2 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links . 5 Best Spotting Scope Under $500 {Expert's Choice} Best Bushnell Spotting Scope {Our Top Pickup} . 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. Spotting scopes are measured with two numbers. The viper has better glass, but I am able to see .22 holes in paper In the shade at 350yds with the Argos. All the money is going straight into the glass. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. 2 models Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scopes $487.49 $389.99 Save 20% Best Rated. I have had both and still have the Athlon. I have purchased 3 Athlon Argos BTR scopes, and zero issues with any of them. 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. 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. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. The UHDit stands for ultra-high-definitionglass also boosts its performance. Thread starter Kyle Wheeler; Start date Nov 11, 2020; Nov 11, 2020 #1 Kyle Wheeler Well Known Rokslider. No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. 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. In those cases, you want a scope that will withstand the abuses of the field. 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. Most importantly, they have a solid warranty and a great reputation for taking care of their customers. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . 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. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . Youll notice the images starts to get dark and grainy at about 45-power, and our low-light test confirmed that, compared with its UHD brother, the Argos HD will wink out several minutes before its peers. But for hunters who aspire to own the best optics on the planet, this line of Zeiss spotters justifies the significant investment. This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. And if youre shooting at really long ranges, an afternoon trip to the range can feel more like a lengthy hike. If you cant spend over a hundred dollars, your options are limited to discount providers. I haven't had a chance to mount and shoot it yet, but construction feels solid. I shoot spring airgun and 22LR, and Hawke is on ALL of them. 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. 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. The focus, magnification ring, and retractable sunshade all move with silky precision. They have come to dominate those segments of the market. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Founded in the United States in 1907, it has been family owned and operated for five generations, an incredible feat for any company. I noticed the gen 2 Argos is out now and it mentions upgraded turrets. The extra low-dispersion glass in this model and the oversized objective lens make this a good choice for mid-range field work. New. A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. 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 . It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. Full-sized spotting scopes can cost well over $2,000. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. The test team was divided on the merits of the relatively light weight. Anything further out than that will not be visible. 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. Its more than up to the task at picking out bullet holes from long range, saving you a lot of walking. The build boosts the durability of this spotter and gives it a stiffer and more sure-footed feel. The 5 Best Binoculars of 2023. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. $199.99. Note that the price varies widely on these different models of Razors, with the smallest scope costing half as much as the biggest. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm . Features: FFP, Illuminated, Lowlight-visible, CR2032, . I had a Diamondback FFP and I sold it immediately. With a straight-body spotting scope, youd have to trade places with your buddy in order for them to see the deer. Range spotters often have a reticle in the eyepiece that allows you to call shots for a buddy. The integrated reticle allows spotters to communicate to their shooting partner specific holds and call shots with precision and clarity. It is dramatically more affordable than the other optics were recommending here for bird watchers. Minuteman. Having to go down and check your target every few shots means you can only get in so many practice shots per round. 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. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. I have an argos, I replaced it after less than a year. Pros. Illuminated reticle probably isn't critical for your application. They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. They also allow most of their products to be fully customized, so you can even get them in the exact color you want! Spotting Scope Review after Testing. You could try using it freehand or leaning it against something, but trust me when I tell you this will significantly hamper your viewing. It offers very impressive light transmission and gives unbelievable image quality to its viewer. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. You can get monsters with objective lenses over 100mm designed for leaving in place, or get something portable. But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. Reply Report edosan Member Apr 30, 2018 1,926 54 Is it going to be used from your vehicle? The unit defaults to a 20-70x eyepiece, which you have to purchase separately from the body, but the wide-angle 30-60x eyepiece may have even more utility. Delivery. Another is I won State overall in Field Target air rifle in 2016 and my division last year. 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. What the CS.1 delivers, though, is rugged performance. The rubber is extremely grippy, and the mid-barrel focus allows users to make fine adjustments even while wearing gloves. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. Make sure that the companys return policy and either repair or replacement will cover your purchase. Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. ), then I'd go vortex. Check it out on Amazon. $329.99 - $399.99. A spotting scope helps you get crystal clear, up close views of birds, and can also help you take pictures of them. Strike Eagle has a ton of elevation and nice features. 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. 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. Products ( 2) Sort By. Their Ultima is a great scope for bird watchers. Here are the main positives of each: Many scopes, particularly the higher end ones, are sold with the option of getting either straight or angled, so youll get to choose what works best for you. Anyone have more details on that? Deploy MIL First Focal Plane reticle. 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. JavaScript is disabled. A cheerful little spotter that splits the difference between a binocular and a full-sized scope, this optic fits in a coat pocket and would make a great travel companion. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Especially in low-light conditions, those extreme ranges are rarely usable. I'm an optics snob and all my rifles sport Vortex Razors, AMG, Nightforce NSX, Swarovski and Zeiss. Check its price right now by clicking here. This series comes in three sizes: 11-33x50mm, 22-48x65mm, and 27-60x85mm. These describe the zoom and the objective lens size. About Us Policies. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. Demerits include the slippery, non-textured armor and the underwhelming glass, which makes images above about 45-power pretty dark and grainy with some distorted edge detail. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. The largest, most powerful spotting scopes are among the most expensive sports optics on the market. The best magnification for a spotting scope depends on how you plan to use it. And its ultra-compact size means youll take this optic more places than a larger spotter or a big-boned binocular. . The first is the magnification, which generally refers to a range between the lowest and highest magnification. Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. 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. Put it on a 40-50 MOA base and you can dial a .22 out past 500 yards. The Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope is a long-range spotting scope with a 45-degree eyepiece angle. Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5-3056 First Focal Plane Riflescopes Not everyone prefers the same type of reticle. Most of their consumer scopes are affordable, and are great options. View Quote. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. 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 Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. Maven has a few great spotting scope options (all of which are customizable if you order through their website). Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. The 45-degree angled eyepiece is also a nice touch, as it allows for users to use it in a number of different stances. They sent me a prepaid label without a fight. This lets you choose the size of scope that is perfect for the way youre using it. 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. 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. The Diamondback HD has decent high-definition glass in the objective lens, but experienced hunters may be disappointed with the clarity and brightness of the image. In all, the Meopta compares favorably to premium spotters from Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss at a lower price. Perhaps the highest end brand in the optics world, Swarovski caters to those who want the absolute clearest glass and the best quality images. Jan 25, 2022. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? 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. The Diamondback HD spotter makes an accessible, extremely usable optic for any number of well-lighted conditions. Weve seen this design before, most recently from Celestron (with its similarly sized Hummingbird). Its eyecup turns as though on ball bearings, and instead of locking into pre-determined detents, it is infinitely adjustable. ArmorTek Technology: The build quality is as expected top-notch. Because our test doesnt intentionally punish submissions until they break, the durability question is necessarily unanswered. You can buy it here. Usually works better from a vehicle window mount. I regularly shoot out to 300 yds with my ar and have shot to 1k with a friends equipment. Spotting Scope Review - 24hourcampfire It'll give you some intel on Athlon . Athlon Argos BTR 6-2450 Gen2 APLR2 FFP MOA reticle. Replies 44 Views 30K. Check it out here. 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. 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. 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. While this Argos was very well built (and very similar in style and quality to the Vortex Diamondback which is a much higher-priced scope I've used in the past), I found the optical quality to not be as good . Athlon Optics / RIFLE SCOPES / ARGOS BTR GEN2 / ARGOS BTR GEN2 6-2450 APMR FFP IR MIL. 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. The Argos mechanism has proven to track and is robust. You can check the price today and see if its the right fit for you. . I had a minor issue one time and called them about it. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. I am a fan of vortex but the diamond back not so much . 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. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. I would leave the range with headaches from it. But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. Bird watching is one of the most popular and fast growing hobbies world wide. 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. Just attach your camera and youll be taking clear photos from far away. 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. 1.8 #8) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope. Maven RS.4 5-30x56 FFP - Best Under $2000. . 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. And the wide-angle eyepiece provides a constant 66-degree field of view throughout the entire magnification range. You can read more about them here. That glass is good, but its not quite as bright and sharp as that Japanese S-series glass. 