And we conclude that the priceyou should be able to find this retailing for around $650was fair for the performance. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. I'll be honest I wasn't looking forward to reviewing Athlon optics. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . I think youade the right choice. Shop Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope | $20.00 Off 4 Star Rating on 14 Reviews for Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope Free Gift + Free Shipping over $49. That and it was $120 less.. They sell their products directly to consumers similarly to Upland Optics, but they are at the higher end of the price/quality spectrum. VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 20-60X80MM SPOTTING SCOPE - Sniper Central The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. ArmorTek Technology: The build quality is as expected top-notch. I honestly would be fine with a 65mm but they only offer this one. I chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. 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. Purpose-built as an aid to precision rifle shooters, the integrated reticle in the LMSS2 allows spotters to effectively call shots for their teammates on rifle. He already had a high end Vortex ($1,000). 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. Testers had some concerns over durability based on how the controls loosened over our testing. Its more than up to the task at picking out bullet holes from long range, saving you a lot of walking. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. ATHLON Review thanks to Doug!!! - 24hourcampfire 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? Which makes it a perfect option for hunters. Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2. A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. The question for the market: Is this spotter twice as good as the Argos HD, and is it worth double the cost? 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. Check them out at Bushnell.com. Best Spotting Scope - Top 10 in 2023 [Guide & Top Picks] - Target Chaser The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. The Argos mechanism has proven to track and is robust. The controls are tight, and we especially liked the two-speed focus and the fingertip sensitivity of the fine-focus knob. Diamondback HD 20-60x85 (Angled) - Vortex Optics 8 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting - opticsrelated.com SKU: 214063. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. 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. QUICK LIST: Best First Focal Plane Scopes in 2022. Its affordable and the glass is super high quality. 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. 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 Are you going to pack it deep into the backcountry? But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? This pricey, indulgent, magnum-sized optic is the last spotting scope youll own, and it parses details like no other spotter in this category. About Us Policies. Vortex Diamondback Tactical vs Athlon Argos BTR 6-24 The bigger the lens, the bigger and heavier the scope. That means clearer images day and night. A good spotter can help you see your shots from where you are shooting, eliminating the need to go down range as often. The Vortex Optics Diamondback is the best spotting scope for 300 dollars as it has 20x-60x magnification and a 60mm lens diameter. 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. The Hide Armory. There is a range of designations that manufacturers use, and unfortunately there isnt much standardization. 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. 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. The point is..if you buy a Vortex, you have to check if the reticles are wire or not. 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. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope Review I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. 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. Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope | SCHEELS.com 10 Best Spotting Scopes February 2023 - MSN 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. Dont let the fact that its cheaper than the Viper and Razor deter you, this thing provides stellar optics and is backed by their excellent lifetime warranty program. 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. Much faster target acquisition (angled scopes can be intuitive to find what youre trying to look at because of the angle). The Ares G2 placed second in our low-light rankings and turned in very good resolution scores. Can the tripod adapter be used with a wide variety of tripod models and heads? I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 on a Diana 240, and a Hawke Vantage SF 6-24x44 on a Savage Mark 2 22LR. The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. Videos for related products. 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. Replies 44 Views 30K. 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. And its ultra-compact size means youll take this optic more places than a larger spotter or a big-boned binocular. When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. The downside: Youre stuck with the 15-45-power zoom. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. trying to find the right scope (vortex, bushnell, athlon) | Airgun Apart from its compact design, it is also ergonomic. A handsome, versatile, and rugged spotting scope, the OSCAR8 has a sensibly restrained magnification range that zooms from 27 to 55-power. Argos and The Midas Tac is a $700 scope so if going that high then look at the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. 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. The angled eyepiece and rotating tripod mount increase its versatility, and the controls are relatively tight and precise, especially for the at around $400. Reply Report edosan Member Apr 30, 2018 1,926 54 You can buy it here. They offer solid products at affordable prices, as well as higher end options. As youll see in the two Athlon scopes in this years test, better-quality glass can double the price of a spotter. Oftentimes they dont even end up helping you see better at long distances. The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! 4 models Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scopes As Low As $498.49 Save Up to 17%. 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. ), then I'd go vortex. . much better than the Athlon and Vortex and on a close out sale now. Their HD-ATS-80 body is awesomely powerful when paired with a 20-60 power eyepiece. 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. 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. 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. 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. +1-800-504-5920 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. The Athlon reticle does offer a more dynamic design with a crosshair that has tons of hash marks for range and windage estimation. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 . Once you look through Zeisss Harpia spotter, no other scope will quite satisfy you. The Harpia 95 has a little sister, the Harpia 85, thats a little more portable and only slightly more affordable. 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 . Along with size, price varies dramatically. All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. Big 80 and 85mm scopes from premium brands can cost upwards of $3,000. Because our test doesnt intentionally punish submissions until they break, the durability question is necessarily unanswered. 3 reviews. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. They are one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. With an 80mm objective lens, its big enough to handle pretty much any task you throw at it. 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. This Japanese scope uses pure fluorite crystal lenses, which is unique in the industry and gives them excellent optical clarity. The CS.1 is built around the same mid-level class of glass that Maven uses in its C Series binoculars. Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. I just got the argos for my 22. Thread starter Wrencoforge; Start date Jan 20, 2020; Forums. 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. Any feedback on these two scopes? 