· top picks · 12 min read
Best 20 Athlon Ares Spotting Scopes: A Comprehensive Analysis
Our detailed roundup walks you through the key features of the Athlon Ares spotting scope, comparing its performance to other scopes in its category.
The Athlon Ares spotting scope represents a significant advancement in portable optics, combining exceptional image quality with intuitive ergonomics. This comprehensive review examines its key features, including optical performance, durability, and practical applications, to help you determine if it meets your observational needs.
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Reviews
Celestron Ultima 65 Spotting Scope
The Celestron Ultima 65 spotting scope packs impressive optical performance into a surprisingly portable package. Its multi-coated glass and 65mm objective lens deliver sharp, detailed views of distant subjects, making it a solid choice for both casual observers and dedicated enthusiasts. Whether you’re scanning distant landscapes, watching wildlife, or identifying distant objects, this scope proves itself capable of handling a wide range of viewing situations.
LensCoat Athlon Ares G2 UHD 85 Angled
This rugged neoprene cover wraps protectively around your expensive spotting scope, combining thermal insulation with a subtle profile that’s less likely to spook wary wildlife. The comprehensive shield includes protective caps for both the ocular and objective lenses, giving your investment an extra layer of defense against scratches and impacts.
Athlon Ares G2 UHD 22x Rifle Scope
This fixed 22x magnification eyepiece pairs perfectly with Athlon’s Ares G2 scopes, giving you crystal-clear views through the powerful UHD glass. The mil-based reticle helps you range targets quickly, whether you’re PRS-shooting or just calling shots at the range. With its waterproof and fog-proof design, you can rely on it in any weather.
Athenion Ares G2 20-60x85 UHD Spotting Scope
The Athlon Ares G2 packs serious optical punch into a weather-sealed package, with its apochromatic lens system delivering razor-sharp details and vivid colors. The ergonomic straight-angle design keeps your view steady during long observing sessions, while the included Cleaning Pen makes quick work of dirty optics. At its closest focus, this 85mm scope can spot objects from 100 yards away with crystal clarity, whether you’re scanning a birch forest or calibrating your rifle sight at the range.
Hawke Nature-Trek 9-27x56 Scoping System
Durable and weatherproof construction makes this spotting scope perfect for outdoor adventures. The premium optics deliver stunning clarity, though users note some color fringing at higher magnifications. The compact design and robust build quality earned high praise from reviewers who praise its excellent value and reliability.
Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 24-72x70 Spotting Scope
Elevate your viewing experience with these fully multi-coated optics that deliver sharp details from 11.5 feet to infinity. Compact and lightweight at just 15 inches long, the zooming scope makes it easy to switch between 24x and 72x magnification without sacrificing portability. The included tripod provides solid support for steady viewing sessions, though some might want to upgrade to a more robust option for backpacking or hunting trips.
Athlon Optics Ares G2 UHD Spotting Scope
Step into the world of serious wildlife and long-range viewing with the Athlon Optics Ares G2. Built for both casual enthusiasts and serious hunters, this versatile scope combines razor-sharp images with durable weatherproof construction. Equipped with premium optical features like Extra-Low Dispersion glass and BaK4 prisms, it delivers exceptional clarity whether you’re scanning the horizon or glassing at dawn. The matte-finished chassis feels robust in hand, while the straightforward controls make it a pleasure to use. Whether you’re stalking trophy game or chasing down distant birds, this scope has the brightness and detail to bring your targets into crystal-clear focus.
Konus 7126 Spotting Scope
This sleek spotting scope combines powerful zoom from 20x to 60x with a solid 80mm objective lens, delivering sharp details at impressive distances. The robust metal construction and included tripod make it a practical choice for serious observers, while the smartphone adapter adds modern versatility for quick sharing and documentation of sightings.
Hawke Endurance Ed 13-39x50 Spotting Scope
When you need to identify distant details quickly and with precision, this spotting scope delivers. Its compact design and lightweight build make it surprisingly practical for extended use, while the extra-low dispersion glass and 50mm objective lens catch every last bit of light to keep images bright and clear. Whether you’re birdwatching, scouting wildlife, or just exploring the great outdoors, this scope stands out for its reliability and optical quality.
Athlon Ares G2 Spotting Scope
The Athlon Ares G2 UHD stands out with its crisp, color-accurate images thanks to premium extra-low dispersion glass and advanced multi-coating. At just 16.9 inches long, this 85mm scope delivers impressive clarity from 39.4 feet to infinity, making every detail stand out whether you’re spotting birds or studying field targets. The waterproof and fogproof design combines with comfortable 45-degree tilt for a durable scope that performs flawlessly in any condition.