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 are some spring airgunners that swear by the Hawke Sidewinder. 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. Don't let the fact that it's cheaper than the Viper and Razor deter you, this thing provides stellar optics and is backed by their excellent lifetime warranty program. in your price range I would look at this. Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP) 30 mm Tube, Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle, Black. So got the Argos in mail last night and got it mounted this afternoon. And if youre really a beast and can pack it in, youll be rewarded with great images. These seamless connections will give you crystal clear images. I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. This is a list of rifle scopes with at least 24X magnification that cost less than $750. . Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. Objective Lens Diameter. The lenses are also fully multicoated, meaning better light transmission and clearer looks at the night sky. 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. I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 on a Diana 240, and a Hawke Vantage SF 6-24x44 on a Savage Mark 2 22LR. The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . Its a very solid scope with exceptionally high quality glass. Not everyone can afford a Zeiss. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. The Athlon Argos BTR is an excellent mid to long-range choice. You can check the price here. We later measure the scopes optical resolution, or how finely they render details. But I have had several of the midway BSAs, one primary arms, they all tracked well. Along with size, price varies dramatically. . 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. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. But only barely, and only because they are more established and I have had good experiences directly with them in the past. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. And then, we perform a low-light test on several evenings. There are a whole lot of Nikon rifle optics out there and they cant just stop servicing their products. Show More. How versatile do you want your scope to be? Spotting Scope Accessories Thermal Imaging Thermal Imaging Monoculars . Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. On this review we are going to be using the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 as the benchmark. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. Its a tough trade off, and has to be made based on your hunting style. 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. The upside: Its especially weather- and moisture-proof. I have had a couple of Argos's in the past with excellent tracking and good-enough glass. 2.1 Choosing the Best Spotting . But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. Theres several companies using that mechanism successfully. Its optical shortcomings are evident in low light conditions, but thats to be expected at this bargain price. They just offer the absolute best performance you can possibly get out of a tube filled with glass. Most spotting scopes have whats called a variable zoom, meaning you can adjust how close you are zoomed into what you are looking at. Large 85mm Objective Lens. 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. A handsome, versatile, and rugged spotting scope, the OSCAR8 has a sensibly restrained magnification range that zooms from 27 to 55-power. 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. Celestron shows up in a lot of places on this list, particularly when looking for affordable quality. Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. They have a similar long eye relief, but the eyebox isn't as fast to focus as the Vortex. Leupold is one of the oldest names in the sporting optics world. One example is hitting the coldbore shots on steel often out to 1122Y. 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. 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. HobieH3; Mar 26, 2019; 2 3 4. This scope gives some of the crispest images around. Key Features. Spotter-Vortex Viper vs. Athlon Ares. You wont be counting antler tines on a bull three miles away with this thing, but it will at least get you closer than your naked eye. We've also streamlined the exterior for a sleeker, snag-free profile, building in a helical focus wheel. Athlon Optics . The spotter with the highest overall score wins our Editors Choice awardthis year it went to Mavens CS.1. Budget is a very firm $500 or preferably less. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. A smaller company than some others on this list, Athlon continually impresses me with their quality mid range products. The CS.1 won our low-light test, beating a handful of 80 and 85mm scopes, which is a testament to its good-quality glass. 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. But for someone on a budget, it will do the job. These fit with the maxim 'you get . While the best binoculars for hunting have close focus of about 6 to 8 feet, spotting scopes can only focus to about 12 feet. Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? Learn more about it here. Hook it up to your camera with Zeisss extensive catalog of accessories and youll be taking pictures you never thought possible. Thats too bad, because its durable and well-balanced for just about any tripod work. 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! By Max Mutter and Benjamin Hickok. . Athlon sells their own rings and mounts, which obviously mesh well when used in tandem with their scope . I'm looking at 6-24 versions and they seem similar. Much faster target acquisition (angled scopes can be intuitive to find what youre trying to look at because of the angle). 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. 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. Its their higher end scope offering, but is still affordable. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass.
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