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. I have access to a 1,200 yd range now and want to get into long range. Introducing the Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope - long range - reddit Doug asked me to review two Athlon scopes for him. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. 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. Celestron shows up in a lot of places on this list, particularly when looking for affordable quality. That and it was $120 less.. Maven has a few great spotting scope options (all of which are customizable if you order through their website). 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. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD - Best FFP Scope Under $1500. Objective Lens Diameter. 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 . From reviews and videos I've seen it tracks well. Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. 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. Learn more about it here. The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . Getting up close images is the entire point of a spotting scope, so obviously zoom power is one of the most important things to know about the scope you are going to buy. Joined Jan 16, 2018 . Astronomy is usually thought to be done with a big telescope setup, but a spotting scope can also work well for a hobbyist. Videos for related products. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. The size of that beam of light is directly derived from two of the factors mentioned above: zoom and objective lens size. In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . Thoughts on Athlon Talos Spotting Scope. 20-60x80. Is the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 the Best Affordable Long Range Scope? Well, Athlon kept that in mind, and that is why they brought out the Ares ETR in different reticle styles. You can buy it here. 30mm main tube. The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. For this particular, how does it perform? No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. The very best birding binoculars under $500 - What birds are in my If you divide the objective size by the zoom, you get the exact diameter of the exit pupil. 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. Testers had some concerns over durability based on how the controls loosened over our testing. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes - ARGOS vs. ARES - YouTube There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. Still, if you use this scope in daylight and dont max out its magnification, its a worthy companion for most hunting situations or first-time buyers. Is it going to be used from your vehicle? 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. Alternatively, the rails allow you to mount the LMSS2 on either rails or a traditional tripod. Thread starter Wrencoforge; Start date Jan 20, 2020; Forums. Best Spotting Scope - Top 10 in 2023 [Guide & Top Picks] - Target Chaser Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. The Ultima 80 is the definition of the intersection between quality and affordability. There is a massive difference between HD and regular definition television, and everyone has seen it. Note that the price varies widely on these different models of Razors, with the smallest scope costing half as much as the biggest. This means that objects will appear between 20 and 60 times closer than they actually are, depending on how you have it set. Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. Skis are easily the most efficient way to cover snowy ground on foot in winter. Itll cost you, but man does it make scopes easier to use. They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. Also, is 40 or 48 power enough to spot holes at 500 yards? 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . But I will say, that no matter what I did, I could not get my eye comfortable behind the glass. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. The downside is that the scopes I have are all SFP, but they do make an FFP model. All the money is going straight into the glass. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. Here are my top recommendations: If youre a serious bird watcher and want to see every detail of the birds youre looking at from a long way away, Swarovski is probably going to be your go to brand. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60, Fully Multicoated, Excellent Image Quality, Field of view: 108 to 60 feet @ 1,000 yards. Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP) 30 mm Tube, Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle, Black. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. The focus, magnification ring, and retractable sunshade all move with silky precision. 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. SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scopes | Leupold Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. 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 Talos 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope | SCHEELS.com They have come to dominate those segments of the market. 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. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Features: FFP, Illuminated, Lowlight-visible, CR2032, . I would highly avoid getting a true budget scope (one that costs less than $200). Are you going to pack it deep into the backcountry? 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. ! When you see 20-60x85mm, that means that the objective lens (the one that points out towards whatever you are viewing) is 85mm in diameter. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. Select Options. 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. When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. And if youre really a beast and can pack it in, youll be rewarded with great images. This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. 1.8 #8) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. 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. The angled eyepiece and rotating tripod mount increase its versatility, and the controls are relatively tight and precise, especially for the at around $400. They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. Experience/Opinions: Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback? We only make money if you purchase a product through our links . Thread starter Kyle Wheeler; Start date Nov 11, 2020; Nov 11, 2020 #1 Kyle Wheeler Well Known Rokslider. Athlon Optics / RIFLE SCOPES / ARGOS BTR GEN2 / ARGOS BTR GEN2 6-2450 APMR FFP IR MIL. Consider the durability of a spotter. Especially in low-light conditions, those extreme ranges are rarely usable. Vortex Diamondback Tactical vs Athlon Argos BTR 6-24 Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? They are still honoring their warrantee but have made some changes and dont have the no fault warrantee any longer. These scopes have features normally only found on high-end scopes. Sold two to a friend(bought Athlon Ares and Tacticle). Dec 9, 2019 123 56. He already had a high end Vortex ($1,000). Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). Many buyers are looking for a scope to take to the range to verify hits on distant targets, whether paper bullseyes or steel plates. You are using an out of date browser. 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. Rifle Scopes Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback. The controls are tight, and we especially liked the two-speed focus and the fingertip sensitivity of the fine-focus knob. This isnt the spotter for everyone, but for buyers on a budget who want decent performance and all the reach that a 60-power can deliver, its a very good choice. The best magnification for a spotting scope depends on how you plan to use it. The UHDit stands for ultra-high-definitionglass also boosts its performance. I have had a couple of Argos's in the past with excellent tracking and good-enough glass. 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. Maybe, but maybe not. 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. Now if youre using your scope from a fixed position and dont have to carry it around, this wont be a problem. 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. I personally used it this last year when hunting pronghorn in Idaho extensively, and it helped me pick out minute details on horns from absurdly far away! But the magnification range, zooming from 9x up to 27x, gives this little unit more range and a surprisingly nice image. I'm looking at 6-24 versions and they seem similar. This scope has extra low dispersion glass, and is one of the least expensive options that has that critical spec. Products ( 2) Sort By. The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. Just $1 per month , We tested the best spotting scopes from premium glass to dependable budget options, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Spotting scopes come in a very wide selection of sizes, more so than any other kind of optic. 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. 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. . In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope Review 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. Vortex diamondback vs viper. +1-800-504-5920 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? I have had both and still have the 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. Magnification. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. If you have the money and want to get top performance, you definitely have that option. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. Vortex Viper HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope (Angled Viewing) V502 - B&H Photo 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. 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. 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. Any feedback on these two scopes? 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 $2000 USD. . With an 80mm objective lens, its big enough to handle pretty much any task you throw at it. The 5 Best Binoculars of 2023 | Tested by GearLab Specifications. Just attach your camera and youll be taking clear photos from far away. Learn more about it here. While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. Optically, its a solid performer, but its image is like the rest of the spotter, sort of middling. HobieH3; Mar 26, 2019; 2 3 4. Opinion on athlon scopes. | Shooters' Forum The two-speed focus control allows you to riff from close-in to far-distant targets with a single revolution, and then feather the focus for precision. It is dramatically more affordable than the other optics were recommending here for bird watchers. I chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. But I have had several of the midway BSAs, one primary arms, they all tracked well. You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. Argos BTR 6-2450 APMR | Precision Rifle Scope - Athlon Optics I just believe you get what you pay for. In all, the Meopta compares favorably to premium spotters from Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss at a lower price. Check it out on Amazon. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. At almost 4.3 pounds this spotter feels like a tank, which means its a better base-camp scope than a walk-about optic. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. They have many scopes under 500$ that comes in both straight and angled version. 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. And while their telescopes are awesome for picking out constellations, their spotting scopes give you some flexibility to use in different situations. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. 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. The Vortex Optics Diamondback is the best spotting scope for 300 dollars as it has 20x-60x magnification and a 60mm lens diameter. 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. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. $249.99. At a fraction of that price, this Vortex delivers an adequate image in a durable, versatile package. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. Its more than up to the task at picking out bullet holes from long range, saving you a lot of walking. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm . But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. 1.6 #6) BARSKA 30-90100 WP Gladiator Spotting Scope. We were able to arrive at a consensus on the optical talents of this spotter. 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. 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. These coatings help the scope transmit and gather light better, thus increasing the quality and clarity of the image it delivers. Or should I wait until the Element optics Titan comes out? SKU: 214063. If you want clear views, you want to minimize dispersion. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. It is used solely as a marketing hook by companies to make their optics seem very high quality. And if anything happens to it, Leupolds lifetime transferable warranty will keep you covered. Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. They offer a wide range of sporting optics, and I use their 85mm spotting scope as my go to when Im not packing in too deep. Jan 20, 2020 #1 ; Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. 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. VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 20-60X80MM SPOTTING SCOPE - Sniper Central 6 Best Focal Plane FFP Scopes to Buy - ScopeExpert.com Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. Youll definitely want something sturdy though, and weight will again be a factor if you are carrying it on your back. And with $500, I would definitely buy the Diamondback 20-60x85mm. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. There is a range of designations that manufacturers use, and unfortunately there isnt much standardization. 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. 20-60x. The point is..if you buy a Vortex, you have to check if the reticles are wire or not. free shipping & returns. 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. Athlon sells their own rings and mounts, which obviously mesh well when used in tandem with their scope . Vortex got mentioned above a lot, and there are good reasons. They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. 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. 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. Apart from its compact design, it is also ergonomic. Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting. High end manufacturers like Swarovski and Zeiss charge thousands of dollars for their scopes, and will give you crystal clear images that are hard to beat. The SX-2 Alpine HD spotting scope is a must have for all serious hunters or shooters who are looking to add HD performance to their optics kit. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. ArmorTek Technology: The build quality is as expected top-notch. The first two, in the above case 20-60, are the zoom. Where are Athlon Scopes Made or Manufactured? Spotting Scope Review after Testing. 10 MIL turrets. Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . Like most scopes, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 does not come with a mount and rings included. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. On this review we are going to be using the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 as the benchmark. All these attributes make it an ideal budget option for hunters. 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. Theres nothing particularly ground-breaking in this introduction from Athlon, just a sized-up version of its very good 65mm Ares G2 UHD model.