It’s also well built, has a grippy casement, and has that “quality” feel in your hand. I am thoroughly familiar with all the big names in optics. The scope is heavy at 51.82 ounces so a quality tripod and head are in order. Spotting scopes can be found with either a straight view eyepiece or with an angled eyepiece. So I appreciate it. And it does that exceptionally well. The Diamondback series of spotting scopes are made with high-end quality materials, but are considered an entry-level optic. The Diamondback is nearly 15 inches long and weighs 47 ounces, so it is by no means a compact or lightweight scope. The short version though is that Maven delivers. Nikon does not offer a ranging reticle. So for the scope and eyepiece, you’ll need to write a check for, My personal spotting scope for years that lives in the range bag and my pack when I’m headed deep into the wilderness for elk or deer is the. It’s also clearly not designed for scoping out a bull at 3-miles. Mar 27, 2019; Add bookmark #1 Hey everybody, Currently have an SWFA 3-15 FFP scope that I am pretty content with. I have a Nikon Fieldscope 13-75x82 ED Spotting Scope (Angled Viewing) and it's built like a tank. Athlon talos spotting scope @100 yards 22lr firearm convention Facebook group. The exit pupil should be approximately the same as the diameter of the pupil of your eye. The diameter of that disk is the exit pupil diameter. At only 10-20x30mm, this is a very compact little spotting scope. But I digress, so let’s get back to discussing where Athlon rifle scopes are manufactured. The Zeiss is excellent but the Kowa TSN-884 is even better, and imo, by a considerable margin. Today, the Konus has disappeared from his website and he sells only Kowa, specifically the TSN-82SV for ~US$800. But the real difference is looking through it! The scope is waterproof and dust-proof and is rubber armored. What is a Spotting Scope, and How is it Used? By the way, I've used Nikon Labophot 2 or Optiphot 2 microscopes for over 25 years at work. Monoculars are great for portable magnification, but they do not serve the same purpose as spotting scopes. The Vortex line of rifle scopes has quickly become one of the more popular U.S. based scope brands and offers scope models to fit almost any budget. The light-weight composite chassis is fog proof, waterproof, and filled with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging and promote better thermal stability. It also includes proprietary coatings, Schmidt-Pechan prism, and an eyepiece that can be removed. So, let’s explore what we’re getting when we shop at two of the most well-known optics manufacturers: Vortex and Leupold. Using Sig’s HDX optics that include both high definition (ED) and high transmittance (HT) glass, this is just a crazy clear spotting scope. I say weather because it’s not just rain and snow that cause issues with optics. One nice thing is that the Talos comes with a build in sunshade, this is a minor detail but it’s a nice perk. Minuteman. We compared them side by side and the Kowa was better by a little. The weight of that big scope can save you many miles and thousands of vertical feet. How do I attach a spotting scope to a tripod? For the money it is a very impressive scope. it was a recommendation of the associate to bring the Vanguard Endeavor HD outside as well for comparison. Years ago (~1994-1995) I looked at Nikon binoculars and the Leicas (Trinovid 10x50 BA) were considerably better optically, albeit more expensive. Here is a quick video showing off the image stabilization. Attached our spotting scopes to a tripod (more on those at the end). Maybe…if you’re really into quality glass and need that extra clarity for super long range hits. F or those looking for a great backpacking spotter, you can put this on your packing list for under $200. Talos Spotting Scope We designed the Talos family of spotting scopes with good optical quality and ease of use in mind. Whether you are a long range shooter, hunter or part of a sniper team, the Cronus Tactical 7-42×60 Spotting Scopes with our ranging reticle will make your job a breeze. So for the scope and eyepiece, you’ll need to write a check for $3,578. I target shoot at 100 yards to make sure my scope is on before I go moose hunting. Also checked at closer ranges, 300-400 yards-Kowa just a little better though at closer ranges the difference was less noticeable. This one of the Celestron at 20x looking at 500 and 600 yard targets. Talos and Midas. I can see and call shots at the 1000 yard range and tell if the buck is legal from a long way off. I paid a bit over $1k for it (in 2011) and it's worth every penny. I wasn't necessarily in the market for a spotting scope, but read lots of good things on the Vanguard Endeavor 65a, and found a heck of a deal so I pulled the trigger.. Anyways, most reviews I see online for this scope talk about how it hangs with Vortex's Razor line. Jan 23, 2010 57 24. I've been using a Redfield Rampage 20x60 spotting scope and own several Manfrotto tripods from my SLR days. Telescopes are similar in concept to a spotting scope, but their size, weight, and possible image flipping make them unsuitable for sporting purposes. What this does is give you incredible optical clarity, amazing light transmission, and a stable image while freehanding the spotting scope. Seen one that only works out to 300. It also comes waterproof, fog proof, and Sig even throws in a fitted neoprene cover. You’ll find the Cronus Tactical with UHD clarity at about $1200 and the Talos prim based spotting scope for about $300. Check out our beginners guns video course. Our solid recommendation for a great starter spotting scope that’s around $150. Nope. Vortex Optics have a reputation for being clear and precise at prices that don’t seem possible. For many of us, it is much easier to find our target or critter with a straight view scope. The Talos spotting scope features our fully multi-coated lenses and K9 prisms with silver coating. At closer ranges of 200-300 yards, I could see ants and bugs crawling around and be able to identify the type of bugs on the targets. So… not stable at all! The same scope may be not necessary if your passion is mountain hunting. Best Spotting Scopes on the Market Review. We have a full review with more pictures if you’re interested in the Sig Sauer Oscar 3! Like guns, there are dozens of spotting scopes out there that will serve you well and last a lifetime. Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 model weighs 590g, while Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 weighs 618g. The area we’re going to look at is in the red oval. Privacy Policy and Of course, the Big Three; Leica, Zeiss, and Swarovski all will provide you with ultra clear glass, smooth zooms and easy focusing. By Mark Simmons December 3, 2020. And if you need a great scope for your rifle, don’t forget to take a look at our Best Scopes & Optics article! A 45-degree eyepiece that is fully adjustable rotation gives you a lot of freedom for how to position things. Based in Wyoming, Maven focuses on selling directly to the consumer and cutting out the middle man. And an attempt at getting footage from our PSA 6.5 Creedmoor Review. To get a closer look check out our full review on the Maven S.2 Spotting Scope. My budget is no more than $1400 I've narrowed down my options to: * Leupold GR 12-40*60 HD * Vortex Razor HD 22-48 * Vanguard Endeavor HD 15-45x65 * Pentax EDII 65 * Athlon Ares 15-45×65 ED The 25-50 eyepiece will run you another $879. Even those reviews on the site don't look good. If you are a dedicated long range shooter you may opt for a scope with a larger objective lens and higher magnification. The unit I bought over 20 years ago was over a grand and I could see tree bark at 600 yards easy and tell what kind of tree it was by the bark and foliage. The clarity and quality are superior compared to other units on the market. Rifle Scopes 3-15FFP: SWFA vs Vortex vs Athlon. From pone on the ground to sitting at a bunch, you can get a good sight picture when you need it. [Video+Review] PSA AK-103: Best U.S. AKM Clone? Learn all the important stuff about handguns...with none of the attitude. I walked in and back out with the Vanguard and couldn't believe the change of heart of value this glass offers. With only 12-27 magnification, you are a bit limited in range. Complete with view-throughs of our tested ones. Get proficient on YOUR time. Athlon offers five spotting scopes divided into four categories. I concur and will second this comment - So your opinion regarding its expected mechanical durability would be appreciated. Generally, the larger the exit pupil, the more eye relief you will have. Budgeting & Accessories- You’ll Want a Decent Tripod. Plenty enough to see what you need to at this range. We’ve built dozens of AR’s and we’ll cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. You need to be sure the scope tube is properly purged and free of as much moisture and oxygen as possible. To finish it off, it comes with a belt-mounted carry case and two Energizer Lithium-Ion batteries. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google From pone on the ground to sitting at a bunch, you can get a good sight picture when you need it. Liking your recommendation on the Celestron 52250 20x60-80. Rangefinders. It’s hard to keep Sig’s naming conventions straight sometimes. The APO is 25-50x82mm and has an angled or straight eyepiece that is interchangeable. From industry events to shooting matches, this is a workhorse spotting scope that just delivers. I participate in the sport of smallbore rifle shooting and after many years using an Opticron 66 I upgraded to a Vortex Diamondback 80mm. All I do is maintenance, repair and calibration of optical instruments - day in and day out. And if you just love really great quality optics…the Razor HD 27-60x and Sig Sauer Oscar 8 are must-consider picks. Save up your change and buy the Kowa. And stay in touch with newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear. Scanning for game from a truck, up in a tree-stand, or out for a hike — the Oscar 3 is great. Copyright © 2021 Pew Pew Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Hey Randy, I have been an optical instrument technician for 28 years. It won’t keep it steady-cam steady, but it takes a huge bite out of the wobble that the average person has. The 45 degree angle works well and adjustment on the eyepiece and focus are very usable. Spotting Scope VS a Telescope. Give Athlon Optics a try and find out why our scopes are “Sharp, Tight, and Priced Just Right!” CRONUS TACTICAL UHD. The Redfield 20x60 scope works very well out to 200 yards (that's as far as my range goes) and my Manfrotto tripods are simply the best out there. Be sure the scope is sealed against dust as well. But it’s much heftier at 76 oz compared to the 47 oz of the Diamondback. I strongly recommend staying far, FAR away from Leica optical instruments. Best Bow Press Review in 2021 – New Edition . It's surprising to me how often this one gets left out of the discussion of the ultra high end spotters. What do you think of this one from Harbor Freight? What do you think of Kowa's durability in the Prominar line? While the former is a budget option. If I were to pick any scope out there and know that it is likely the best glass and engineering available I’d head straight to the counter where they display the big scopes with the little red circle…Leica. Pay special attention to the red circle target since we’ll be using that as our barometer of glass quality. I agree with you. The glass is clear enough to call shots out to at least 800 yards, but seeing hits on a splatter target is limited to around 300 yards depending on the target and the weather. Both are pretty similar in view quality to the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x, which is triple the price and probably not triple the build quality. You do not pay anything extra and your The Kowa sells detachable eyepieces but none have ranging reticles. My option would be a brand that is not covered in this post - a Nikon. If you have a 20 or 25 power scope on your long range rig, how often do shoot offhand when cranked all the way up? Spotting scopes are often one of those items that you really get what you pay for with regards to quality. 