You must log in or register to reply here. 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. With a straight-body spotting scope, youd have to trade places with your buddy in order for them to see the deer. Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. Show Out of Stock Items. 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. Theres nothing particularly ground-breaking in this introduction from Athlon, just a sized-up version of its very good 65mm Ares G2 UHD model. It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. The other half appreciated the Endurance EDs talents for a backcountry spotter. There are only dangerous men." And the wide-angle eyepiece provides a constant 66-degree field of view throughout the entire magnification range. But for scouting use its perfect, or for spotting from the road. But if its the latter, than less expensive glass might be fine. While this is likely the first spotter that a hunter or shooter may buyowing to the approachable priceit wont be the last. Thread starter Wrencoforge; Start date Jan 20, 2020; Forums. 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. 1.8 #8) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope. Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. Joined Jan 16, 2018 . Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. Thats because the glass and controls of the Argos HD are slightly disappointing. It is used solely as a marketing hook by companies to make their optics seem very high quality. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. Here are the scopes Id recommend for the budding astronomer: Celestron is kind of the specialist when it comes to astronomy equipment in the sporting optics world. Whether you choose an angled or a straight-body spotting scope is largely a matter of personal preference. When you do buy your scope, know that youre also going to need to budget for a tripod. 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. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. Get as much zoom power as you need, but keep in mind the more you zoom in, especially with a cheap scope, the more clarity you will lose. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and a silver-coated K9 glass prism . The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. 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. 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. The image delivered by the 23-70-power eyepiece is stunning, and the amount of light delivered to the eye through the 95mm objective lens makes even low-light glassing a pleasure. The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. 4 models Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scopes As Low As $498.49 Save Up to 17%. The Argos gives excellent images for a scope in this price range, is large enough to be seriously powerful, and has intuitive, solid controls. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. Mil Dot Hunting Rifle Scopes, 50 Loft 6-Iron Golf Clubs . Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. 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. Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. 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. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. This same middle-is-best trade-off applies to every magnification range, from 9-27-power spotters to 20-60-power eyepieces. 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. Spotting Scope Review after Testing. $249.99. Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. View Quote. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Its eyecup turns as though on ball bearings, and instead of locking into pre-determined detents, it is infinitely adjustable. If youre in the market for pretty much any optic and dont have a budget thats in the stratosphere, they have good options. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. Key Features. Likewise, the triply more expensive Vortex Viper is optically superior to the Vortex Diamondback. How you use your scope will impact the type of scope body you get. Maven is a very unique company in the sporting optics world. It's big and heavy, so you probably will mostly use it from your vehicle or a camp, but the power behind a scope this big is something awesome to behold. So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. xugz0212 New Member. They're both fairly equal when comparing in the same price range, but I will support Vortex always for their customer service and unmatched warranty. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. The straight-barrel design will appeal to viewers who want to make quick target acquisition, instead of the hunting-and-pecking sometimes required with angled eyepieces. At 60-power, the image will be largest, but because of the laws of optics, it also appears darkest and grainiest. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope 6-24x50, EBR-2C MRAD DBK-10029. Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. 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. 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. 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. Its their higher end scope offering, but is still affordable. Check its price right now by clicking here. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. 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. 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. That means you need to think about what you want and need a spotter to do. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? 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). I'm an optics snob and all my rifles sport Vortex Razors, AMG, Nightforce NSX, Swarovski and Zeiss. That and it was $120 less.. 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! That despite an 80mm lens (many of its peers have 85mm objectives). The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. In that case, weight and portability arent an issue; you should consider a full-sized scope, with magnification ranges from 20-60-power and an 85 or even 90mm objective lens. Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. They have come to dominate those segments of the market. 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. They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. Jan 25, 2022. 