Easier to switch between binos and spotting scope. For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. You will pay a pretty penny to get your hands on one of their scopes, but if you want the best there is no substitute. They have been used and recommended by a lot of the most influential people in the industry, like Steven Rinella from Netflixs Meat Eater. The most hard-wearing models have oversized controls that can be used with gloved hands, and they are double-sealed against dust, grit, and moisture. However, it can be hard to get your scope on target with an angled eyepiece because the 45-degree angle means the eyepiece isnt pointing at your target, like a straight-body spotter, so target acquisition occurs much faster. They are going to stop rifle optics but Nikon isnt going anywhere. As youll see in the two Athlon scopes in this years test, better-quality glass can double the price of a spotter. Athlon vs Vortex Riflescope Comparison in March 2023 - ProReviewBuzz Joined Jan 16, 2018 . A big, serious spotter with very good glass and responsive controls, the Ares UHD is the big brother to Athlons excellent 65mm Argos introduced a couple of years ago. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . They have many scopes under 500$ that comes in both straight and angled version. But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. 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. Is it going to be used from your vehicle? They offer solid products at affordable prices, as well as higher end options. Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. That and it was $120 less.. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. 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. Spotting scopes are measured with two numbers. All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. But I have had several of the midway BSAs, one primary arms, they all tracked well. 2 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs. 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. The question for the market: Is this spotter twice as good as the Argos HD, and is it worth double the cost? 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. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. 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. But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. Athlon Ares Spotting Scope VS. Vortex Razor Spotting Scope Review What about 600 or even futher? 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. The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. Its their higher end scope offering, but is still affordable. I have had both and still have the Athlon. 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. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . Check the price here. While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. 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. Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. At 40 to 55x, the scope has enough magnification to enable users to count points on a distant buck without making the image maddeningly dark. Athlon Optics . Dec 9, 2019 123 56. Athlon vs. Vortex Riflescopes - Which One is Best? They are quick and easy to use when you are based out of your vehicle. If youre a hunter who packs in deep its worth serious consideration, as its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry into the backcountry. 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. While the best binoculars for hunting have close focus of about 6 to 8 feet, spotting scopes can only focus to about 12 feet. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. Their HD-ATS-80 body is awesomely powerful when paired with a 20-60 power eyepiece. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO Riflescope with Dead Hold BDC Reticle (MOA). The upside: Its especially weather- and moisture-proof. You are using an out of date browser. These describe the zoom and the objective lens size. It has extra low dispersion glass, a key in the world of high end optics. While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. 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 . I chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. I am a fan of vortex but the diamond back not so much . There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. Big 80 and 85mm scopes from premium brands can cost upwards of $3,000. If you have the money and want to get top performance, you definitely have that option. This dot is what is often called the exit pupil, and refers to the actual dot of light that gets transmitted to your eyes through the lenses. It also has ArmorTek technology that prevents the body from scratches. Products ( 2) Sort By. A 15-4565 unit has 15- to 45-power magnification behind a 65mm objective lens. 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. 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. Now if youre using your scope from a fixed position and dont have to carry it around, this wont be a problem. There is a range of designations that manufacturers use, and unfortunately there isnt much standardization. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. And its ultra-compact size means youll take this optic more places than a larger spotter or a big-boned binocular. This same middle-is-best trade-off applies to every magnification range, from 9-27-power spotters to 20-60-power eyepieces. The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . 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. ATHLON Review thanks to Doug!!! - 24hourcampfire Opinion on athlon scopes. | Shooters' Forum Thread starter idahohikker; Start date Apr 21, 2018; Apr 21, 2018 #1 I. . Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. 1.8 #8) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope. Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. 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. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. xugz0212 New Member. -Vortex diamondback tactical 6-24x50 EBR -2C MRAD -Bushnell match pro 6-24x50 DEPLOY MIL -Bushnell nitro 6-24x50 -Bushnel forge 4.5-24x50 DEPLOY MIL -Athlon argos btr 6-24x50 gen2 APMR MIL -Athlon midas tac 6-24x50 APRS3 MIL -Athlon ares btr gen2 4.5-27x50 APRS5 MIL -Athlon helos btr 6-24x50 APMR MIL It may not display this or other websites correctly. Especially in low-light conditions, those extreme ranges are rarely usable. The Argos mechanism has proven to track and is robust. Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback - Long Range Hunting Forum 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. Magnification. Pros. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. The first two, in the above case 20-60, are the zoom. If the former, you might consider investing in models with excellent glass and mirage-taming coatings. If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! Whether you choose an angled or a straight-body spotting scope is largely a matter of personal preference. Athlon Optics Cronus Gen II 20-60x86mm UHD Spotting Scopes FREE S&H Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm . This scope has extra low dispersion glass, and is one of the least expensive options that has that critical spec. Field of view is a measurement of how wide of a picture you will see when you are looking through a scope. Put it on a 40-50 MOA base and you can dial a .22 out past 500 yards. Its a testament to the Hawkes spotter that it adequately handles all that magnification. Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. Check it out here. 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. And if youre really a beast and can pack it in, youll be rewarded with great images. The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. 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. This spotter makes an excellent choice for a hunter who wants a versatile spotting scope without paying a months wages. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50 Riflescope - APLR2 FFP IR MOA, Black Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2 9 Best First Focal Plane Scopes (FFP) in 2023 - ALL BUDGETS - Target Tamers Observation & Sighting Devices . And with $500, I would definitely buy the Diamondback 20-60x85mm. I had a minor issue one time and called them about it. Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. Vortex got mentioned above a lot, and there are good reasons. This is probably unsurprising given their name. If you want a spotter to carry into the field to help you assess distant game, then consider a mid-sized scope, generally 20-50-power built behind a 65mm objective lens. I would highly avoid getting a true budget scope (one that costs less than $200). This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. This year that nod goes to Athlons Argos HD. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. A spotting scope helps you get crystal clear, up close views of birds, and can also help you take pictures of them. You should see a set of numbers either in the products title or right away in its specifications that look something like 20-60x60mm. Field of view is obviously heavily influenced by the magnification power of your scope. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Vortex, Athlon or Element? | Airgun Forum - Airgun Nation Its a pattern weve seen play out over two decades of the Outdoor Life optics test. Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. The Diamondback HD spotter makes an accessible, extremely usable optic for any number of well-lighted conditions. However, with Vortexs best-in-class warranty, youll never have to worry if it fails to perform. Learn More . 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} Best Bushnell Spotting Scope {Our Top Pickup} . 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. Maven RS.4 5-30x56 FFP - Best Under $2000. This is a list of rifle scopes with at least 24X magnification that cost less than $750. 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. If you divide the objective size by the zoom, you get the exact diameter of the exit pupil. Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50 Review (2023): Worth the Money? - Scopes Field 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. Reviews & Ratings for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm - OpticsPlanet Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. You can read more about them here. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. Rifle Scopes Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback. 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. This direct-to-consumer brand delivers bright ED glass and quality Japanese build at a relatively accessible price. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. 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? With an 80mm objective lens, its big enough to handle pretty much any task you throw at it. In this test, we mount all scopes on tripods, set their magnification to 20-power, and then measure how long they can see into the dark, averaging the results to assess performance. I have both and would buy another Athlon. Maybe, but maybe not. Show Out of Stock Items. $170.00. Range spotters often have a reticle in the eyepiece that allows you to call shots for a buddy. Free shipping for many products! 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. And if youre shooting at really long ranges, an afternoon trip to the range can feel more like a lengthy hike. 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. . Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope Review The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. $329.99 - $399.99. And we were a little disappointed in the relatively narrow field of view. Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. However, astronomers might consider this as one of their primary things to look for given their viewing happens always in low light conditions. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and a silver-coated K9 glass prism . But only barely, and only because they are more established and I have had good experiences directly with them in the past. Thread starter Kyle Wheeler; Start date Nov 11, 2020; Nov 11, 2020 #1 Kyle Wheeler Well Known Rokslider. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? At about 40 ounces, it isnt the lightest scope, but it gives you an excellent performance to portability ratio. $399.99. Strike Eagle has a ton of elevation and nice features. Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. At 60-power, the image will be largest, but because of the laws of optics, it also appears darkest and grainiest. There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. 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. Replies 44 Views 30K. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the. Leupold is one of the oldest names in the sporting optics world. Show More. The MIDAS uses what appears to be night and day difference SUPERIOR GLASS. And we conclude that the priceyou should be able to find this retailing for around $650was fair for the performance. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. Vortex diamondback tactical 6-24x Vs Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 From reviews and videos I've seen it tracks well. HobieH3; Mar 26, 2019; 2 3 4. On this review we are going to be using the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 as the benchmark. 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. That brings us to the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80mm straight eyepiece spotting . The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. If you like shooting, ESPECIALLY at distance, you really need a decent Spotting Scope. . Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. The bigger the lens, the bigger and heavier the scope. Deploy MIL First Focal Plane reticle. arken sh4 6 24x50 vs vortex db tactical vs athon argos btr gen2 - AR-15 It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 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. You could try using it freehand or leaning it against something, but trust me when I tell you this will significantly hamper your viewing.
athlon argos vs vortex diamondback spotting scope