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. The build boosts the durability of this spotter and gives it a stiffer and more sure-footed feel. As expected, the Nikon 5 8x42 is clearer and brighter than the under $200 non-ED glass Vortex Diamondback. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. What about 600 or even futher? All the money is going straight into the glass. The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. 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. Say you have a 20- to 60-power eyepiece on an 80mm spotter. And the wide-angle eyepiece provides a constant 66-degree field of view throughout the entire magnification range. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links . Athlon vs Vortex Riflescope Comparison in March 2023 - ProReviewBuzz Best Spotting Scopes of 2023 | Outdoor Life These coatings help the scope transmit and gather light better, thus increasing the quality and clarity of the image it delivers. I am a fan of vortex but the diamond back not so much . And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. 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. 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. 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? This series comes in three sizes: 11-33x50mm, 22-48x65mm, and 27-60x85mm. Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . Athlon over the years has been talked fairly highly with budget long range rifle builds and I see they have a really price friendly spotter with the entry model Talos. 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. Maven applied the Goldilocks Rule to this versatile spotter. Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback. Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. Big, grippy, and durable, the Santiam is a no-nonsense full-sized spotter that feels a little heavy for a walk-about optic but will give years of service as a base-camp, shooting-range, or pickup scope. 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. Objective Lens Diameter. Another is I won State overall in Field Target air rifle in 2016 and my division last year. 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. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. 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. Experience/Opinions: Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback? There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. Vortex diamondback tactical 6-24x Vs Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x I'm looking at either the new vortex dback 6-24x tactical or athlon Argos BTR 6-24x to get into long range shooting. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. It is used solely as a marketing hook by companies to make their optics seem very high quality. 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. Athlon submitted two full-sized spotters for this year's test, but the Argos HD version (as opposed to the Argos G2 UHD) version represents the best combination of price and performance. The focus, magnification ring, and retractable sunshade all move with silky precision. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. After consulting with other experts I compiled this guide that includes information about spotting scopes, how to choose the best one, and reviews of our favorites on the market right now. The eyecups and sunshade move with snappy precision. Thats because the glass and controls of the Argos HD are slightly disappointing. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes. Vortex has become a staple in the optics world recently, and for good reason. 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. Makes sense. Maybe, but maybe not. 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. 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. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. German Precision Optics ED Binoculars. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 is a fantastic one to consider for someone who has a larger budget. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting. 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. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. Celestron shows up in a lot of places on this list, particularly when looking for affordable quality. Reviews & Ratings for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm - OpticsPlanet 9 Best First Focal Plane Scopes (FFP) in 2023 - ALL BUDGETS - Target Tamers The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. 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. 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. 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. Thoughts on Athlon Talos Spotting Scope. 20-60x80. Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-3056 First Focal Plane Riflescopes Not everyone prefers the same type of reticle. 6 Best Focal Plane FFP Scopes to Buy - ScopeExpert.com Vortex Diamondback 10x42 As you can see from in the table above where I have included the stats and features of both the older (2014) model and the latest 2016 versions, Vortex really have made much more than cosmetic changes to the Diamondback. If youve ever been to a rifle range, you know youre in for some walking. If you have the budget, Celestrons Regal is a huge optical upgrade over the Ultima. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. Here are some excellent scopes for that purpose: Zeiss makes premium optics, and this scope is no exception. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. That means you need to think about what you want and need a spotter to do. Its virtually impossible to hold a powerful scope still enough to use effectively. Usually works better from a vehicle window mount. Precision rifle shooters will appreciate the fixed 22-power lens that contains a milling PRS reticle, which allows users to make precise calls when spotting for a long-distance shooter. A spotting scope is sort of a low-power telescope, while also offering better magnification than a set of binoculars. The Best Spotting Scopes in 2023 - Buyer's Guide - Bino Expert 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. Wednesday December 7, 2022. In normal bright conditions, your pupil will usually be open about 2mm. Maven is a very unique company in the sporting optics world. Thx, Colice "There are no dangerous weapons. If youve got a little more money to spend, its hard not to recommend the Vortex Razor series for you. . Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60, Fully Multicoated, Excellent Image Quality, Field of view: 108 to 60 feet @ 1,000 yards. They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! But for scouting use its perfect, or for spotting from the road. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. You can learn more about them here. Vortex Diamondback HD vs Athlon Argos G2 UHD Binoculars Here are some great options to consider: This scope, which gets our number one overall recommendation right now, is a shockingly good value. Unsurprisingly, letting more light in is what you want. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Athlon Optics . 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. Here are the specs that matter most: You should seriously consider this combo, check the price here. Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 Review (2023): Worth the Money? - Scopes Field . The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. While the use and need of a good spotting scope extends well beyond those needs, it still is hard to bump it up the priority list, hence the need for affordable alternatives to the exceptional high end spotters available on the market that cost well over $2000 USD. I'm an optics snob and all my rifles sport Vortex Razors, AMG, Nightforce NSX, Swarovski and Zeiss. The 10MIL locking turrets on the Match Pro alone make it worth going to the top end of your budget range. Specifications. You can check the price here. 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. Theres several companies using that mechanism successfully. These scopes have features normally only found on high-end scopes. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. Not all hunters need a spotting scope, but for those who want to get a detailed look at their quarry before taking a shot, its a lifesaver. 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. 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.