11 Best Spotting Scopes [View-Throughs]: Range & Hunting, the scope has zoom magnification from 20 power to 60 power, the objective lens (the lens in front) is 80 millimeters in diameter, The weight of that big scope can save you many, Spotting scopes can be found with either a straight view eyepiece or with an angled eyepiece. It is nearly impossible to hold still enough to do any good at that magnification. In addition, no matter what you do with it in the outdoors, it is still covered with its lifetime warranty. Though not cheap, the Kowa TSN-884 with the TE-11WZ eyepiece is certainly one of the best in the world. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). Our unit purchased spotting scope-Kowa TSN 884 with 88mm obj. Note…it will definitely look better through your own eyeballs…and you’ll get the full circle view too. Diamondback® riflescopes completely change the rules when it comes to “you get what you pay for.” The solid one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction makes them virtually indestructible and highly resistant to magnum recoil. Plus a carry bag and bench height tripod are nice too! For speedy spotting and tracking a target, the Oscar 3 delivers. A second entry in the budget zone of spotting scopes, the Athlon Talos is another great option if you need to watch your pennies. Check the latest deals on Brownells! It provides you greater viewing flexibility even when you sit in your car and viewing through the window. At 2.5 miles, the Kowa had better definition of the image and was brighter at full magnification. Now try to hold your 60 power scope still. 22 bullet holes on black target with a dark background) at 100yards I'm afraid all 3 through gritted teeth had to admit my Vortex gave the slightly better image. PX Member. passion is big-game hunting, mainly DIY backpack hunting deep in the wilderness. Adding a ranging reticle immediately elevates you into high-end spotting scopes such as Swarovski, Optolyth (which I believe is made by IOR Valdada), and Leupold Tactical. I bought a Konus from him back in the day and it has been adequate for my needs. Vanguard - great tripods. Whether you’re hunting, birdwatching, or exploring, using this device is essential for survival. The other part of the eyepiece that is critical is the exit pupil. January 7, 2019 . Tom. After a couple of years’ service, you’ll find that your “bargain” instrument will begin to have not optical problems but mechanical problems. It also comes with a built-in sunshade plus you don’t have to use a little dial to focus anymore…it’s that ribbed center of the main body. Best Fletching Jigs Review in 2021 – New Edition . This Vortex Diamondback Spotting Scope is heavy-duty and offers an optimum viewing performance in a lightweight package. Here’s a look at each of the current Athlon line of scopes along with where they are manufactured: Athlon Neos scopes – Made in China to Athlon specifications. As with all Vortex products you are covered with the transferable Lifetime Warranty should you ever need service. Athlon Talos and Talos BTR scopes – Made in China to Athlon specifications. It’s just very hard with a camera! I have a friends Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80 at my house so I set them both up on tripods yesterday and did a little … December 4, 2018 . Thread starter txaggie929; Start date Mar 27, 2019; Jump to latest Follow Reply Forums . Our favorite guns and gear that we've tested and fully recommend. High power shooters recommended Konus and side by side with Kowa I could only see a small difference at the very edge of the field of view. Simply one of the finest spotting scopes you can buy, the Razor HD spotting scope competes at the highest level of performance. The shop had 2 Vortex Diamonbacks in and looking through both I purchased the better of the 2 so maybe quality control could be an issue but I feel you must go to a shop and look through what you're buying if you're as picky as I am. Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope (Premium One) Check price. Main usage would be spotting at range out to 500 yard (but considering 1000 yard in the future), and also do a few hunting. Owens's readers are primarily competitive high power rifle shooters out to 1,000 yards. All in all, Maven loaded the S.2 with features and priced reasonable. That passion for hunting led him to become a Life Member of Safari Club International and he currently serves as President of the Central Washington Chapter of SCI. Spotting Scope VS Monocular. We’ll cover what to look for in a spotting scope and a couple choices spanning all budgets. My personal spotting scope for years that lives in the range bag and my pack when I’m headed deep into the wilderness for elk or deer is the Minox MD 50 W. This little scope is only 8.39 inches long and weighs just 22 oz. The scope is available with either straight or angled eyepieces. At my day job, I spend a great deal of answering questions about various Vortex scope models, and one of the more common questions asked is for me to compare the Vortex Crossfire II scope series versus the Vortex Diamondback scope … Get the latest Vortex news, hunting tips, videos & more. Model Selection: -- Select a model 1-- Talos 3-12x40 BDC 600 IR Talos 3-12x40 Center X Talos 3-12x40 Mildot Talos 4-16x40 BDC 600 IR Talos 4-16x40 Mildot Talos 6-24x50 BDC 600 IR Talos 6-24x50 ATMR1 IR Perhaps "Monarch Eye Piece"?