The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . Its optical shortcomings are evident in low light conditions, but thats to be expected at this bargain price. If you have the budget, Celestrons Regal is a huge optical upgrade over the Ultima. Its their higher end scope offering, but is still affordable. Emarth 20-60x60AE Angled Spotting Scope (Spotting Scope Under $100) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope. While zoom is described by the initial range of all important numbers on spotting scope specs, objective lens size finishes it out. I have both and would buy another Athlon. They tend to give mediocre images at best and quality is low. You could try using it freehand or leaning it against something, but trust me when I tell you this will significantly hamper your viewing. The optical quality, overall . This family of rifle scopes featuring FFP and SFP models, True Precision Zero Stop, Fully Multi-coated Lenses, Direct Dial Elevation & Windage Turrets (Capped in 1-8x24), Illuminated Reticle, 30mm Tube. Best Spotting Scope - Top 10 in 2023 [Guide & Top Picks] - Target Chaser They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 Leupold GR Vs Vortex Razor HD Vs Athlon Ares? Eye relief is the range of distances from the lens within which you wont get any black rings and missed images from your scope. The 10MIL locking turrets on the Match Pro alone make it worth going to the top end of your budget range. 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 Once you look through Zeisss Harpia spotter, no other scope will quite satisfy you. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. 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). Best Spotting Scopes of 2023 | Outdoor Life The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. 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. How you use your scope will impact the type of scope body you get. Athlon vs Vortex Scopes - Which Is Better? (ANSWERED) While this is likely the first spotter that a hunter or shooter may buyowing to the approachable priceit wont be the last. 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. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Likewise, the triply more expensive Vortex Viper is optically superior to the Vortex Diamondback. 20-60x. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? In all, the Meopta compares favorably to premium spotters from Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss at a lower price. Thread starter Wrencoforge; Start date Jan 20, 2020; Forums. All three sizes can also be had in either an angled or straight body. Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. 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. Doug asked me to review two Athlon scopes for him. Minuteman. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50 Riflescope - APLR2 FFP IR MOA, Black Bino Expert is a member of the Amazon Associates affiliate program. 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. . Well, Athlon kept that in mind, and that is why they brought out the Ares ETR in different reticle styles. The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. A spotting scope helps you get crystal clear, up close views of birds, and can also help you take pictures of them. VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 20-60X80MM SPOTTING SCOPE - Sniper Central I have purchased 3 Athlon Argos BTR scopes, and zero issues with any of them. 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. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. Leupold is one of the oldest names in the sporting optics world. But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. The other differentiation from the Argos HD model: the aluminum-alloy chassis of the Ares UHD. I would highly avoid getting a true budget scope (one that costs less than $200). Ahtlon vs Vortex (just glass perspective) - Long Range Hunting Forum The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. They are going to stop rifle optics but Nikon isnt going anywhere. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. 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. 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. I hunted with this scope during Montanas elk season, and it took in stride all the temperature changes, bumps and drops, and dust the hunts dealt it. They just offer the absolute best performance you can possibly get out of a tube filled with glass. I just believe you get what you pay for. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD - Best FFP Scope Under $1500. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. Athlon NEOS 10x42 vs. Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Vortex Diamondback HD vs Athlon Argos G2 UHD Binoculars For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. If the former, you might consider investing in models with excellent glass and mirage-taming coatings. While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. Thx, Colice "There are no dangerous weapons. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. Consider the durability of a spotter. I haven't had a chance to mount and shoot it yet, but construction feels solid. Vortex, Athlon or Element? | Airgun Forum - Airgun Nation Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). 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. The ED glass works pretty well, but the real appeal here is the Horus reticle inside and tactical bling on the exterior. Also, they are generous with the hash marks on their mil dot. Maven applied the Goldilocks Rule to this versatile spotter. W. Wrencoforge Sergeant of the Hide. 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. If you have the money and want to get top performance, you definitely have that option. The largest, most powerful spotting scopes are among the most expensive sports optics on the market. I would leave the range with headaches from it. 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 are one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. Show More. Their Ultima is a great scope for bird watchers. 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. Athlon vs. Vortex Riflescopes - Which One is Best? 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. 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. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. I didnt think the turrets, lack of zero-stop, and mediocre glass would bother me. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. This scope is perfect for someone: Who is looking for an all-in budget build of under $1,000 (gun and scope) A beginner long-range shooter who wants to stretch into those longer distances, but doesn't want to stretch their wallet Now, don't get me wrong, this scope is a high-quality scope 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. The best brightness and image quality will be at 20X, but the image will be smallest at that magnification. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. 7 Best Spotting Scopes Under 300 Dollars in 2023 - FixThePhoto.com Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback - Long Range Hunting Forum F FlatCat Member Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. They even have a spotting scope eyepiece that functions as a binocular, with two eyepieces! 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. 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. This pricey, indulgent, magnum-sized optic is the last spotting scope youll own, and it parses details like no other spotter in this category. The size of that beam of light is directly derived from two of the factors mentioned above: zoom and objective lens size. Select which one you want here. Vortex Diamondback vs Hawke Endurance ED vs Vanguard Endeavor ED 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. Can the tripod adapter be used with a wide variety of tripod models and heads? 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. Introducing the Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope - long range - reddit The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. 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. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56 - Best for Long Range. Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. 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! 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. A handsome, versatile, and rugged spotting scope, the OSCAR8 has a sensibly restrained magnification range that zooms from 27 to 55-power. ! 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. 45 Angled Viewing. It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. 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. Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. Specifications. Diamondback HD 20-60x85 (Angled) - Vortex Optics If youre a hunter who packs in deep its worth serious consideration, as its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry into the backcountry. Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? Argos and The Midas Tac is a $700 scope so if going that high then look at the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25. Check the price here. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Is it going to be aimed permanently at the stars? 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. 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. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. You can learn more about them here. Dielectric-Coated Porro Prism. They sent me a prepaid label without a fight. A good spotter can help you see your shots from where you are shooting, eliminating the need to go down range as often. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. Find Athlon Optics Cronus Gen II 20-60x86mm UHD Spotting Scopes-311004 with New Product and 20% Off today at Rangefinders.com +1-800-504-5995 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. If you divide the objective size by the zoom, you get the exact diameter of the exit pupil. ), here are some great resources to help you buy a scope: Cheap vs. Hes also OLs optics editor, helping readers to make informed buying decisions. 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. Athlon vs Vortex Riflescope Comparison in March 2023 - ProReviewBuzz Check it out here. $399.99. The Argos gives excellent images for a scope in this price range, is large enough to be seriously powerful, and has intuitive, solid controls. Is the foot large and strong enough to stabilize the optic? Full Member. On this review we are going to be using the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 as the benchmark. You can get monsters with objective lenses over 100mm designed for leaving in place, or get something portable. It offers very impressive light transmission and gives unbelievable image quality to its viewer. Unsurprisingly, letting more light in is what you want. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. Vortex diamondback tactical 6-24x Vs Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. 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. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope - OpticsPlanet You can check the price today and see if its the right fit for you. In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. Athlon Ares Spotting Scope VS. Vortex Razor Spotting Scope Review 73,201 views Mar 13, 2016 263 Dislike Share Save Backcountry Brotherhood 8.15K subscribers Watch as we review the new. Long Island. Definitions aside, if youre in the market for a full-sized spotter and have limited funds, consider the Argos HD. And while their telescopes are awesome for picking out constellations, their spotting scopes give you some flexibility to use in different situations. 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. I am a fan of vortex but the diamond back not so much . The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 on a Diana 240, and a Hawke Vantage SF 6-24x44 on a Savage Mark 2 22LR. Should the spotter ever fail, its fully backed by SIGs excellent five-year warranty. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. 