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. free shipping & returns. From reviews and videos I've seen it tracks well. tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. Astronomy is usually thought to be done with a big telescope setup, but a spotting scope can also work well for a hobbyist. Thread starter Kyle Wheeler; Start date Nov 11, 2020; Nov 11, 2020 #1 Kyle Wheeler Well Known Rokslider. They sent me a prepaid label without a fight. Field of view is obviously heavily influenced by the magnification power of your scope. Unsurprisingly, letting more light in is what you want. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. Because our test doesnt intentionally punish submissions until they break, the durability question is necessarily unanswered. Get the Bushnell Match Pro over either. The Vortex Optics Diamondback is the best spotting scope for 300 dollars as it has 20x-60x magnification and a 60mm lens diameter. Many buyers are looking for a scope to take to the range to verify hits on distant targets, whether paper bullseyes or steel plates. Its a pattern weve seen play out over two decades of the Outdoor Life optics test. 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 . But the magnification range, zooming from 9x up to 27x, gives this little unit more range and a surprisingly nice image. Lastly, full-sized spotters are designed to be mounted on a tripod, so consider the mounting hardware. They are known to provide some of the best mid-range optics. 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. Here are the specs that matter most: You should seriously consider this combo, check the price here. 3 reviews. I have purchased 3 Athlon Argos BTR scopes, and zero issues with any of them. Athlon Argos BTR 6-2450 Gen2 APLR2 FFP MOA reticle. 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. Deploy MIL First Focal Plane reticle. $199.99. 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. 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. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 As expected, the Nikon 5 8x42 is clearer and brighter than the under $200 non-ED glass Vortex Diamondback. 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. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. 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. Athlon sells their own rings and mounts, which obviously mesh well when used in tandem with their scope . Thats our opinion of how much of a bargain or a rip-off each binocular is. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. If you want to be counting antler points on mule deer from a few miles away youre going to have to have perfect conditions and a very high end scope, regardless of the zoom power. This direct-to-consumer brand delivers bright ED glass and quality Japanese build at a relatively accessible price. While zoom is described by the initial range of all important numbers on spotting scope specs, objective lens size finishes it out. The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. ), here are some great resources to help you buy a scope: Cheap vs. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 That brings us to the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80mm straight eyepiece spotting . Full Member. Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. Here are some great options to consider: This scope, which gets our number one overall recommendation right now, is a shockingly good value. 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. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. Optically, its a solid performer, but its image is like the rest of the spotter, sort of middling. You will pay a pretty penny to get your hands on one of their scopes, but if you want the best there is no substitute. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. The UHDit stands for ultra-high-definitionglass also boosts its performance. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the Athlon Argos HD 20-60x85mm the best scope for most uses. 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. Put it on a tripod, point it at the sky, and youll be opened up to a whole new world(s)! If you want clear views, you want to minimize dispersion. Observation & Sighting Devices . Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 & the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50. Show More. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. Leupolds flagship spotting scope delivers a quality image at pretty much every magnification. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. in your price range I would look at this. At middle distances, like 50 to 400 yards, you can usually zoom in to see precise details of your target. A great all-around spotter, the SIG OSCAR8 has enough optical horsepower for most hunting situations and exterior styling that fits right at home on a rifle range. 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. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. I'll be honest I wasn't looking forward to reviewing Athlon optics. Testers had some concerns over durability based on how the controls loosened over our testing. This means that objects will appear between 20 and 60 times closer than they actually are, depending on how you have it set. We may receive a sales commission if you purchase any products after using one of our links. Long Island. 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. Magnification. The angled eyepiece and rotating tripod mount increase its versatility, and the controls are relatively tight and precise, especially for the at around $400. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the. 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. Big, grippy, and durable, the Santiam is a no-nonsense full-sized spotter that feels a little heavy for a walk-about optic but will give years of service as a base-camp, shooting-range, or pickup scope. 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. At lower powers, you can get by without a stabilizing tripod. 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. Another great option depending on your uses is a car window mount. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 on a Diana 240, and a Hawke Vantage SF 6-24x44 on a Savage Mark 2 22LR. Just attach your camera and youll be taking clear photos from far away. . SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Angled. But I have had several of the midway BSAs, one primary arms, they all tracked well. Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-3056 First Focal Plane Riflescopes Not everyone prefers the same type of reticle. Since you're talking 22LR and not sure if you'll shoot competitive, I'm going to throw out Hawke here. The extra low-dispersion glass in this model and the oversized objective lens make this a good choice for mid-range field work. All the money is going straight into the glass. The size of that beam of light is directly derived from two of the factors mentioned above: zoom and objective lens size. Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. They are still honoring their warrantee but have made some changes and dont have the no fault warrantee any longer. Doug asked me to review two Athlon scopes for him. 1.7 #7) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. If we have a ding, its the tripod foot, which seems slightly undersized for the frame. Strike Eagle has a ton of elevation and nice features. . Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? I had a minor issue one time and called them about it. 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 . The spotter with the highest overall score wins our Editors Choice awardthis year it went to Mavens CS.1. Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. The focus, magnification ring, and retractable sunshade all move with silky precision. +1-800-504-5920 Live Chat Contact Us Check Order Status. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. The straight-style tactical spotter is built like a tank, with double-tough armor and attachment points for Picatinny rails, so you can add accessories like thermals or lights to the optic. Also, is 40 or 48 power enough to spot holes at 500 yards? The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. This Athlon spotting scope is nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging and is sealed for waterproofing, allowing the scope to be used in any weather. F FlatCat Member 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. Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. However, astronomers might consider this as one of their primary things to look for given their viewing happens always in low light conditions. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. The first two, in the above case 20-60, are the zoom. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. 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. 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 optical quality, overall . At a fraction of that price, this Vortex delivers an adequate image in a durable, versatile package. This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. 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. Check the price here. Skis are easily the most efficient way to cover snowy ground on foot in winter. The upside: Its especially weather- and moisture-proof. Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. Once you look through Zeisss Harpia spotter, no other scope will quite satisfy you. Dispersion is an effect in glass that causes distortion as light travels through it, or actually with any kind of waves. 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. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. But maybe you want a spotter to mount on a tripod and use from a vantage point. 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. 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece. W. Wrencoforge Sergeant of the Hide. Check it out here. Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. ! I haven't had a chance to mount and shoot it yet, but construction feels solid. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. Here are some excellent scopes for that purpose: Zeiss makes premium optics, and this scope is no exception. Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. Ok, folks - here it is: The Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope. Length, weight, eye relief, and FOV are similar. Delivery. The best magnification for a spotting scope depends on how you plan to use it. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. Dec 9, 2019 123 56. Or look at even smaller scopes, like the 9-2756 Hawke in this years test. 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. Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP) 30 mm Tube, Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle, Black. Athlon Argos BTR is $280-$370ish, depending on the model. But only barely, and only because they are more established and I have had good experiences directly with them in the past. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. 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. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. I honestly would be fine with a 65mm but they only offer this one. Along with size, price varies dramatically. Thats too bad, because its durable and well-balanced for just about any tripod work. What is the rep of the Athlon Argos 2-10x40 BDC 600? The Ares G2 placed second in our low-light rankings and turned in very good resolution scores. Theres limited utility for a spotting scope with an objective lens better suited to a full-sized binocular. I have an argos, I replaced it after less than a year. Another very high end scope from an excellent optics company, the Kowa TSN-883 Prominar is a great option for bird watchers trying to get the best. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. 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. 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. And the Celestron Trailseeker ED has better optical performance than the under $150 Celestron Nature DX. With an 80mm objective lens, its big enough to handle pretty much any task you throw at it. At almost 4.3 pounds this spotter feels like a tank, which means its a better base-camp scope than a walk-about optic. 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. Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. 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. In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . Sold two to a friend(bought Athlon Ares and Tacticle). 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. So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope.
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