The 65mm size is just about right for most backpack pockets, and it pairs nicely with mid-sized tripods. 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. 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 other half appreciated the Endurance EDs talents for a backcountry spotter. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. 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. But if you made me choose, I would have to pick the Athlon Argos 20-60x85mm. If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 Review - Sharp Shooter Optics For example, the Athlon Argos we recommend has a field of view of 48-102 feet at 1000 yards. As expected, the Nikon 5 8x42 is clearer and brighter than the under $200 non-ED glass Vortex Diamondback. Its optical shortcomings are evident in low light conditions, but thats to be expected at this bargain price. I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 on a Diana 240, and a Hawke Vantage SF 6-24x44 on a Savage Mark 2 22LR. One example is hitting the coldbore shots on steel often out to 1122Y. Athlon Optics Cronus Gen II 20-60x86mm UHD Spotting Scopes 311004 Delivery. Because our test doesnt intentionally punish submissions until they break, the durability question is necessarily unanswered. 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. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. Hunters dont want to have to haul around the most massive scope, but it needs to be substantially more powerful than their binoculars. 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. Here are the main positives of each: Many scopes, particularly the higher end ones, are sold with the option of getting either straight or angled, so youll get to choose what works best for you. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO Riflescope with Dead Hold BDC Reticle (MOA). 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. It is dramatically more affordable than the other optics were recommending here for bird watchers. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. These are big, expensive optics for a fairly narrow segment of the market, and most hunters dont buy a new spotter every year or even more than a couple times in their careers. (130) Compare Product. The test team was divided on the merits of the relatively light weight. Best Spotting Scopes of 2023 | Outdoor Life And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. But most commonly, you will see ED (Extra-low Dispersion) used, and that is what you want. On this review we are going to be using the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 as the benchmark. What about 600 or even futher? The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. Jan 20, 2020 #1 ; Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. Check its price right now by clicking here. However, with Vortexs best-in-class warranty, youll never have to worry if it fails to perform. 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 Argos BTR is $280-$370ish, depending on the model. Here are the specs that matter most: You should seriously consider this combo, check the price here. That means clearer images day and night. 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. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. Strike Eagle has a ton of elevation and nice features. While this is likely the first spotter that a hunter or shooter may buyowing to the approachable priceit wont be the last. The ED glass works pretty well, but the real appeal here is the Horus reticle inside and tactical bling on the exterior. Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback: . 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. Don't let the fact that it's cheaper than the Viper and Razor deter you, this thing provides stellar optics and is backed by their excellent lifetime warranty program. https://athlonoptics.com/product/rifle-scope-argos-6-24x50/, Looking for the best budget optic for my sniper rifle. 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 for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting. Check the price here. 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. Skis are easily the most efficient way to cover snowy ground on foot in winter. This is not a particularly exciting year for spotting scopes. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. 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! Argos BTR 6-2450 APMR | Precision Rifle Scope - Athlon Optics In normal bright conditions, your pupil will usually be open about 2mm. 6 Best Focal Plane FFP Scopes to Buy - ScopeExpert.com Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. I have purchased 3 Athlon Argos BTR scopes, and zero issues with any of them. They are one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. 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. And we were a little disappointed in the relatively narrow field of view. 30mm main tube. 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. Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. 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. 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! Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. At almost 4.3 pounds this spotter feels like a tank, which means its a better base-camp scope than a walk-about optic. Whether you choose an angled or a straight-body spotting scope is largely a matter of personal preference. Select which one you want here. Bino Expert is a member of the Amazon Associates affiliate program. 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. Reviews & Ratings for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm - OpticsPlanet You can check the price here. Though its the same size and about the same in terms of zoom power, the money is spent on the quality of glass. 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. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. 20-60x. But for scouting use its perfect, or for spotting from the road. Click to play video. The viper has better glass, but I am able to see .22 holes in paper In the shade at 350yds with the Argos. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. arken sh4 6 24x50 vs vortex db tactical vs athon argos btr gen2 - AR-15 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. Dispersion is an effect in glass that causes distortion as light travels through it, or actually with any kind of waves. $399.99. In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. 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. This scope gives some of the crispest images around. 0 B bdzjlz Member I don't really want more than 3-4 x on the low end at least around here MDs are putting targets close and starting at 6x makes things tricky. free shipping & returns. And with $500, I would definitely buy the Diamondback 20-60x85mm. Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. About Us Policies. But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. Learn More . The Best Spotting Scopes in 2023 - Buyer's Guide - Bino Expert 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. Diamondback HD 20-60x85 (Angled) - Vortex Optics 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. They have come to dominate those segments of the market. 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. 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. If youre in the market for pretty much any optic and dont have a budget thats in the stratosphere, they have good options. Vortex has become a staple in the optics world recently, and for good reason. There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. $139.99 - $169.99. athlon leupold spotting scope vortex Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum Become a supporting member. Youll definitely want something sturdy though, and weight will again be a factor if you are carrying it on your back. All three sizes can also be had in either an angled or straight body. Since you're talking 22LR and not sure if you'll shoot competitive, I'm going to throw out Hawke here. Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. Maybe, but maybe not. This is probably unsurprising given their name. 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . 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. Vortex diamondback tactical 6-24x Vs Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. 7 Best Spotting Scopes Under 300 Dollars in 2023 - FixThePhoto.com No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. Now if youre using your scope from a fixed position and dont have to carry it around, this wont be a problem. The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . 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. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. 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. Having to go down and check your target every few shots means you can only get in so many practice shots per round. Springers abuse the crap out of scopes. The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. Again thanks for everyones input, truthfully I had been leaning towards the Diamondback but the Athlon supporters swayed my decision. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black I would leave the range with headaches from it. Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope | SCHEELS.com Vortex Diamondback HD vs Athlon Argos G2 UHD Binoculars You could try using it freehand or leaning it against something, but trust me when I tell you this will significantly hamper your viewing. Rifle Scopes - Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback Reply Report edosan Member Apr 30, 2018 1,926 54 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. 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. 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. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the. By Max Mutter and Benjamin Hickok. 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. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-3056 First Focal Plane Riflescopes Not everyone prefers the same type of reticle. A spotting scope is sort of a low-power telescope, while also offering better magnification than a set of binoculars. Alternatively, the rails allow you to mount the LMSS2 on either rails or a traditional tripod. 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. If youve ever been to a rifle range, you know youre in for some walking. It can be had with three different sizes of objective lenses, so you can choose just how big your scope is going to be. Athlon vs. Vortex Riflescopes - Which One is Best? New. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. Introducing the Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope - long range - reddit Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting And then, we perform a low-light test on several evenings. They just work as advertised. Just attach your camera and youll be taking clear photos from far away. Athlon Argos Binoculars 10X42 Review : Why You Should Buy It! This scope has extra low dispersion glass, and is one of the least expensive options that has that critical spec. 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. 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. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. Lastly, full-sized spotters are designed to be mounted on a tripod, so consider the mounting hardware. They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. Thats because any object you can see at 60x will only darken at 70x, so the additional magnification might not be worth the degradation in image. Hook it up to your camera with Zeisss extensive catalog of accessories and youll be taking pictures you never thought possible. 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. 2 models Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scopes $487.49 $389.99 Save 20% Best Rated. 10 MIL turrets. 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. I had a Diamondback FFP and I sold it immediately. The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 is a fantastic one to consider for someone who has a larger budget. Is the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 the Best Affordable Long Range Scope? But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. It may not have the extra low dispersion glass and other high end features of more expensive scopes, but it does a great job considering how little it takes to get your hands on one. Large 85mm Objective Lens. Athlon vs Vortex Scopes - Which Is Better? (ANSWERED) Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. All in, theres a lot of scope here for $800, a price that represents the savings possible from the direct-to-consumer optics brand. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. 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. Vortex, Athlon or Element? | Airgun Forum - Airgun Nation It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. The eyecups and sunshade move with snappy precision. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 & the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50. But I will say, that no matter what I did, I could not get my eye comfortable behind the glass. 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. There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units. Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . The first two, in the above case 20-60, are the zoom. At 60-power, the image will be largest, but because of the laws of optics, it also appears darkest and grainiest. View Quote. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. Athlon Optics 314001: 20-60X85 Spotter - 45 - Amazon.ca 3 reviews. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. There is a massive difference between HD and regular definition television, and everyone has seen it. 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. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. Founded in the United States in 1907, it has been family owned and operated for five generations, an incredible feat for any company. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. ! When you do buy your scope, know that youre also going to need to budget for a tripod. The Diamondback HD spotter makes an accessible, extremely usable optic for any number of well-lighted conditions. You can read more about them here. 1:24 . If you like shooting, ESPECIALLY at distance, you really need a decent Spotting Scope. 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. 10 Best Spotting Scopes February 2023 - MSN QUICK LIST: Best First Focal Plane Scopes in 2022. The MIDAS uses what appears to be night and day difference SUPERIOR GLASS. Get the Bushnell Match Pro over either. The Ultima 80 is the definition of the intersection between quality and affordability. 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. 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. Superdoo. Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. 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 Spotting scopes come in a very wide selection of sizes, more so than any other kind of optic. Vortex got mentioned above a lot, and there are good reasons. Spotter-Vortex Viper vs. Athlon Ares | Rokslide Forum Very few other manufacturers give you that kind of choice with their high end scope options. You can think of it like the limits of your peripheral vision. This spotter makes an excellent choice for a hunter who wants a versatile spotting scope without paying a months wages. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! Dec 9, 2019 123 56. in your price range I would look at this. The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. I am looking at the ballistic reticle scopes in the 3-9x40 and 4/4.5-12x40/42 range in both product lines. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and a silver-coated K9 glass prism . All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible.