A more compact scope from a newer, fantastic brand, the Maven S.2 12-27x56mm means business. Hunters may have a bit of a trade off here. Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. The Argos mechanism has proven to track and is robust. 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. However, with Vortexs best-in-class warranty, youll never have to worry if it fails to perform. 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. I'm looking at 6-24 versions and they seem similar. They sell their products directly to consumers similarly to Upland Optics, but they are at the higher end of the price/quality spectrum. 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. The redesigned Diamondback HD spotting scopes have all the horsepower the long-distance hunter needs, and they excel in lowlightright when you need it most. 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. $170.00. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. In short: IGNORE THE TERM HD. A spotting scope is sort of a low-power telescope, while also offering better magnification than a set of binoculars. If youve ever been to a rifle range, you know youre in for some walking. 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 Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . Bushnell is owned today by Vista Outdoor, a large conglomerate of outdoor products companies. You can think of it like the limits of your peripheral vision. Which makes it a perfect option for hunters. When looking through a scope with ED glass compared to another without it, there is a massive difference. So should you avoid scopes labeled as HD? You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. But if you want to make it easy, the winner from all this testing and analysis (as of March 2023) is the. Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2 Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD - Best FFP Scope Under $1500. They are known to provide some of the best mid-range optics. The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. They also have several subsidiaries underneath them, including names you might recognize like Tasco, Browning Sport Optics, and Simmons. And we were a little disappointed in the relatively narrow field of view. 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. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. 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. 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. Best Spotting Scopes of 2023 | Outdoor Life . The Ultima 80 is the definition of the intersection between quality and affordability. 45 Angled Viewing. Spotter-Vortex Viper vs. Athlon Ares. Gwine Well-Known Member Joined Mar 3, 2013 Messages 423 Location Southern Oregon Jul 3, 2020 #3 Welcome to the forum. 1.4 #4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. Andrew McKean is Outdoor Lifes hunting and conservation editor, drilling into issues that affect wildlife, wildlands, and the people who care about them. 2 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs. 1.5 #5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. 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. Length, weight, eye relief, and FOV are similar. However in dark conditions, your pupil will open to allow more light in, and can get up to 7mm in diameter. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS2 is the perfect companion for precision rifle shooting. The 45-degree angled eyepiece is also a nice touch, as it allows for users to use it in a number of different stances. Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. F FlatCat Member For this particular, how does it perform? He already had a high end Vortex ($1,000). Athlon NEOS 10x42 vs. Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 Dispersion is an effect in glass that causes distortion as light travels through it, or actually with any kind of waves. They especially are a good choice for astronomy if you need your optics to be compact and/or you want to use them for more than just stargazing. An exception might occur if you are going to be looking through glasses first and then your spotter. They have many scopes under 500$ that comes in both straight and angled version. Rifle Scopes - Athlon Argos vs Vortex Diamondback The test team was divided on the merits of the relatively light weight. Apr 23, 2018 #13 M. . So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. If youre spending close to (or upwards of) $1,000 for a spotter, make sure it has either ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. 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. 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. A good spotter can help you see your shots from where you are shooting, eliminating the need to go down range as often. In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. Show More. Superdoo. The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. This is a list of rifle scopes with at least 24X magnification that cost less than $750. SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scopes | Leupold In all, the Meopta compares favorably to premium spotters from Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss at a lower price. Again thanks for everyones input, truthfully I had been leaning towards the Diamondback but the Athlon supporters swayed my decision. The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. 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. Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. That would mean that the scope has an adjustable zoom range of 20 to 60. No one buys a spotting scope just because it looked cool in a store. Strike Eagle has a ton of elevation and nice features. Athlon over the years has been talked fairly highly with budget long range rifle builds and I see they have a really price friendly spotter with the entry model Talos. I have an argos, I replaced it after less than a year. 1.7 #7) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. 