But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. 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. So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. You are using an out of date browser. Unlike some of the scopes that are out there, this one is available in both reticle styles. . Check the classifieds on here for something in the next tier up. From reviews and videos I've seen it tracks well. Hook it up to your camera with Zeisss extensive catalog of accessories and youll be taking pictures you never thought possible. And if anything happens to it, Leupolds lifetime transferable warranty will keep you covered. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. Is the foot large and strong enough to stabilize the optic? Yes, Vortex Tactical line is part of their upper tier level. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. Youll definitely want something sturdy though, and weight will again be a factor if you are carrying it on your back. What this means is that if you look at a hill that is 1000 yards away, you will see an image that is between 48 and 102 feet wide based on how zoomed in you are. They are still honoring their warrantee but have made some changes and dont have the no fault warrantee any longer. So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. They are known to provide some of the best mid-range optics. 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. 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. However, astronomers might consider this as one of their primary things to look for given their viewing happens always in low light conditions. $170.00. Hunters dont want to have to haul around the most massive scope, but it needs to be substantially more powerful than their binoculars. You can think of it like the limits of your peripheral vision. 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. Check the price here. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . One example is hitting the coldbore shots on steel often out to 1122Y. 1.7 #7) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting 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. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Specifications. 6 Best FFP Scopes. 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. I haven't had a chance to mount and shoot it yet, but construction feels solid. What the CS.1 delivers, though, is rugged performance. It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. Athlon Argos BTR 6-2450 Gen2 APLR2 FFP MOA reticle. When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. I honestly would be fine with a 65mm but they only offer this one. 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. The CS.1 is a great option for a hunter looking for a scope they can take into the backcountry. 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. Which makes it a perfect option for hunters. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. 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. At 40 to 55x, the scope has enough magnification to enable users to count points on a distant buck without making the image maddeningly dark. Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. 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. 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. The Diamondback HD spotter makes an accessible, extremely usable optic for any number of well-lighted conditions. 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. They are quick and easy to use when you are based out of your vehicle. I noticed the gen 2 Argos is out now and it mentions upgraded turrets. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links . Videos for related products. Its their higher end scope offering, but is still affordable. Put it on a 40-50 MOA base and you can dial a .22 out past 500 yards. Vortex diamondback FFP scope also comes with elevated finger-adjustable turrets. 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. Bresser Pirsch Compact Binoculars. 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. It is dramatically more affordable than the other optics were recommending here for bird watchers. 0 B bdzjlz Member Usually works better from a vehicle window mount. But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. Deploy MIL First Focal Plane reticle. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 That means clearer images day and night. There are only dangerous men." I have both and would buy another Athlon. There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. The extra low-dispersion glass in this model and the oversized objective lens make this a good choice for mid-range field work. The upside: Its especially weather- and moisture-proof. Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. Thats our opinion of how much of a bargain or a rip-off each binocular is. On this review we are going to be using the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 as the benchmark. This Japanese scope uses pure fluorite crystal lenses, which is unique in the industry and gives them excellent optical clarity. 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. The Harpia 95 has a little sister, the Harpia 85, thats a little more portable and only slightly more affordable. You can check the price today and see if its the right fit for you. I'm looking at 6-24 versions and they seem similar. 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. Alternatively, the rails allow you to mount the LMSS2 on either rails or a traditional tripod. We may receive a sales commission if you purchase any products after using one of our links. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. 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. Field of view is obviously heavily influenced by the magnification power of your scope. There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. 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. The build boosts the durability of this spotter and gives it a stiffer and more sure-footed feel. 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. Joined Jan 16, 2018 . . The eyecups and sunshade move with snappy precision. 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. Observation & Sighting Devices . This can be important depending on what youll use your scope for. In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . Nikon is one of the most well known optics brands in the world. Jan 25, 2022. Likewise, the triply more expensive Vortex Viper is optically superior to the Vortex Diamondback. There are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. If you want to take your photography game to the next level, particularly if photographing animals you dont want to disturb or things that are dangerous to get to close to, a spotting scope with a digiscoping setup can make all the difference. Mil Dot Hunting Rifle Scopes, 50 Loft 6-Iron Golf Clubs . Here are some great options to consider: This scope, which gets our number one overall recommendation right now, is a shockingly good value. Select Options. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. I have purchased 3 Athlon Argos BTR scopes, and zero issues with any of them. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. But I will say, that no matter what I did, I could not get my eye comfortable behind the glass. So I've narrowed it down to two scopes. A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. Objective Lens Diameter. You should see a set of numbers either in the products title or right away in its specifications that look something like 20-60x60mm. $139.99 - $169.99. While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. That means you need to think about what you want and need a spotter to do. 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. That and it was $120 less.. 