Alternatively, the rails allow you to mount the LMSS2 on either rails or a traditional tripod. Free Shipping & Free Returns* FREE SHIPPING on Over 250,000 Products. You can check the price here. They were the company that made optics available to the masses for the first time by importing binoculars from manufacturers in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. A spotting scope is sort of a low-power telescope, while also offering better magnification than a set of binoculars. The 45-degree angled eyepiece is also a nice touch, as it allows for users to use it in a number of different stances. Shop Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope | 4.4 Star Rating on 92 Reviews for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope + Free Shipping over $49. 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. Once you look through Zeisss Harpia spotter, no other scope will quite satisfy you. Perhaps the highest end brand in the optics world, Swarovski caters to those who want the absolute clearest glass and the best quality images. 3 reviews. They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 is a fantastic one to consider for someone who has a larger budget. Athlon Argos BTR is $280-$370ish, depending on the model. 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} Best Bushnell Spotting Scope {Our Top Pickup} . The eyecups and sunshade move with snappy precision. What about 600 or even futher? When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. If youve got a little more money to spend, its hard not to recommend the Vortex Razor series for you. I just got the argos for my 22. What the CS.1 delivers, though, is rugged performance. While this Argos was very well built (and very similar in style and quality to the Vortex Diamondback which is a much higher-priced scope I've used in the past), I found the optical quality to not be as good . Length, weight, eye relief, and FOV are similar. Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback. There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. A big, serious spotter with very good glass and responsive controls, the Ares UHD is the big brother to Athlons excellent 65mm Argos introduced a couple of years ago. The CS.1 is built around the same mid-level class of glass that Maven uses in its C Series binoculars. And if youre really a beast and can pack it in, youll be rewarded with great images. This means that objects will appear between 20 and 60 times closer than they actually are, depending on how you have it set. But if its the latter, than less expensive glass might be fine. Joined Jan 16, 2018 . 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. At 60-power, the image will be largest, but because of the laws of optics, it also appears darkest and grainiest. 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 Thats because the glass and controls of the Argos HD are slightly disappointing. +1-800-504-5920 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. View Quote. There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. Its affordable and the glass is super high quality. 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. Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. Youll definitely want something sturdy though, and weight will again be a factor if you are carrying it on your back. Vortex diamondback vs viper. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. 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. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm . Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. Again thanks for everyones input, truthfully I had been leaning towards the Diamondback but the Athlon supporters swayed my decision. 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. They are one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. They have many scopes under 500$ that comes in both straight and angled version. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. The glass itself in the lenses of your scope is what will determine how much dispersion is happening, and getting glass with lower dispersion is one of the primary differences in cost between different brands and models. Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. Argos and The Midas Tac is a $700 scope so if going that high then look at the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25. These fit with the maxim 'you get . Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. Consider the durability of a spotter. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. Here are some great options to consider: This scope, which gets our number one overall recommendation right now, is a shockingly good value. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. How versatile do you want your scope to be? The best brightness and image quality will be at 20X, but the image will be smallest at that magnification. While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. 1:24 . Precision rifle shooters will appreciate the fixed 22-power lens that contains a milling PRS reticle, which allows users to make precise calls when spotting for a long-distance shooter. There is a range of designations that manufacturers use, and unfortunately there isnt much standardization. Well, Athlon kept that in mind, and that is why they brought out the Ares ETR in different reticle styles. You probably dont want to be lugging around a 100mm Celestron that weighs 4.5 pounds even without the tripod if youre going deep into elk country. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. This direct-to-consumer brand delivers bright ED glass and quality Japanese build at a relatively accessible price. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. 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. Put it on a 40-50 MOA base and you can dial a .22 out past 500 yards. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. These scopes have features normally only found on high-end scopes. Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. Is it going to be aimed permanently at the stars? Athlon Cronus is up to 60 power but still have a reasonable size. Vanguard is a smaller, more specialized company than many on this list, and they deserve your consideration for their quality products. . The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. Lastly, full-sized spotters are designed to be mounted on a tripod, so consider the mounting hardware. Its optical shortcomings are evident in low light conditions, but thats to be expected at this bargain price. Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). Replies 44 Views 30K. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. 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. 