The upside: Its especially weather- and moisture-proof. Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . 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. That and it was $120 less.. The bigger the lens, the bigger and heavier the scope. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. There are only dangerous men." But for scouting use its perfect, or for spotting from the road. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. Thread starter Kyle Wheeler; Start date Nov 11, 2020; Nov 11, 2020 #1 Kyle Wheeler Well Known Rokslider. Thread starter idahohikker; Start date Apr 21, 2018; Apr 21, 2018 #1 I. . If youre a hunter who packs in deep its worth serious consideration, as its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry into the backcountry. All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. 60mm scopes are popular with hunters, although they definitely dont have the image quality of an 85mm. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. Key Features. That means you need to think about what you want and need a spotter to do. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. I had a Diamondback FFP and I sold it immediately. Its not quite as spendy as the higher end Razor we recommended for hunting above, which shooters who would rather spend their hard earned money on ammo will definitely appreciate. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. Or is it to view in the bright light of midday? 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. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. Big 80 and 85mm scopes from premium brands can cost upwards of $3,000. 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. 1:24 . Athlon Argos Spotting Scope 20-60x85. 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 . . Athlon Optics / RIFLE SCOPES / ARGOS BTR GEN2 / ARGOS BTR GEN2 6-2450 APMR FFP IR MIL. Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. When you do buy your scope, know that youre also going to need to budget for a tripod. 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. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . We rate the tightness and precision of their controls, how comfortably the scopes fit our hands and eyes, and then assess their style, versatility, and durability. Which makes it a perfect option for hunters. 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. This is coming from someone who has never used either. Leupolds flagship spotting scope delivers a quality image at pretty much every magnification. I have had a couple of Argos's in the past with excellent tracking and good-enough glass. Illuminated reticle probably isn't critical for your application. Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. Or look at even smaller scopes, like the 9-2756 Hawke in this years test. Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. Are you going to pack it deep into the backcountry? Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. Athlon sells their own rings and mounts, which obviously mesh well when used in tandem with their scope . Now if youre using your scope from a fixed position and dont have to carry it around, this wont be a problem. Maybe, but maybe not. It also has ArmorTek technology that prevents the body from scratches. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). Theres limited utility for a spotting scope with an objective lens better suited to a full-sized binocular. Is it going to be used from your vehicle? Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56 - Best for Long Range. Though its the same size and about the same in terms of zoom power, the money is spent on the quality of glass. Nikons Monarch Fieldscope 82ED-A W/MEP-20-60 is a fantastic one to consider for someone who has a larger budget. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. 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. 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. German Precision Optics ED Binoculars. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. This means that objects will appear between 20 and 60 times closer than they actually are, depending on how you have it set. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? Consider the durability of a spotter. 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} Best Bushnell Spotting Scope {Our Top Pickup} . However, at 4.5 pounds, this is a beast to pack, which makes it a better choice for a back deck or base camp optic. 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 classifieds on here for something in the next tier up. Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP) 30 mm Tube, Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle, Black. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. Another great option depending on your uses is a car window mount. What about 600 or even futher? The rubber is extremely grippy, and the mid-barrel focus allows users to make fine adjustments even while wearing gloves. About Us Policies. The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. This Japanese scope uses pure fluorite crystal lenses, which is unique in the industry and gives them excellent optical clarity. An ideal companion for long-range shooters and hunters, the angled viewing Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope delivers bright and sharp high-contrast images with true-to-life color and crisp clarity at all . Dielectric-Coated Porro Prism. Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. Another great option that is even more affordable, this scope from Vanguard will give you everything you need as a target shooter. 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. Check it out here. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. Replies 44 Views 30K. The extra low-dispersion glass in this model and the oversized objective lens make this a good choice for mid-range field work. . -Vortex diamondback tactical 6-24x50 EBR -2C MRAD -Bushnell match pro 6-24x50 DEPLOY MIL -Bushnell nitro 6-24x50 -Bushnel forge 4.5-24x50 DEPLOY MIL -Athlon argos btr 6-24x50 gen2 APMR MIL -Athlon midas tac 6-24x50 APRS3 MIL -Athlon ares btr gen2 4.5-27x50 APRS5 MIL -Athlon helos btr 6-24x50 APMR MIL Say you have a 20- to 60-power eyepiece on an 80mm spotter. 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. But even more approachable scopes will set you back around $1,000. If you want clear views, you want to minimize dispersion. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. Most of the above options will work just as well for any kind of wildlife viewing, but here are a few more options just in case you want them: Vortexs least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. A dual focus knob is also great for fine tuning in on far away celestial bodies. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. With a straight-body spotting scope, youd have to trade places with your buddy in order for them to see the deer. What the CS.1 delivers, though, is rugged performance. How you use your scope will impact the type of scope body you get. 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. Carefully consider exactly how youre going to use it. 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 If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. They are going to stop rifle optics but Nikon isnt going anywhere. In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. They are quick and easy to use when you are based out of your vehicle. 30mm main tube. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The best brightness and image quality will be at 20X, but the image will be smallest at that magnification. I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 on a Diana 240, and a Hawke Vantage SF 6-24x44 on a Savage Mark 2 22LR. How versatile do you want your scope to be? 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. I am a fan of vortex but the diamond back not so much . Whether you choose an angled or a straight-body spotting scope is largely a matter of personal preference. 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. I noticed the gen 2 Argos is out now and it mentions upgraded turrets. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. These fit with the maxim 'you get . Purpose-built as an aid to precision rifle shooters, the integrated reticle in the LMSS2 allows spotters to effectively call shots for their teammates on rifle. I would leave the range with headaches from it. Pros. Athlon Cronus is up to 60 power but still have a reasonable size. This direct-to-consumer brand delivers bright ED glass and quality Japanese build at a relatively accessible price. 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. The 65mm size is just about right for most backpack pockets, and it pairs nicely with mid-sized tripods. 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. These coatings help the scope transmit and gather light better, thus increasing the quality and clarity of the image it delivers. If we have a ding, its the tripod foot, which seems slightly undersized for the frame. A spotting scope is sort of a low-power telescope, while also offering better magnification than a set of binoculars. Videos for related products. 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! And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and a silver-coated K9 glass prism . Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. Anyone have more details on that? I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. The bigger the objective lens, the more light will be allowed into the scope. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. xugz0212 New Member. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 & the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50. The size of that beam of light is directly derived from two of the factors mentioned above: zoom and objective lens size. Ok, folks - here it is: The Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope. Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. The Athlon warranty is every bit equal to the warranty provided by Leupold and Vortex, which is saying something. They just work as advertised. Dec 9, 2019 123 56. The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. Sold two to a friend(bought Athlon Ares and Tacticle). While any scope will meet most peoples needs, it makes sense to get the optimal one. New. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. 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. The MIDAS uses what appears to be night and day difference SUPERIOR GLASS. All the money is going straight into the glass. Many consumers are understandably confused about the designations that optics companies use to describe the quality of glass in their products, but the Athlon spotters are useful to differentiate between HD and UHD glass. The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. 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. Its virtually impossible to hold a powerful scope still enough to use effectively. 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. There is a range of designations that manufacturers use, and unfortunately there isnt much standardization. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. Full Member. 1.6 #6) BARSKA 30-90100 WP Gladiator Spotting Scope. Founded in the United States in 1907, it has been family owned and operated for five generations, an incredible feat for any company. Well, Athlon kept that in mind, and that is why they brought out the Ares ETR in different reticle styles. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field.