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. Astronomy is usually thought to be done with a big telescope setup, but a spotting scope can also work well for a hobbyist. We've also streamlined the exterior for a sleeker, snag-free profile, building in a helical focus wheel. 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. Show Out of Stock Items. Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. Can the tripod adapter be used with a wide variety of tripod models and heads? Moreover, weighing 24.6 ounces it is one of the lightest offerings from Athlon. It can be had with three different sizes of objective lenses, so you can choose just how big your scope is going to be. You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. I have had both and still have the Athlon. But only barely, and only because they are more established and I have had good experiences directly with them in the past. Length, weight, eye relief, and FOV are similar. Unsurprisingly, letting more light in is what you want. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . 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. The Vortex Optics Diamondback is the best spotting scope for 300 dollars as it has 20x-60x magnification and a 60mm lens diameter. You can learn about them at Leupold.com. The size of that beam of light is directly derived from two of the factors mentioned above: zoom and objective lens size. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. These scopes have features normally only found on high-end scopes. 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 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. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. 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. They just work as advertised. 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. All the money is going straight into the glass. At middle distances, like 50 to 400 yards, you can usually zoom in to see precise details of your target. . 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. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? Maven has a few great spotting scope options (all of which are customizable if you order through their website). The Maven has especially good manners. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. I am looking at the ballistic reticle scopes in the 3-9x40 and 4/4.5-12x40/42 range in both product lines. While this is likely the first spotter that a hunter or shooter may buyowing to the approachable priceit wont be the last. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. Check it out here. 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. Dec 12, 2019. brushandbay. If the former, you might consider investing in models with excellent glass and mirage-taming coatings. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. . Not my choice but I dont want to be sleeping on couch for the rest of life. xugz0212 New Member. You can get monsters with objective lenses over 100mm designed for leaving in place, or get something portable. Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. 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. 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. How you use your scope will impact the type of scope body you get. This is not a particularly exciting year for spotting scopes. Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. The first spotter from this direct-to-consumer is a versatile powerhouse. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. The Athlon reticle does offer a more dynamic design with a crosshair that has tons of hash marks for range and windage estimation. Check them out at Bushnell.com. Now if youre using your scope from a fixed position and dont have to carry it around, this wont be a problem. What is the rep of the Athlon Argos 2-10x40 BDC 600? Makes sense. Its eyecup turns as though on ball bearings, and instead of locking into pre-determined detents, it is infinitely adjustable. 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. Field of view is a measurement of how wide of a picture you will see when you are looking through a scope. If you want clear views, you want to minimize dispersion. These are big, expensive optics for a fairly narrow segment of the market, and most hunters dont buy a new spotter every year or even more than a couple times in their careers. Ask yourself when youre most likely to use the optic. 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. Key Features. Athlon Optics . This durable one-piece design keeps dust out of the innards but also prevents users from trading out the variable-power eyepiece for a different zoom range or a fixed-power alternative. 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 . Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. The most hard-wearing models have oversized controls that can be used with gloved hands, and they are double-sealed against dust, grit, and moisture. When budget isnt a limitation, I tend to recommend Swarovski. This scope gives some of the crispest images around. free shipping & returns. 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. I would highly avoid getting a true budget scope (one that costs less than $200). Compared with the HD model, which was also submitted to this years test, the UHD version has much better glass and produces an image thats on par with spotters costing significantly more. Superdoo. And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. 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. . 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? Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. 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. At about 40 ounces, it isnt the lightest scope, but it gives you an excellent performance to portability ratio. They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units. It may not display this or other websites correctly. They also have several subsidiaries underneath them, including names you might recognize like Tasco, Browning Sport Optics, and Simmons. Thats too bad, because its durable and well-balanced for just about any tripod work. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. This is a list of rifle scopes with at least 24X magnification that cost less than $750. Free shipping for many products! The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. 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. Vortex is a well-known manufacturer of optical material such as binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes. 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. Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. Nikon BLACK FX1000 Riflescope 6-24x50SF Matte IL FX-MRAD FFP 16516, Ive had my hands on both scopes, I still havent used the illuminated reticle, I personally liked the Argos better than the diamondback.. but I feel if your taking a step above diamondback then I would go vortex .. but since you want ffp I think Argos would be a bit better imo. We found the usable magnification range extended to about 54-power, which is higher than many of its peers. 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. Its a testament to the Hawkes spotter that it adequately handles all that magnification. tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. The Hide Armory. We test spotting scopes the way you use themby subjecting them to the rigors and insults of the field. 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. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. And while their telescopes are awesome for picking out constellations, their spotting scopes give you some flexibility to use in different situations. It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. 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.

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