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. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. Full Member. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. We've rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. Wednesday December 7, 2022. 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. The Ultima 80 is the definition of the intersection between quality and affordability. But even more approachable scopes will set you back around $1,000. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 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:. $199.99. 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. 2 models Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scopes $487.49 $389.99 Save 20% Best Rated. These coatings help the scope transmit and gather light better, thus increasing the quality and clarity of the image it delivers. Its virtually impossible to hold a powerful scope still enough to use effectively. The bigger the lens, the bigger and heavier the scope. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. Celestron shows up in a lot of places on this list, particularly when looking for affordable quality. 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. The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. That means clearer images day and night. No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. 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. Carefully consider exactly how youre going to use it. Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. But if you made me choose, I would have to pick the Athlon Argos 20-60x85mm. At about 40 ounces, it isnt the lightest scope, but it gives you an excellent performance to portability ratio. I have both and would buy another Athlon. Only you can make the decision on whether the extra ounces and sacrificed zoom power are worth it for some extra low light visibility on opening morning. I just believe you get what you pay for. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . At middle distances, like 50 to 400 yards, you can usually zoom in to see precise details of your target. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. And then, we perform a low-light test on several evenings. And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. Usually works better from a vehicle window mount. Glass was pretty good for the price. But only barely, and only because they are more established and I have had good experiences directly with them in the past. 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. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. Side By Side Review Athlon NEOS 10x42 vs. Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Binoculars Home ADVENTURES Store About Updates Contact MIL/LEO Custom Shop Group Buy Polices UPDATE STATION . Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. Show More. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. 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. I have access to a 1,200 yd range now and want to get into long range. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. Like most scopes, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 does not come with a mount and rings included. Learn more about their long, family owned history here. The downside is that in order to do so, you will have to either sacrifice zoom power, or get much larger objective lenses (and therefore increase weight). 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. Click to play video. I had a minor issue one time and called them about it. These describe the zoom and the objective lens size. 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. 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. 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. They just offer the absolute best performance you can possibly get out of a tube filled with glass. 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. 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. Athlon Argos Spotting Scope 20-60x85. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. 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. 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. This is not a particularly exciting year for spotting scopes. Learn more about it here. The Maven has especially good manners. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. Most spotting scopes that zoom up to 60-power get so dark and grainy at that magnification that theyre really only useful up to about 50-power. Thats our opinion of how much of a bargain or a rip-off each binocular is. If you cant spend over a hundred dollars, your options are limited to discount providers. 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. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. Check them out at Bushnell.com. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. Jan 25, 2022. 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? Maven applied the Goldilocks Rule to this versatile spotter. The 10MIL locking turrets on the Match Pro alone make it worth going to the top end of your budget range. Hunters may have a bit of a trade off here. The downside is that the scopes I have are all SFP, but they do make an FFP model. As expected, the Nikon 5 8x42 is clearer and brighter than the under $200 non-ED glass Vortex Diamondback. Ok, folks - here it is: The Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. When budget isnt a limitation, I tend to recommend Swarovski. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. Which makes it a perfect option for hunters. Thread starter idahohikker; Start date Apr 21, 2018; Apr 21, 2018 #1 I. . 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. This scope is offered in either an angled or straight body, and either way you can get a 16-48x65mm or a 20-60x85mm for viewing far off wildlife. 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. The build boosts the durability of this spotter and gives it a stiffer and more sure-footed feel. Darling of our best spotting scopes test is the new compact CS.1 from Maven, but we also like a couple of nicely priced full-sized spotters. (130) Compare Product. Jan 20, 2020 #1 ; Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. Itll cost you, but man does it make scopes easier to use. Especially in low-light conditions, those extreme ranges are rarely usable. And if anything happens to it, Leupolds lifetime transferable warranty will keep you covered. much better than the Athlon and Vortex and on a close out sale now. Learn More . Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . A 20-60x60mm scope at the lowest 20 power setting has an exit pupil diameter of 6020, or 3mm. Definitions aside, if youre in the market for a full-sized spotter and have limited funds, consider the Argos HD. Any feedback on these two scopes? Yes, Vortex Tactical line is part of their upper tier level. Show Out of Stock Items. 