A handsome, versatile, and rugged spotting scope, the OSCAR8 has a sensibly restrained magnification range that zooms from 27 to 55-power. thanks!
Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2 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. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. Vortex got mentioned above a lot, and there are good reasons. Youll want to ensure that the warranty is up to snuff, but our expectation is that this capable spotter will give you years of adequate service. If the exit pupil diameter of your scope is smaller than your eyes pupil, the image you see through them will appear darker than it does with the naked eye. Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2. The Hide Armory. But maybe you want a spotter to mount on a tripod and use from a vantage point. But even more approachable scopes will set you back around $1,000. I hunted with this scope during Montanas elk season, and it took in stride all the temperature changes, bumps and drops, and dust the hunts dealt it. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. 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.
However, at 4.5 pounds, this is a beast to pack, which makes it a better choice for a back deck or base camp optic. You can learn more about them here. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! It also has ArmorTek technology that prevents the body from scratches. German Precision Optics ED Binoculars. The bigger the lens, the bigger and heavier the scope. For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. All these attributes make it an ideal budget option for hunters. Videos for related products. Are you going to pack it deep into the backcountry? Illuminated reticle probably isn't critical for your application. $249.99. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. Yes, Vortex Tactical line is part of their upper tier level. 3 reviews. I have an argos, I replaced it after less than a year. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com.
Reviews & Ratings for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm - OpticsPlanet The other differentiation from the Argos HD model: the aluminum-alloy chassis of the Ares UHD. New.
9 Best First Focal Plane Scopes (FFP) in 2023 - ALL BUDGETS - Target Tamers I noticed the gen 2 Argos is out now and it mentions upgraded turrets. These scopes have features normally only found on high-end scopes. I would highly avoid getting a true budget scope (one that costs less than $200). Its a testament to the Hawkes spotter that it adequately handles all that magnification. 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. The Diamondback Tactical2 has much better glass than the ARGOS/HELOS at a cheaper price but the MIDAS has a slight overall edge in clarity image quality overall. 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. 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. At middle distances, like 50 to 400 yards, you can usually zoom in to see precise details of your target. I honestly would be fine with a 65mm but they only offer this one.
Athlon 214061 Argos BTR 6-2450 Riflescope APMR FFP MIL | eBay Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. 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. What the CS.1 delivers, though, is rugged performance. +1-800-504-5920 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. QUICK LIST: Best First Focal Plane Scopes in 2022. 0 B bdzjlz Member 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. ArmorTek Technology: The build quality is as expected top-notch.
Best Spotting Scopes of 2023 | Outdoor Life 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? I chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. You must log in or register to reply here. Is it going to be used from your vehicle? Theres nothing particularly ground-breaking in this introduction from Athlon, just a sized-up version of its very good 65mm Ares G2 UHD model. The spotter with the highest overall score wins our Editors Choice awardthis year it went to Mavens CS.1. An exception might occur if you are going to be looking through glasses first and then your spotter. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. The rubber is extremely grippy, and the mid-barrel focus allows users to make fine adjustments even while wearing gloves. Athlon Argos BTR 6-2450 Gen2 APLR2 FFP MOA reticle. We've also streamlined the exterior for a sleeker, snag-free profile, building in a helical focus wheel. Pros. The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. 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. They have come to dominate those segments of the market. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. The Diamondback HD spotter makes an accessible, extremely usable optic for any number of well-lighted conditions. Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. 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. Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting. 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. You can read more about them here. It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs.
Thoughts on Athlon Talos Spotting Scope. 20-60x80. VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 20-60X80MM SPOTTING SCOPE - Sniper Central While the best binoculars for hunting have close focus of about 6 to 8 feet, spotting scopes can only focus to about 12 feet. They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. 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.
Athlon vs. Vortex Riflescopes - Which One is Best? Dielectric-Coated Porro Prism. If youve ever been to a rifle range, you know youre in for some walking. SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Angled. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. 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. Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP) 30 mm Tube, Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle, Black. Check the classifieds on here for something in the next tier up. If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! xugz0212 New Member. But if you made me choose, I would have to pick the Athlon Argos 20-60x85mm. Thats because the glass and controls of the Argos HD are slightly disappointing. The upside: Its especially weather- and moisture-proof. Its positioned just right between the companys big, bright, and spendy S.1 series and its big-boned B.5 binoculars, which sport 56mm objective lenses and magnifications from 10- to 18-power. And while their telescopes are awesome for picking out constellations, their spotting scopes give you some flexibility to use in different situations. There is a range of designations that manufacturers use, and unfortunately there isnt much standardization. In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. How versatile do you want your scope to be? Check it out on Amazon. 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. 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. Learn more about it here. 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. Maven CS.1 15-45X65mm Spotting Scope Gray/Orange ED Lens.
Leupold GR Vs Vortex Razor HD Vs Athlon Ares? Maven has a few great spotting scope options (all of which are customizable if you order through their website). There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? Hunters dont want to have to haul around the most massive scope, but it needs to be substantially more powerful than their binoculars. 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 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. Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. We were able to arrive at a consensus on the optical talents of this spotter. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. Athlon Optics / RIFLE SCOPES / ARGOS BTR GEN2 / ARGOS BTR GEN2 6-2450 APMR FFP IR MIL. Their Ultima is a great scope for bird watchers. Also, they are generous with the hash marks on their mil dot. Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback. Key Features. Say you have a 20- to 60-power eyepiece on an 80mm spotter. They also have several subsidiaries underneath them, including names you might recognize like Tasco, Browning Sport Optics, and Simmons. 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! 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. But if its the latter, than less expensive glass might be fine. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens.