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. If youre in the market for pretty much any optic and dont have a budget thats in the stratosphere, they have good options. All high magnification rifle scopes with at least 24X under $750 The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. Full-sized spotting scopes can cost well over $2,000. Hunters dont want to have to haul around the most massive scope, but it needs to be substantially more powerful than their binoculars. 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. (130) Compare Product. I have had a couple of Argos's in the past with excellent tracking and good-enough glass. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. All these attributes make it an ideal budget option for hunters. Athlon Ares Spotting Scope VS. Vortex Razor Spotting Scope Review I'm looking at 6-24 versions and they seem similar. Objective Lens Diameter. But if you made me choose, I would have to pick the Athlon Argos 20-60x85mm. 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} Best Bushnell Spotting Scope {Our Top Pickup} . The first two, in the above case 20-60, are the zoom. New. Theres nothing particularly ground-breaking in this introduction from Athlon, just a sized-up version of its very good 65mm Ares G2 UHD model. 1.7 #7) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. 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. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. That brings us to the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80mm straight eyepiece spotting . Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. arken sh4 6 24x50 vs vortex db tactical vs athon argos btr gen2 - AR-15 The Harpia 95 has a little sister, the Harpia 85, thats a little more portable and only slightly more affordable. 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. Much faster target acquisition (angled scopes can be intuitive to find what youre trying to look at because of the angle). Half felt it implied a lack of durability. Athlon Argos Binoculars 10X42 Review : Why You Should Buy It! Opinions about between Athlon Helos and Vortex Diamondback Tactical But I have had several of the midway BSAs, one primary arms, they all tracked well. 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. Learn more about it here. Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope - Amazon.com They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. in your price range I would look at this. 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. Dispersion is an effect in glass that causes distortion as light travels through it, or actually with any kind of waves. They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. Here are the specs that matter most: You should seriously consider this combo, check the price here. Is the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 the Best Affordable Long Range Scope? +1-800-504-5920 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. . 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. When budget isnt a limitation, I tend to recommend Swarovski. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. Thread starter idahohikker; Start date Apr 21, 2018; Apr 21, 2018 #1 I. . The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. 30mm main tube. Products ( 2) Sort By. Check its price right now by clicking here. They also have several subsidiaries underneath them, including names you might recognize like Tasco, Browning Sport Optics, and Simmons. 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. Vortex has become a staple in the optics world recently, and for good reason. 1:24 . Skis are easily the most efficient way to cover snowy ground on foot in winter. 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. The 27 to 55-power is the sweet spot for combining magnification with a reasonably bright image. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. 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. Field of view is obviously heavily influenced by the magnification power of your scope. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. 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. 6 Best FFP Scopes. 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. Sold two to a friend(bought Athlon Ares and Tacticle). Learn more about it here. But the magnification range, zooming from 9x up to 27x, gives this little unit more range and a surprisingly nice image. The Best Spotting Scopes in 2023 - Buyer's Guide - Bino Expert 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 noticed the gen 2 Argos is out now and it mentions upgraded turrets. So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. 4 models Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scopes As Low As $498.49 Save Up to 17%. 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 . Built on a composite-carbon chassis, the Vanguard VEO HD runs lighter than its peers, which makes this 80mm spotter a good choice for backcountry hunting. The extra low-dispersion glass in this model and the oversized objective lens make this a good choice for mid-range field work. The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. 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. Athlon Argos Spotting Scope 20-60x85. These scopes have features normally only found on high-end scopes. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. Perhaps the highest end brand in the optics world, Swarovski caters to those who want the absolute clearest glass and the best quality images. 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. Get the Bushnell Match Pro over either. If you spend a few hundred dollars, youre going to get something that will definitely improve on your naked eyes vision and help you be successful at whatever activity you are doing. Rifle Scopes - Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback Maybe, but maybe not. 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. Check them out at Bushnell.com. 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. 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. 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. 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.
