6) BARSKA 30-90100 WP Gladiator Spotting Scope. Is it going to be aimed permanently at the stars? The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. The Athlon reticle does offer a more dynamic design with a crosshair that has tons of hash marks for range and windage estimation. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. 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. Can the tripod adapter be used with a wide variety of tripod models and heads? Alternatively, the rails allow you to mount the LMSS2 on either rails or a traditional tripod. The rubber is extremely grippy, and the mid-barrel focus allows users to make fine adjustments even while wearing gloves. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. A dual focus knob is also great for fine tuning in on far away celestial bodies. If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. If you like shooting, ESPECIALLY at distance, you really need a decent Spotting Scope. Its a tough trade off, and has to be made based on your hunting style. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. 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. The lenses are also fully multicoated, meaning better light transmission and clearer looks at the night sky. And we conclude that the priceyou should be able to find this retailing for around $650was fair for the performance. Which begs the question: Why arent more bird hunters using them? They offer solid products at affordable prices, as well as higher end options. These coatings help the scope transmit and gather light better, thus increasing the quality and clarity of the image it delivers. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. I just got the argos for my 22. The 27 to 55-power is the sweet spot for combining magnification with a reasonably bright image. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. However, with Vortexs best-in-class warranty, youll never have to worry if it fails to perform. They sell their products directly to consumers similarly to Upland Optics, but they are at the higher end of the price/quality spectrum. Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. . A good spotter can help you see your shots from where you are shooting, eliminating the need to go down range as often. You can check the price here. Free shipping for many products! When you do buy your scope, know that youre also going to need to budget for a tripod. Are you going to pack it deep into the backcountry? Theres limited utility for a spotting scope with an objective lens better suited to a full-sized binocular.