Athlon Argos Binoculars 10X42 Review : Why You Should Buy It! Is the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 the Best Affordable Long Range Scope? And then, we perform a low-light test on several evenings. Makes sense. JavaScript is disabled. They are one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. As you have seen in our list of recommendations, both Vortex and Athlon offer multicoated optics. Specifications. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? At 60-power, the image will be largest, but because of the laws of optics, it also appears darkest and grainiest. Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. Dispersion is an effect in glass that causes distortion as light travels through it, or actually with any kind of waves. And with $500, I would definitely buy the Diamondback 20-60x85mm. The downside is that the scopes I have are all SFP, but they do make an FFP model. Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. 60mm scopes are popular with hunters, although they definitely dont have the image quality of an 85mm. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. They have been used and recommended by a lot of the most influential people in the industry, like Steven Rinella from Netflixs Meat Eater. 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. This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. Note that the price varies widely on these different models of Razors, with the smallest scope costing half as much as the biggest. An ideal companion for long-range shooters and hunters, the angled viewing Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope delivers bright and sharp high-contrast images with true-to-life color and crisp clarity at all . Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. Well, Athlon kept that in mind, and that is why they brought out the Ares ETR in different reticle styles. This same middle-is-best trade-off applies to every magnification range, from 9-27-power spotters to 20-60-power eyepieces. The Diamondback HD has decent high-definition glass in the objective lens, but experienced hunters may be disappointed with the clarity and brightness of the image. Maven RS.4 5-30x56 FFP - Best Under $2000. A 15-4565 unit has 15- to 45-power magnification behind a 65mm objective lens. A dual focus knob is also great for fine tuning in on far away celestial bodies. $170.00. They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units.
Ahtlon vs Vortex (just glass perspective) - Long Range Hunting Forum They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. Oftentimes they dont even end up helping you see better at long distances. The other half appreciated the Endurance EDs talents for a backcountry spotter. The Argos gives excellent images for a scope in this price range, is large enough to be seriously powerful, and has intuitive, solid controls. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. The downside: Youre stuck with the 15-45-power zoom. Alternatively, the rails allow you to mount the LMSS2 on either rails or a traditional tripod. The redesigned Diamondback HD spotting scopes have all the horsepower the long-distance hunter needs, and they excel in lowlightright when you need it most. 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. F FlatCat Member The extra low-dispersion glass in this model and the oversized objective lens make this a good choice for mid-range field work. Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. 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. An immensely capable mid-sized spotter, the CS.1 features decent glass in a rugged and lightweight alloy frame that handles mid-distance spotting chores with style and talent. 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. $399.99. HobieH3; Mar 26, 2019; 2 3 4. And we conclude that the priceyou should be able to find this retailing for around $650was fair for the performance. Vortex has become a staple in the optics world recently, and for good reason. Now if youre using your scope from a fixed position and dont have to carry it around, this wont be a problem. With televisions, High Definition has a technical definition that sets a standard of pixels a display has to have in order to earn the HD distinction. 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. 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. 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. 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. But only barely, and only because they are more established and I have had good experiences directly with them in the past. Vortex Diamondback HD vs Athlon Argos G2 UHD Binoculars Bullets4Bucks 18.8K subscribers Join Subscribe 212 Share Save 16K views 2 years ago Buy Here: Athlon Optics Argos:. Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. 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. 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. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56 - Best for Long Range. What is the rep of the Athlon Argos 2-10x40 BDC 600? In short: IGNORE THE TERM HD. Similarly, if you live anywhere with a lot of wildlife activity, it can be a fun thing to have a spotting scope set up on your back porch, trained on your local ecosystem. 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. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing.
Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 Review - Sharp Shooter Optics About Us Policies. 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. Anything further out than that will not be visible. Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? 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. I have had a couple of Argos's in the past with excellent tracking and good-enough glass. 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. If youre in the market for pretty much any optic and dont have a budget thats in the stratosphere, they have good options. Field of view is obviously heavily influenced by the magnification power of your scope. You wont be counting antler tines on a bull three miles away with this thing, but it will at least get you closer than your naked eye. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. Check it out here. This can be important depending on what youll use your scope for. 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. If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass.
Opinions about between Athlon Helos and Vortex Diamondback Tactical The 65mm size is just about right for most backpack pockets, and it pairs nicely with mid-sized tripods. Hunters may have a bit of a trade off here. The first two, in the above case 20-60, are the zoom. 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. This is probably unsurprising given their name. I'll be honest I wasn't looking forward to reviewing Athlon optics. Their HD-ATS-80 body is awesomely powerful when paired with a 20-60 power eyepiece. The largest, most powerful spotting scopes are among the most expensive sports optics on the market. 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. The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. Its more than up to the task at picking out bullet holes from long range, saving you a lot of walking. Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? Length, weight, eye relief, and FOV are similar. I just got the argos for my 22. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. For this particular, how does it perform? But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 Is it going to be aimed permanently at the stars?