It offers very impressive light transmission and gives unbelievable image quality to its viewer. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. And with $500, I would definitely buy the Diamondback 20-60x85mm. This can be important depending on what youll use your scope for. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? If youve ever been to a rifle range, you know youre in for some walking. Vortex Diamondback HD vs Athlon Argos G2 UHD Binoculars Bullets4Bucks 18.8K subscribers Join Subscribe 212 Share Save 16K views 2 years ago Buy Here: Athlon Optics Argos:. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. But for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. Hes also OLs optics editor, helping readers to make informed buying decisions. In this test, we mount all scopes on tripods, set their magnification to 20-power, and then measure how long they can see into the dark, averaging the results to assess performance. Whale watching is a very popular activity along the coasts for both tourists and locals. As you have seen in our list of recommendations, both Vortex and Athlon offer multicoated optics. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Binoculars & Spotting Scopes | Costco Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. Spotting scopes come in a very wide selection of sizes, more so than any other kind of optic. In a category with multiple $1,500-and-higher submissions, the Vanguard VEO HD costs less than $400 but will deliver years of service. Or should I wait until the Element optics Titan comes out? While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. 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. Other labels you might see that all communicate the same thing are LD (low dispersion), SLD (special low dispersion), ELD (extraordinary low dispersion), and ULD (ultra-low dispersion). Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? Lastly, full-sized spotters are designed to be mounted on a tripod, so consider the mounting hardware. Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. 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. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. These describe the zoom and the objective lens size. The spotter with the highest overall score wins our Editors Choice awardthis year it went to Mavens CS.1. (Argos 6-24x50, Talos 4-14x44) Last weekend I mounted both of these . The Argos gives excellent images for a scope in this price range, is large enough to be seriously powerful, and has intuitive, solid controls. There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. 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. 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. xugz0212 New Member. The test team was divided on the merits of the relatively light weight. SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Angled. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Is the foot large and strong enough to stabilize the optic? 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. I regularly shoot out to 300 yds with my ar and have shot to 1k with a friends equipment. I didnt think the turrets, lack of zero-stop, and mediocre glass would bother me. Free Shipping & Free Returns* FREE SHIPPING on Over 250,000 Products. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. Getting up close images is the entire point of a spotting scope, so obviously zoom power is one of the most important things to know about the scope you are going to buy. They are quick and easy to use when you are based out of your vehicle. Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. Astronomy is usually thought to be done with a big telescope setup, but a spotting scope can also work well for a hobbyist. The bigger the lens, the bigger and heavier the scope. The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. Get the Bushnell Match Pro over either. They have been used and recommended by a lot of the most influential people in the industry, like Steven Rinella from Netflixs Meat Eater. Vanguard is a smaller, more specialized company than many on this list, and they deserve your consideration for their quality products. This is not a particularly exciting year for spotting scopes. Athlon vs. Vortex Riflescopes - Which One is Best? Vortex Diamondback HD vs Athlon Argos G2 UHD Binoculars 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. $170.00. I haven't had a chance to mount and shoot it yet, but construction feels solid. New. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . Its a pattern weve seen play out over two decades of the Outdoor Life optics test. 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. The downside: Youre stuck with the 15-45-power zoom. The Best Spotting Scopes in 2023 - Buyer's Guide - Bino Expert Key Features. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. 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. Pros. And if youre shooting at really long ranges, an afternoon trip to the range can feel more like a lengthy hike. Theres limited utility for a spotting scope with an objective lens better suited to a full-sized binocular. But even more approachable scopes will set you back around $1,000. Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. 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 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. Opinions about between Athlon Helos and Vortex Diamondback Tactical But I will say, that no matter what I did, I could not get my eye comfortable behind the glass. The downside is that the scopes I have are all SFP, but they do make an FFP model. quigley257; Mar 17, 2020; Replies 6 $199.99. Yes, Vortex Tactical line is part of their upper tier level. All three sizes can also be had in either an angled or straight body. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. 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 Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. This is the optic I have been testing for the last few weeks, and I can finally give you guys the full specs: 6-24 magnification, 50mm front lens. Magnification. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. However, astronomers might consider this as one of their primary things to look for given their viewing happens always in low light conditions. I have both and would buy another Athlon. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. 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. 2 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs. 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. 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. Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2. In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. Thats because the glass and controls of the Argos HD are slightly disappointing. Vortex Diamondback vs Hawke Endurance ED vs Vanguard Endeavor ED And you might be a little disappointed at how dark and grainy it gets above about 38-power. And then, we perform a low-light test on several evenings. 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. The optical quality, overall . Spotter-Vortex Viper vs. Athlon Ares. 9 Best First Focal Plane Scopes (FFP) in 2023 - ALL BUDGETS - Target Tamers Where are Athlon Scopes Made or Manufactured? It is dramatically more affordable than the other optics were recommending here for bird watchers. They offer solid products at affordable prices, as well as higher end options. Still, if you use this scope in daylight and dont max out its magnification, its a worthy companion for most hunting situations or first-time buyers. 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. Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. The ED glass works pretty well, but the real appeal here is the Horus reticle inside and tactical bling on the exterior. 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} They offer some of the clearest scopes on the market, and while you definitely pay a premium, they have a very loyal customer base among bird watchers. Gosky Newest 20-6080 Dual Focusing Spotting Scope. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. $139.99 - $169.99. The inexpensive Argos BTR and less expensive Talos BTR work surprisingly well for the price. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 & the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50. tlav21; Nov 5, 2021; Optics; Replies 5 Views 2K. Anything further out than that will not be visible. Show Out of Stock Items. The focus, magnification ring, and retractable sunshade all move with silky precision. This direct-to-consumer brand delivers bright ED glass and quality Japanese build at a relatively accessible price. 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. The other half appreciated the Endurance EDs talents for a backcountry spotter. I have had both and still have the Athlon. And if anything happens to it, Leupolds lifetime transferable warranty will keep you covered. But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. Itll cost you, but man does it make scopes easier to use. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Shop Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope | $20.00 Off 4 Star Rating on 14 Reviews for Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope Free Gift + Free Shipping over $49. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. 8 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting - opticsrelated.com Thx, Colice "There are no dangerous weapons. 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. Athlon sells their own rings and mounts, which obviously mesh well when used in tandem with their scope . You could try using it freehand or leaning it against something, but trust me when I tell you this will significantly hamper your viewing. So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. If you got sick of reading about scopes (or, lets be honest, you saw there was video and skipped ahead! Jan 20, 2020 #1 ; Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. 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. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. This series comes in three sizes: 11-33x50mm, 22-48x65mm, and 27-60x85mm. The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. 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. They are young, and seem hungry to make a dent in the industry. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A. The Ultima 80 is the definition of the intersection between quality and affordability. 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. 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. 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. They especially are a good choice for astronomy if you need your optics to be compact and/or you want to use them for more than just stargazing. The 10MIL locking turrets on the Match Pro alone make it worth going to the top end of your budget range. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. 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. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56 - Best for Long Range. The Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope is a long-range spotting scope with a 45-degree eyepiece angle.