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. 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. As youll see in the two Athlon scopes in this years test, better-quality glass can double the price of a spotter. Which begs the question: Why arent more bird hunters using them? You can learn more about them here. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. If you have the budget, Celestrons Regal is a huge optical upgrade over the Ultima. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. Long Island. There is no easy answer on which is best as there are tradeoffs. ArmorTek Technology: The build quality is as expected top-notch. The Harpia 95 has a little sister, the Harpia 85, thats a little more portable and only slightly more affordable. Darling of our best spotting scopes test is the new compact CS.1 from Maven, but we also like a couple of nicely priced full-sized spotters. I mention this because you are likely to get more use out of a spotter with a 20-45-power range than one that claims it goes to 60-power. Pros. You can get monsters with objective lenses over 100mm designed for leaving in place, or get something portable. They just work as advertised. Put it on a tripod, point it at the sky, and youll be opened up to a whole new world(s)! Athlon Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC scopes - Also made in China to Athlon's specific specifications. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. 3 reviews. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. 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. It may not have their optical clarity, but it is more than good enough for the vast majority of bird watchers. CF2-31023. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. 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. New. The downside: Youre stuck with the 15-45-power zoom. A smaller company than some others on this list, Athlon continually impresses me with their quality mid range products. Having to go down and check your target every few shots means you can only get in so many practice shots per round. Its a pattern weve seen play out over two decades of the Outdoor Life optics test. Replies 44 Views 30K. 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. This same middle-is-best trade-off applies to every magnification range, from 9-27-power spotters to 20-60-power eyepieces. . Maven applied the Goldilocks Rule to this versatile spotter. This is coming from someone who has never used either. I chose these based on features and because the retail price is low enough to keep the rifle in NRL22 base class. Anything further out than that will not be visible. The two-speed focus control allows you to riff from close-in to far-distant targets with a single revolution, and then feather the focus for precision. This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. And its ultra-compact size means youll take this optic more places than a larger spotter or a big-boned binocular. 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. much better than the Athlon and Vortex and on a close out sale now. The scope tracks as well if not better than my Vortex Diamondback tactical which cost . They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units. NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1 - Best for Competition. At first sight, the Argos 10x42 is quite a compact binocular. Leupolds flagship spotting scope delivers a quality image at pretty much every magnification. Here are my top recommendations: If youre a serious bird watcher and want to see every detail of the birds youre looking at from a long way away, Swarovski is probably going to be your go to brand. Thats because the glass and controls of the Argos HD are slightly disappointing. Click to play video. 1:24 . Has anyone out there got first hand experience with this scope? A 15-4565 unit has 15- to 45-power magnification behind a 65mm objective lens. 7 Best Spotting Scopes Under 300 Dollars in 2023 - FixThePhoto.com 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. In normal bright conditions, your pupil will usually be open about 2mm. Which tripod to buy deserves its own article, as again there are a wide range of options. . 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. Optically, its a solid performer, but its image is like the rest of the spotter, sort of middling. And with $500, I would definitely buy the Diamondback 20-60x85mm. And we conclude that the priceyou should be able to find this retailing for around $650was fair for the performance. It's a 20-60x80 only weighting about 33ozs. They tend to give mediocre images at best and quality is low. Theres limited utility for a spotting scope with an objective lens better suited to a full-sized binocular. Carefully consider exactly how youre going to use it. I personally used it this last year when hunting pronghorn in Idaho extensively, and it helped me pick out minute details on horns from absurdly far away! Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. Athlon Argos Binoculars 10X42 Review : Why You Should Buy It! We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. 2 models Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scopes $487.49 $389.99 Save 20% Best Rated. They just offer the absolute best performance you can possibly get out of a tube filled with glass. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes - ARGOS vs. ARES - YouTube 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. Doug asked me to review two Athlon scopes for him. Features: FFP, Illuminated, Lowlight-visible, CR2032, . Spotting scopes are measured with two numbers. 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. If you're money-concience (i am too for the same reason! I honestly don't have experience with either model, but do with others of both brands. Here are some great options to consider: This scope, which gets our number one overall recommendation right now, is a shockingly good value. 