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. Check its price right now by clicking here. It has an 82mm objective lens, boasts ED glass for amazing image clarity, and has a field flattener lens system for crisp images all the way to the periphery. 6 Best FFP Scopes. If youre a bird watcher that likes to photograph your quarry, youll be happy to know this scope has a ton of available accessories for connecting to cameras of all sorts. You can get monsters with objective lenses over 100mm designed for leaving in place, or get something portable. Should the spotter ever fail, its fully backed by SIGs excellent five-year warranty. . Athlon sells their own rings and mounts, which obviously mesh well when used in tandem with their scope . 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. 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. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. We were able to arrive at a consensus on the optical talents of this spotter. I chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. They are still honoring their warrantee but have made some changes and dont have the no fault warrantee any longer. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 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. 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. Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. Its eyecup turns as though on ball bearings, and instead of locking into pre-determined detents, it is infinitely adjustable. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. The first spotter from this direct-to-consumer is a versatile powerhouse. I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. The average user who uses them primarily during the day wont have an issue with almost any scope sold on the market, since the exit pupil will be large enough to work effectively during full light conditions. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. Select which one you want here. And the Celestron Trailseeker ED has better optical performance than the under $150 Celestron Nature DX. Athlon Optics . The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. With a straight-body spotting scope, youd have to trade places with your buddy in order for them to see the deer. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They have come to dominate those segments of the market. 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. Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. Maybe, but maybe not. 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. If youre a hunter who packs in deep its worth serious consideration, as its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry into the backcountry. And the wide-angle eyepiece provides a constant 66-degree field of view throughout the entire magnification range. If you hold any kind of magnified optic up to a light source and at least a foot away from your eyes, you will see a white dot in the middle of the lens. Nikon is one of the most well known optics brands in the world. The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. So for a brief period of time, I had both the Athlon Talos 20x60x80 and this Athlon Argos 20x60x85 side by side for a detailed comparison. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. Magnification. At lower powers, you can get by without a stabilizing tripod. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. And while their telescopes are awesome for picking out constellations, their spotting scopes give you some flexibility to use in different situations. The 65mm size is just about right for most backpack pockets, and it pairs nicely with mid-sized tripods. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. Easier to switch between binos and spotting scope. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links . Its on the larger side for a hunting scope, and you may not want to pack it in if youve already got a heavy pack and are going in deep. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. This year that nod goes to Athlons Argos HD. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 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. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56 - Best for Long Range. Theres nothing particularly ground-breaking in this introduction from Athlon, just a sized-up version of its very good 65mm Ares G2 UHD model. So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. That means you need to think about what you want and need a spotter to do. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. 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. Therefore it stands to reason that you want the spotter labeled HD, right? In normal bright conditions, your pupil will usually be open about 2mm. Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? 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 . Get the Bushnell Match Pro over either. Likewise, the triply more expensive Vortex Viper is optically superior to the Vortex Diamondback. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO Riflescope with Dead Hold BDC Reticle (MOA). If you have the budget, Celestrons Regal is a huge optical upgrade over the Ultima. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. This pricey, indulgent, magnum-sized optic is the last spotting scope youll own, and it parses details like no other spotter in this category. A good spotter can help you see your shots from where you are shooting, eliminating the need to go down range as often. You are using an out of date browser. (Argos 6-24x50, Talos 4-14x44) Last weekend I mounted both of these . So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? ArmorTek Technology: The build quality is as expected top-notch. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece. Another great option depending on your uses is a car window mount. 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. With an 80mm objective lens, its big enough to handle pretty much any task you throw at it. But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. The largest, most powerful spotting scopes are among the most expensive sports optics on the market. 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. Half felt it implied a lack of durability. You should see a set of numbers either in the products title or right away in its specifications that look something like 20-60x60mm. The controls are tight, and we especially liked the two-speed focus and the fingertip sensitivity of the fine-focus knob. 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.