In normal bright conditions, your pupil will usually be open about 2mm. Especially in low-light conditions, those extreme ranges are rarely usable. You can read more about them here. 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. Absolutely not, in fact some of the best scopes around carry the HD label. 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. 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. But for scouting use its perfect, or for spotting from the road. 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. Here are some excellent scopes for that purpose: Zeiss makes premium optics, and this scope is no exception. Consider the durability of a spotter. All in, theres a lot of scope here for $800, a price that represents the savings possible from the direct-to-consumer optics brand. 60mm scopes are popular with hunters, although they definitely dont have the image quality of an 85mm. Theres several companies using that mechanism successfully. The 45-degree angled eyepiece is also a nice touch, as it allows for users to use it in a number of different stances. 3 reviews. Vortex Diamondback Tactical VS Athlon Argos Gen 2. Its glass is protected by double-walled armor that resists scratching. At almost 4.3 pounds this spotter feels like a tank, which means its a better base-camp scope than a walk-about optic. New. Its their higher end scope offering, but is still affordable. Illuminated reticle probably isn't critical for your application. 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. Leupold is one of the oldest names in the sporting optics world. You shouldnt overlook a scope just because it doesnt have that name, or give extra consideration to one that does. $199.99. 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. 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. Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes. Theres nothing particularly ground-breaking in this introduction from Athlon, just a sized-up version of its very good 65mm Ares G2 UHD model. 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. That brings us to the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80mm straight eyepiece spotting . 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. The MIDAS uses what appears to be night and day difference SUPERIOR GLASS. Apart from its compact design, it is also ergonomic. In short: IGNORE THE TERM HD. In other words, will you use it just for hunting, or should you consider a model with removable eyepiece so you can trade out wide-angle eyepieces or ones with reticles? And the rubber armor is as grippy as it is protective. . You'll find a spotting scope useful for outdoors activities such as. And the wide-angle eyepiece provides a constant 66-degree field of view throughout the entire magnification range. 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. Features: FFP, Illuminated, Lowlight-visible, CR2032, . Weve rarely seen this much glass and optical horsepower for under $400. Show More. Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP) 30 mm Tube, Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle, Black. And then, we perform a low-light test on several evenings. If you are buying a lower-mid range scope, the odds of it coming from Bushnell in one form or another are very high. Check the classifieds on here for something in the next tier up. That despite an 80mm lens (many of its peers have 85mm objectives). Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm . The importance of the exit pupil diameter directly relates to how our eyes function. Key Features. The Vortex DB HD 10x42 are by volume the most sold pair of binoculars in . You should see a set of numbers either in the products title or right away in its specifications that look something like 20-60x60mm. I've checked the specs and features of both and there are things I like about each. 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. Products ( 2) Sort By. I'm not going to claim that they track perfectly, and I did have reposition the parallax knob on 6-24, but for sub-$200, even sub-$150, they are the best thing I've run across and the glass smokes vortex crossfire. When budget isnt a limitation, I tend to recommend Swarovski. They produce quality optics that are simple and straightforward, and they stand by them 100% with their lifetime warranty. A 20-60x60mm scope at the lowest 20 power setting has an exit pupil diameter of 6020, or 3mm. Athlon Cronus is up to 60 power but still have a reasonable size. You can learn more about them at VortexOptics.com. Athlon Optics / RIFLE SCOPES / ARGOS BTR GEN2 / ARGOS BTR GEN2 6-2450 APMR FFP IR MIL. 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. 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. $249.99. Its a solid scope that is large and powerful, is available in angled and straight body options, and will get the job done. Bushnell is one of the older players in the sporting optics world, having been founded in 1948. Meopta is said to be on higher tier than vortex razor. Maven applied the Goldilocks Rule to this versatile spotter. Is it to assess distant animals in the first and last light of the day? SKU: 214063. And its ultra-compact size means youll take this optic more places than a larger spotter or a big-boned binocular. 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. 