W. Wrencoforge Sergeant of the Hide. Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. Spotting Scope Review after Testing. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. At almost 4.3 pounds this spotter feels like a tank, which means its a better base-camp scope than a walk-about optic. 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. 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. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. Astronomy is usually thought to be done with a big telescope setup, but a spotting scope can also work well for a hobbyist. Select Options. This scope gives some of the crispest images around. Vortex has become a staple in the optics world recently, and for good reason. Leupold GR Vs Vortex Razor HD Vs Athlon Ares? They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. While this is likely the first spotter that a hunter or shooter may buyowing to the approachable priceit wont be the last. This direct-to-consumer brand delivers bright ED glass and quality Japanese build at a relatively accessible price. Oftentimes they dont even end up helping you see better at long distances. 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 . Replies 44 Views 30K. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. That makes a great combination for hardscrabble backcountry hunters who dont want to sacrifice optical performance, knowing that seeing long distances can save them many miles and thousands of feet of elevation in their boots. Celestron shows up in a lot of places on this list, particularly when looking for affordable quality. 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. Jan 25, 2022. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. Side By Side Review Athlon NEOS 10x42 vs. Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars Home ADVENTURES Store About Updates Contact MIL/LEO Custom Shop Group Buy Polices UPDATE STATION . Athlon Argos Binoculars 10X42 Review : Why You Should Buy It! We later measure the scopes optical resolution, or how finely they render details. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. 20-60x. While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. And its ultra-compact size means youll take this optic more places than a larger spotter or a big-boned binocular. Rifle Scopes - Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback The rubber is extremely grippy, and the mid-barrel focus allows users to make fine adjustments even while wearing gloves. Observation & Sighting Devices . 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. Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. 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! Is it going to be used from your vehicle? Though its the same size and about the same in terms of zoom power, the money is spent on the quality of glass. Vortex Diamondback vs Hawke Endurance ED vs Vanguard Endeavor ED Full Member. If youre sitting beside a buddy, you can frame a distant deer, and by simply rotating the barrel, turn the eyepiece to your buddy so they can view the deer. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. That means clearer images day and night. The Ultima 80 is the definition of the intersection between quality and affordability. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. 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. For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. Sold two to a friend(bought Athlon Ares and Tacticle). 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. 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. Its affordable and the glass is super high quality. I have access to a 1,200 yd range now and want to get into long range. If you want to take your photography game to the next level, particularly if photographing animals you dont want to disturb or things that are dangerous to get to close to, a spotting scope with a digiscoping setup can make all the difference. The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. You can learn more about them here. $329.99 - $399.99. JavaScript is disabled. The 5 Best Binoculars of 2023. Illuminated reticle probably isn't critical for your application. Note that the price varies widely on these different models of Razors, with the smallest scope costing half as much as the biggest. 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. The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. They are quick and easy to use when you are based out of your vehicle. Ahtlon vs Vortex (just glass perspective) - Long Range Hunting Forum The 27 to 55-power is the sweet spot for combining magnification with a reasonably bright image. Its optical shortcomings are evident in low light conditions, but thats to be expected at this bargain price. The angled eyepiece and rotating tripod mount increase its versatility, and the controls are relatively tight and precise, especially for the at around $400. Unsurprisingly, letting more light in is what you want. Vortex diamondback vs viper. They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. Spotting Scope Review - 24hourcampfire It'll give you some intel on Athlon . Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2 ! In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . 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. The best brightness and image quality will be at 20X, but the image will be smallest at that magnification. 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece. They just offer the absolute best performance you can possibly get out of a tube filled with glass. Vortex got mentioned above a lot, and there are good reasons. This is a list of rifle scopes with at least 24X magnification that cost less than $750. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. Large 85mm Objective Lens. 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. SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Angled. And if youre really a beast and can pack it in, youll be rewarded with great images. SKU: 214063. . Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. A 20-60x60mm scope at the lowest 20 power setting has an exit pupil diameter of 6020, or 3mm. Joined Jan 16, 2018 . Reviews & Ratings for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm - OpticsPlanet Carefully consider exactly how youre going to use it. 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. At middle distances, like 50 to 400 yards, you can usually zoom in to see precise details of your target. We were able to arrive at a consensus on the optical talents of this spotter. View Quote. Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. Their Ultima is a great scope for bird watchers. As youll see in the two Athlon scopes in this years test, better-quality glass can double the price of a spotter. A nice feature it has that I wish more scopes would include (especially angled scopes) is a sighting line to help you line up with what youre trying to look at. Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. Binoculars & Spotting Scopes | Costco Here are the scopes Id recommend for the budding astronomer: Celestron is kind of the specialist when it comes to astronomy equipment in the sporting optics world. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. Vanguard is a smaller, more specialized company than many on this list, and they deserve your consideration for their quality products. 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. I had a minor issue one time and called them about it. I have both and would buy another Athlon. If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. Hunters who want a mini optic to pack into the high country, or travelers who want a little more reach than a smaller binocular should consider this little spotting scope. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. Free Shipping & Free Returns* FREE SHIPPING on Over 250,000 Products. Since some of the most prime hunting hours are during low light dawn/dusk conditions, it can be tempting to get a scope with a larger exit pupil. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? Its hard to label a single scope as the best available since they are so personalized to different uses. They have many scopes under 500$ that comes in both straight and angled version. Hes also OLs optics editor, helping readers to make informed buying decisions. This spotter makes an excellent choice for a hunter who wants a versatile spotting scope without paying a months wages. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. We've also streamlined the exterior for a sleeker, snag-free profile, building in a helical focus wheel. That means you need to think about what you want and need a spotter to do. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. $170.00. 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. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. Only you can make the decision on whether the extra ounces and sacrificed zoom power are worth it for some extra low light visibility on opening morning. Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. Bresser Pirsch Compact Binoculars. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 F FlatCat Member $199.99. 1. And if youre shooting at really long ranges, an afternoon trip to the range can feel more like a lengthy hike. Again thanks for everyones input, truthfully I had been leaning towards the Diamondback but the Athlon supporters swayed my decision. All the money is going straight into the glass. Spotting scopes come in a very wide selection of sizes, more so than any other kind of optic. 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? 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. New. Athlon Optics . But for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. 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. When you do buy your scope, know that youre also going to need to budget for a tripod. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. 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 build boosts the durability of this spotter and gives it a stiffer and more sure-footed feel. 3 reviews. Minuteman. Emarth 20-60x60AE Angled Spotting Scope (Spotting Scope Under $100) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. 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 two-speed focus control allows you to riff from close-in to far-distant targets with a single revolution, and then feather the focus for precision. The eyecups and sunshade move with snappy precision. 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. A big, serious spotter with very good glass and responsive controls, the Ares UHD is the big brother to Athlons excellent 65mm Argos introduced a couple of years ago. Say you have a 20- to 60-power eyepiece on an 80mm spotter. You can think of it like the limits of your peripheral vision. Here are some good picks: You dont necessarily need a scope youre going to use for target shooting to be portable, so you may as well get something with a beefy objective lens. They are going to stop rifle optics but Nikon isnt going anywhere. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. As you have seen in our list of recommendations, both Vortex and Athlon offer multicoated optics. Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 174-81 feet, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 234-108 feet, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 102-48 feet, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 108-60 feet, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 176.4-58.5 feet, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 105-73 feet, Ships with dust-resistant neoprene jacket, Interchangeable 22-power eyepiece with MRAD PRS reticle available, Removable eyepiece design can allow dust and grit to enter body, Angled eyepiece and rotating tripod collar enables multiple viewing angles, Removable eyepiece can be traded out for other variable or fixed-power eyepieces, Center-barrel control is hard to finely focus, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 250-50 feet, Eyepiece contains Horus H-32 milling reticle, Multiple attachment points for Picatinny rails, Reticle matches those in precision riflescopes, Throw lever makes magnification changes fast, Slender build easily fits in backpack sleeve, Utilizes Bushnells best glass and coatings, Excessively heavy for a 60mm walk-about spotter, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 144.36-68.9 feet, Oversized center-barrel focus easy to turn with gloves, Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 110-52 feet, Angled eyepiece and tripod rotation enable wide range of viewing options. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. I am looking at the ballistic reticle scopes in the 3-9x40 and 4/4.5-12x40/42 range in both product lines. 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. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. Definitions aside, if youre in the market for a full-sized spotter and have limited funds, consider the Argos HD. 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. At about 40 ounces, it isnt the lightest scope, but it gives you an excellent performance to portability ratio. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. This family of rifle scopes featuring FFP and SFP models, True Precision Zero Stop, Fully Multi-coated Lenses, Direct Dial Elevation & Windage Turrets (Capped in 1-8x24), Illuminated Reticle, 30mm Tube. When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. A product-line extension following Meoptas successful angled MeoStar S2, this 82mm spotter has the optical horsepower for just about any hunting situation, and the straight-barrel design makes it easy to slide into a backpack sleeve. 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. The downside is that the scopes I have are all SFP, but they do make an FFP model. They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units. 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 had a Diamondback FFP and I sold it immediately. Their HD-ATS-80 body is awesomely powerful when paired with a 20-60 power eyepiece. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 A spotting scope helps you get crystal clear, up close views of birds, and can also help you take pictures of them. tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. The first spotter from this direct-to-consumer is a versatile powerhouse. Wednesday December 7, 2022. 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. Its angled body, with rotating tripod ring, allows for infinite adjustment, and the Arca-Swiss compatible tripod system mates up with any number of mounting options. I just believe you get what you pay for. 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. The Nature-Trek has some nice appointments, including the responsive center-barrel focus and the comfortable eyecups. That glass is good, but its not quite as bright and sharp as that Japanese S-series glass. You can read more about them here. Videos for related products. Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. 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. They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. Is the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 the Best Affordable Long Range Scope? 6 Best FFP Scopes. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. The 45-degree angled eyepiece is also a nice touch, as it allows for users to use it in a number of different stances. Testers had some concerns over durability based on how the controls loosened over our testing. Maven applied the Goldilocks Rule to this versatile spotter. You can buy it here. It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. (Argos 6-24x50, Talos 4-14x44) Last weekend I mounted both of these . 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. But I will say, that no matter what I did, I could not get my eye comfortable behind the glass. 8 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting - opticsrelated.com Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. Likewise, the triply more expensive Vortex Viper is optically superior to the Vortex Diamondback. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. But maybe you want a spotter to mount on a tripod and use from a vantage point. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50 Riflescope - APLR2 FFP IR MOA, Black 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. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. I would highly avoid getting a true budget scope (one that costs less than $200). Dec 9, 2019 123 56. VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 20-60X80MM SPOTTING SCOPE - Sniper Central