Its virtually impossible to hold a powerful scope still enough to use effectively. Hunters may have a bit of a trade off here. 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. There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. Athlon Optics Cronus Gen II 20-60x86mm UHD Spotting Scopes FREE S&H Definitions aside, if youre in the market for a full-sized spotter and have limited funds, consider the Argos HD. The controls are tight, and we especially liked the two-speed focus and the fingertip sensitivity of the fine-focus knob. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. I had a minor issue one time and called them about it. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. 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. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. 8 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting - opticsrelated.com You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. Check the classifieds on here for something in the next tier up. As youll see in the two Athlon scopes in this years test, better-quality glass can double the price of a spotter. Most are designed to be held directly up near your eyes and therefore have a short eye relief, and this works perfectly for most situations. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 View Quote. Vortex Riflescopes | Buy Vortex Scopes - EuroOptic.com Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. We did notice a fair amount of slop in the threaded eyepiece adapter and would rather see a bayonet mount rather than the threaded ring. 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. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! It may not display this or other websites correctly. Strike Eagle has a ton of elevation and nice features. Youll notice the images starts to get dark and grainy at about 45-power, and our low-light test confirmed that, compared with its UHD brother, the Argos HD will wink out several minutes before its peers. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. 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. 10 Best Spotting Scopes February 2023 - MSN ATHLON Review thanks to Doug!!! - 24hourcampfire He already had a high end Vortex ($1,000). Its a tough trade off, and has to be made based on your hunting style. At 60-power, the image will be largest, but because of the laws of optics, it also appears darkest and grainiest. A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. Click to play video. Best Spotting Scope - Top 10 in 2023 [Guide & Top Picks] - Target Chaser Whether you choose an angled or a straight-body spotting scope is largely a matter of personal preference. They just offer the absolute best performance you can possibly get out of a tube filled with glass. If youve ever been to a rifle range, you know youre in for some walking. in your price range I would look at this. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. 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. They tend to give mediocre images at best and quality is low. Its affordable and the glass is super high quality. I have purchased 3 Athlon Argos BTR scopes, and zero issues with any of them. This Hawke is classified as a mid-sized unit, with its 68mm objective lens diameter, though it has a magnification range more in keeping with 80 and 85mm scopes. Athlon Optics / RIFLE SCOPES / ARGOS BTR GEN2 / ARGOS BTR GEN2 6-2450 APMR FFP IR MIL. Usually works better from a vehicle window mount. 6 Best FFP Scopes. 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. Check the price here. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. 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. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. Or look at even smaller scopes, like the 9-2756 Hawke in this years test. All the money is going straight into the glass. 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. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. 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. 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. Along with size, price varies dramatically. They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! 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. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. New. . The 10MIL locking turrets on the Match Pro alone make it worth going to the top end of your budget range. At first sight, the Argos 10x42 is quite a compact binocular. 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. If you have the money and want to get top performance, you definitely have that option. Nikon is one of the most well known optics brands in the world. Vanguard is a smaller, more specialized company than many on this list, and they deserve your consideration for their quality products. As a hunter who uses a spotting scope and binoculars in tandem, I dont worry too much about the field of view of my scope. Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. 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. 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. Half felt it implied a lack of durability. Itll cost you, but man does it make scopes easier to use. The other differentiation from the Argos HD model: the aluminum-alloy chassis of the Ares UHD. Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. 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. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. Very few other manufacturers give you that kind of choice with their high end scope options. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black 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. While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. All in, theres a lot of scope here for $800, a price that represents the savings possible from the direct-to-consumer optics brand. 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 are known to provide some of the best mid-range optics. The CS.1 is built around the same mid-level class of glass that Maven uses in its C Series binoculars. I regularly shoot out to 300 yds with my ar and have shot to 1k with a friends equipment. . Minuteman. 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. There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. This year that nod goes to Athlons Argos HD. Full-sized spotting scopes can cost well over $2,000. 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. Now if youre using your scope from a fixed position and dont have to carry it around, this wont be a problem. Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting. 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. But only barely, and only because they are more established and I have had good experiences directly with them in the past. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. 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. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. These coatings help the scope transmit and gather light better, thus increasing the quality and clarity of the image it delivers. There are only dangerous men." Spotting Scope Review - 24hourcampfire It'll give you some intel on Athlon . tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. At middle distances, like 50 to 400 yards, you can usually zoom in to see precise details of your target. 0 B bdzjlz Member If youre in the market for pretty much any optic and dont have a budget thats in the stratosphere, they have good options. The CS.1 won our low-light test, beating a handful of 80 and 85mm scopes, which is a testament to its good-quality glass. The optical quality, overall . Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. This spotter makes an excellent choice for a hunter who wants a versatile spotting scope without paying a months wages. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. Athlon Optics . Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. Dec 12, 2019. brushandbay. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. 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. The eyecups and sunshade move with snappy precision. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes - ARGOS vs. ARES - YouTube Free shipping for many products! What about 600 or even futher? But I have had several of the midway BSAs, one primary arms, they all tracked well. Long Island. If the former, you might consider investing in models with excellent glass and mirage-taming coatings. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. 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. 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 $2000 USD. Did a quick sight in using a snow bank ( makes things so quick and easy being able to see impact as it happens), and was able to start hitting some targets. Opinions about between Athlon Helos and Vortex Diamondback Tactical They have many scopes under 500$ that comes in both straight and angled version. Apart from its compact design, it is also ergonomic. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black Customer reviews Customer reviews 4.4 out of 5 174 global ratings Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - 45 Degree, Green/Black by Size: 45 Degree Change How customer reviews and ratings work Top positive review Jack Holcomb Great spotting scope You must log in or register to reply here. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. Spotter-Vortex Viper vs. Athlon Ares. Mil Dot Hunting Rifle Scopes, 50 Loft 6-Iron Golf Clubs . 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. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. When budget isnt a limitation, I tend to recommend Swarovski. The ED glass works pretty well, but the real appeal here is the Horus reticle inside and tactical bling on the exterior. trying to find the right scope (vortex, bushnell, athlon) | Airgun Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. There is a range of designations that manufacturers use, and unfortunately there isnt much standardization. At lower powers, you can get by without a stabilizing tripod. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . They just work as advertised. Maven has a few great spotting scope options (all of which are customizable if you order through their website). Glass was pretty good for the price. 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. Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback: . I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. That glass is good, but its not quite as bright and sharp as that Japanese S-series glass. 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. Its hard to label a single scope as the best available since they are so personalized to different uses. The first instance stands for high-definition while the second is ultra-high-definition. Theres still no rigor around those terms, but the HD model was measurably darker and muddier than the UHD model. Check it out on Amazon. Its a pattern weve seen play out over two decades of the Outdoor Life optics test. You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. Thoughts on Athlon Talos Spotting Scope. 20-60x80. Springers abuse the crap out of scopes. 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. Optically, its a solid performer, but its image is like the rest of the spotter, sort of middling. Athlon Cronus is up to 60 power but still have a reasonable size. Many buyers are looking for a scope to take to the range to verify hits on distant targets, whether paper bullseyes or steel plates. 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. The very best birding binoculars under $500 - What birds are in my If you got sick of reading about scopes (or, lets be honest, you saw there was video and skipped ahead! 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. Is the foot large and strong enough to stabilize the optic? Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm . It is worth a trip to your local sporting goods store to look through some scopes and make sure that your glasses do not interfere with the normal eye relief on models you are considering. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. Athlon vs Vortex Riflescope Comparison in March 2023 - ProReviewBuzz The size of that beam of light is directly derived from two of the factors mentioned above: zoom and objective lens size. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. The point is..if you buy a Vortex, you have to check if the reticles are wire or not. They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units. They sell their products directly to consumers similarly to Upland Optics, but they are at the higher end of the price/quality spectrum. ! And if anything happens to it, Leupolds lifetime transferable warranty will keep you covered. $199.99. The unit defaults to a 20-70x eyepiece, which you have to purchase separately from the body, but the wide-angle 30-60x eyepiece may have even more utility. Is the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 the Best Affordable Long Range Scope? Binoculars & Spotting Scopes | Costco Maven is a very unique company in the sporting optics world. Doug asked me to review two Athlon scopes for him. 2 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs. It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. Oftentimes they dont even end up helping you see better at long distances. Products ( 2) Sort By. Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? thanks! Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. 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. 1.7 #7) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. This is not a particularly exciting year for spotting scopes. Also, is 40 or 48 power enough to spot holes at 500 yards? Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. I would highly avoid getting a true budget scope (one that costs less than $200). Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. But for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. 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.

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