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. At 60-power, the image will be largest, but because of the laws of optics, it also appears darkest and grainiest. They just work as advertised. As youll see in the two Athlon scopes in this years test, better-quality glass can double the price of a spotter. While the use and need of a good spotting scope extends well beyond those needs, it still is hard to bump it up the priority list, hence the need for affordable alternatives to the exceptional high end spotters available on the market that cost well over $2000 USD. Itll cost you, but man does it make scopes easier to use. The Ultima is a fairly affordable but still massive and powerful scope that works great for astronomy and stargazing. Because the best spotting scopes represent a significant investment in money, durability and warranties are both prime considerations. Is it going to be aimed permanently at the stars? Can the tripod adapter be used with a wide variety of tripod models and heads? If you want a spotter to carry into the field to help you assess distant game, then consider a mid-sized scope, generally 20-50-power built behind a 65mm objective lens. 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. 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. The largest, most powerful spotting scopes are among the most expensive sports optics on the market. ), then I'd go vortex. Youll definitely want something sturdy though, and weight will again be a factor if you are carrying it on your back. 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. Their scopes are very high quality and Id definitely recommend them. So a 20-6080 spotter has a 20- to 60-power eyepiece and an 80mm objective lens. All the money is going straight into the glass. . Its an expensive scope, but its worth a look. Athlon Optics Argos BTR and Helos BTR scopes - Made in China to Athlon specifications. (130) Compare Product. The angled eyepiece and rotating tripod mount increase its versatility, and the controls are relatively tight and precise, especially for the at around $400. 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). in your price range I would look at this. 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. Updated: October 2, 2020, 79 optics, 152 reticles. This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. Once you look through Zeisss Harpia spotter, no other scope will quite satisfy you. Full Member. Most amazingly, some of their highest end products are even assembled in the United States, a rarity in this industry. Athlon Optics Spotting Scopes. 2 models Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scopes $487.49 $389.99 Save 20% Best Rated. 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. I just got the argos for my 22. But of course all else isnt equal, and there is a trade off. They are still honoring their warrantee but have made some changes and dont have the no fault warrantee any longer. 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. Anything you point this scope at, youre going to get a clear view of. They are well known for supplying many of the high end scopes used by military snipers and special operations units. Joined Jun 19, 2019 Messages 1,412 But maybe you want a spotter to mount on a tripod and use from a vantage point. 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. And at nearly $4,000, most of us arent willing to subject the Harpia to the indignities and dings of the field. I regularly shoot out to 300 yds with my ar and have shot to 1k with a friends equipment. All else being equal, you want the biggest lens possible. 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. Note that the price varies widely on these different models of Razors, with the smallest scope costing half as much as the biggest. He already had a high end Vortex ($1,000). I will test and be able to give better feedback as soon as I get to the range. Big 80 and 85mm scopes from premium brands can cost upwards of $3,000. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. thanks! 1:24 . 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. Minuteman. Spotting scopes are measured with two numbers. 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. 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. Springers abuse the crap out of scopes. The other differentiation from the Argos HD model: the aluminum-alloy chassis of the Ares UHD. I have purchased 3 Athlon Argos BTR scopes, and zero issues with any of them. We later measure the scopes optical resolution, or how finely they render details. 20-60x. Testers had some concerns over durability based on how the controls loosened over our testing. . 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! . 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. That glass is good, but its not quite as bright and sharp as that Japanese S-series glass. . Models that have both designs typically have identical glass, magnification ranges, and components, so theyll likely deliver an identical image. 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. We bought and tested binoculars from Vortex, Athlon, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and others to help you find the best. Observation & Sighting Devices . Only a few optics brands have new models, and those that are new for the year are product-line extensions, essentially new magnifications and sizes for an existing model. Anyone have more details on that? Their Ultima is a great scope for bird watchers. free shipping & returns. 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 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. Scopes are generally sold either with a straight body or with the eyepiece angled up 45 degrees. Jan 20, 2020 #1 ; Hi, looking for a new scope for my 22lr. 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. In that price range, you're not getting something that is top tier. Would love to hear any pros or cons or comparisons. The Vortex Optics Diamondback is the best spotting scope for 300 dollars as it has 20x-60x magnification and a 60mm lens diameter. 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. At low magnifications, the SIG has a bright image and wide field of view. It is used solely as a marketing hook by companies to make their optics seem very high quality. Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scopes Vortex's least expensive spotter series, the Diamondback is a top seller with great reviews. They even have a spotting scope eyepiece that functions as a binocular, with two eyepieces! But we also assign a Price/Value score to each submission. 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. That and it was $120 less.. The Hide Armory. We were able to arrive at a consensus on the optical talents of this spotter. From reviews and videos I've seen it tracks well. But most commonly, you will see ED (Extra-low Dispersion) used, and that is what you want. The downside is that in order to do so, you will have to either sacrifice zoom power, or get much larger objective lenses (and therefore increase weight). Videos for related products. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. View Quote. There is no such standard in the world of sporting optics, and the term is essentially meaningless. A full-size spotter that retails for under $400 should get wide attention, and careful handling. Still, the new spotters for 2022 offer plenty of choice and talent for hunters, shooters, and anyone who likes to see wildlife up close. 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. Anyone know the low end focus on the Argos? 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. 1.7 #7) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. Show Out of Stock Items. I haven't had a chance to mount and shoot it yet, but construction feels solid. Can be easier on the neck, particularly if looking up at something above you. That means dusty days in a pickup and all sorts of conditions mounted to a tripod. The Diamondback HD spotter makes an accessible, extremely usable optic for any number of well-lighted conditions. Skis are easily the most efficient way to cover snowy ground on foot in winter. The Mavens eyepiece is fixed, which means you wont be able to swap out eyepieces for different magnifications. Argos and The Midas Tac is a $700 scope so if going that high then look at the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25. 1.8 #8) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-6085 Spotting Scope. In case you want to know about the scopes, in brief, this comparison table below is tailor . xugz0212 New Member. Therefore it stands to reason that you want the spotter labeled HD, right? While zoom is described by the initial range of all important numbers on spotting scope specs, objective lens size finishes it out. Brands that might introduce a new binocular or riflescope every year are on a 2- or even 3-year cycle with spotting scope introductions. 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. Objective Lens Diameter. I am looking at the ballistic reticle scopes in the 3-9x40 and 4/4.5-12x40/42 range in both product lines. The mid-barrel focus wheel is tight and precise. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm FFP Rifle Scope; Table of Contents. 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. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor for my son in law.he wanted the mid level Athlon. Large 85mm Objective Lens. As you have seen in our list of recommendations, both Vortex and Athlon offer multicoated optics. 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. 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 one of the largest and most popular companies in this space. The quality in these scopes could be better but for the price.!! 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. Thx, Colice "There are no dangerous weapons. Celestron shows up in a lot of places on this list, particularly when looking for affordable quality. Thread starter Wrencoforge; Start date Jan 20, 2020; Forums. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 & the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50. That means clearer images day and night. Definitions aside, if youre in the market for a full-sized spotter and have limited funds, consider the Argos HD. You are using an out of date browser. Athlon BTR vs Vortex Diamondback. So much so that it won our Great Buy award as the best bargain spotting scope. But if its the latter, than less expensive glass might be fine. For a first scope in this FFP arena, it was fine, I did not miss, even at 1k+ because of my argos. Expensive Spotting Scope Comparison, Ive been using spotting scopes for years and have used dozens of them in testing and in the field. The Athlon HELOS uses what appears to be ARGOS GLASS if that matters to you at all. 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. Free shipping for many products! The UHDit stands for ultra-high-definitionglass also boosts its performance. Optically, its a solid performer, but its image is like the rest of the spotter, sort of middling. Built on a composite-carbon chassis, the Vanguard VEO HD runs lighter than its peers, which makes this 80mm spotter a good choice for backcountry hunting. They sell their products directly to consumers similarly to Upland Optics, but they are at the higher end of the price/quality spectrum. 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. One of the lesser known technical specs that you may need to account for is eye relief. As expected, the Nikon 5 8x42 is clearer and brighter than the under $200 non-ED glass Vortex Diamondback. . Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP EBR-2C MOA reticle diagram. 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. Hes also OLs optics editor, helping readers to make informed buying decisions. 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. 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. There are only dangerous men." In fact, those factors increase substantially as you go up in objective sizes. Because our test doesnt intentionally punish submissions until they break, the durability question is necessarily unanswered. Spotting scopes work best from mid to far distances. 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.