10 Best Spotting Scopes February 2023 - MSN Unsurprisingly, letting more light in is what you want. Some users like angled eyepieces because of their versatility. If you divide the objective size by the zoom, you get the exact diameter of the exit pupil. 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. Not sure how good it is but the cronus rifle scope line has a good reputation. Thread starter Kyle Wheeler; Start date Nov 11, 2020; Nov 11, 2020 #1 Kyle Wheeler Well Known Rokslider. Thoughts on Athlon Talos Spotting Scope. 20-60x80. 1. But generally, the sweet spot between magnification and image quality is somewhere in the middle of the power range. If youre sitting beside a buddy, you can frame a distant deer, and by simply rotating the barrel, turn the eyepiece to your buddy so they can view the deer. All three sizes can also be had in either an angled or straight body. Another great option that is even more affordable, this scope from Vanguard will give you everything you need as a target shooter. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. This is probably unsurprising given their name. Get as big of a scope as is practical for your use. Check them out at Bushnell.com. Spotting scopes are good from fairly close to nearly infinity. I didnt think the turrets, lack of zero-stop, and mediocre glass would bother me. 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. I'm curious about the eye box / eye relief difference in these scopes. Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. But most commonly, you will see ED (Extra-low Dispersion) used, and that is what you want. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. free shipping & returns. The Vortex Viper is a great choice. Alternatively, the rails allow you to mount the LMSS2 on either rails or a traditional tripod. There are different scope models that are designed specifically for all these purposes. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 & the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50. Spotting Scope Review - 24hourcampfire It'll give you some intel on Athlon . Definitions aside, if youre in the market for a full-sized spotter and have limited funds, consider the Argos HD. Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. This year that nod goes to Athlons Argos HD. The Hawke AirMAx is THE ONLY scope that has survived my Diana 34 springer. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope 6-24x50, EBR-2C MRAD DBK-10029. While this is likely the first spotter that a hunter or shooter may buyowing to the approachable priceit wont be the last. 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. I have had both and still have the Athlon. Vortex Razor HD G2 VS. Leupold Mark 5 HD. 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 . Leupold is one of the oldest names in the sporting optics world. 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. The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! arken sh4 6 24x50 vs vortex db tactical vs athon argos btr gen2 - AR-15 The optic with the highest Price/Value score wins our Great Buy award. But it could be perfect scope if you are setting it up on your back porch to stargaze with. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes - Top Pick. 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. While they have specialized in cameras, all of the knowledge theyve accumulated in building camera optics has transferred over into some incredible sporting optics. In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . Shop Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope | 4.4 Star Rating on 92 Reviews for Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope + Free Shipping over $49. Ok, folks - here it is: The Bushnell Match Pro Riflescope. Thats our opinion of how much of a bargain or a rip-off each binocular is. All these attributes make it an ideal budget option for hunters. If you spend a few hundred dollars, youre going to get something that will definitely improve on your naked eyes vision and help you be successful at whatever activity you are doing. The reticle is etched but also illuminated for eye-catching ease. I got ahold of Athlon's entry level ARGOS to compare to their higher . 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. Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. While zoom is described by the initial range of all important numbers on spotting scope specs, objective lens size finishes it out. The Vortex Optics Diamondback is the best spotting scope for 300 dollars as it has 20x-60x magnification and a 60mm lens diameter. 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! Or is it to view in the bright light of midday? If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. While the best binoculars for hunting have close focus of about 6 to 8 feet, spotting scopes can only focus to about 12 feet. Usually works better from a vehicle window mount. And if anything happens to it, Leupolds lifetime transferable warranty will keep you covered. The Gosky 20-6060 HD Spotting Scope is a top seller in that price range, and gets decent reviews from its many users. What is the rep of the Athlon Argos 2-10x40 BDC 600? They have been used and recommended by a lot of the most influential people in the industry, like Steven Rinella from Netflixs Meat Eater. 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. You can read more about them here. The spotter with the highest overall score wins our Editors Choice awardthis year it went to Mavens CS.1. Another great option depending on your uses is a car window mount. Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. W. Wrencoforge Sergeant of the Hide. 4 models Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scopes As Low As $498.49 Save Up to 17%. We glass near and far targets in all light conditions. The UHDit stands for ultra-high-definitionglass also boosts its performance.
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