Athlon Argos 20-60x85 HD Spotting Scope
Combining durable construction with impressive optical clarity, the Athlon Argos spotting scope delivers sharp, well-colored images thanks to its high-quality lens coatings and fog-proof design. At just over 16 inches long, the lightweight composite body feels surprisingly sturdy while handling cold weather conditions. Whether you’re spotting wildlife or using it as a target sight, the adjustable eyecup and 20-60x power range make it practical for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50
From backyard birdwatching to backpack hunting, this versatile spotting scope delivers sharp HD images through its APO system and XR Plus coatings. At just 26.16 cm long, it’s surprisingly compact for its 33x magnification, making it ideal for quick field transitions. The angled body design and generous 50mm objective lens give you consistent views, even when worn glasses are needed.
Athlon Optics Ares G2 UHD 15-45x65 Angled Spotting Scope
This handy spotting scope packs impressive optical quality into a surprisingly compact frame, making it a standout choice for both casual observers and serious enthusiasts. The crisp, color-accurate images and rock-solid build make it a joy to use, even when pushed to its limits at 45x magnification. Whether you’re scanning bird sanctuaries or setting up a spot for your next big hunt, this scope delivers the clarity and reliability you’d expect from a much pricier model.
Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope
With its premium K9 glass prisms and fully multi-coated lenses, the Talos 20-60x80 delivers exceptional clarity and light transmission for all your observation needs. The nitrogen-purged tube provides superior waterproofing and thermal stability, while the rotating ring system offers unmatched flexibility for comfortable tripod mounting. Whether you’re target shooting at 100 yards or spotting wildlife from a distance, this durable spotting scope combines affordable pricing with reliable performance that surpasses its entry-level classification.
Athlon Optics Argos HD Spotting Scope
The Athlon Optics Argos HD combines premium optical components with intuitive design elements for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The nitrogen-purged, waterproof body and wide 85mm objective lens gather plenty of light, while the BaK4 prisms and advanced multi-coating deliver sharp, color-true images from 20x to 60x magnification. The 16-ounce scope feels substantial in hand, with its rubber-coated aluminum construction providing excellent grip and protection.
Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope
The Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 spotting scope brings the distant into sharp focus, with its K9 glass prisms and fully multi-coated lenses delivering brilliant color and exceptional light transmission. Whether you’re watching wildlife, stargazing, or shooting at the range, this waterproof and fog-proof scope will provide clear views from 19.7 feet to 1,000 yards. The included tripod and carrying case make it a practical addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection.
Athlon Optics Cronus G2 Spotting Scope
The Athlon Optics 20-60x86 Cronus G2 packs premium optics into a manageable frame, with its advanced ED glass and apochromatic lens system delivering exceptional color accuracy and contrast over unprecedented 111-60-foot fields of view. The smoothly tuned single focus wheel and fully multi-coated lenses ensure razor-sharp clarity at every power setting, while the weather-sealed body and lifetime warranty establish this scope as a trusted benchmark in its class.
Athlon Optics Ares G2 UHD
This impressive spotting scope excels at pinpointing details with its advanced glass and coatings that reduce color fringing and maximize light transmission. The hefty aluminum chassis feels solid in hand, though the higher-end price point might be a stretch for casual users who primarily need basic spotting capabilities. For dedicated observers and precision shooters, the enhanced resolution and light-gathering ability make every penny worth it.
Firefield 12-36x50 SE Spotting Scope
The Firefield scope nails it with its 36x magnification and 50mm objective lens, pulling distant targets into sharp focus. With a robust fully-multi coated glass setup and watertight IPX6 rating, it handles everything from backyard test shots to all-day hunting excursions with ease. The generous 1.4-degree field of view and 1.4mm exit pupil deliver impressive clarity even in challenging light conditions, though some users note slight softening beyond 100 yards. The lightweight yet sturdy design makes it adaptable for various mounting setups, from included tripods to common camera rigs.
Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56
When you need to scan vast terrain while keeping your pack light, this spotting scope delivers big on both counts. At just 10.4 inches long, it’s half the size of full-size options, making it a no-brainer for backpackers and minimalist hunters. The 39x magnification brings distant wildlife into crystal-clear focus without the bulk of a larger scope.
Buyer’s Guide
The Athlon Ares spotting scope combines affordability with impressive optical performance, making it a popular choice for casual observers and weekend warriors. To help you make an informed decision, this guide covers essential features, performance characteristics, and practical considerations for choosing the right Athlon Ares spotting scope.
Optical Performance
Key specifications include objective lens diameter, magnification, and exit pupil. Larger objective lenses gather more light, improving image brightness and clarity, especially in low-light conditions. Magnification affects both the field of view and the scope’s ability to track moving targets. The exit pupil size, calculated by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification, determines how much light reaches your eye and how well the scope performs in dim light.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Comfortable grip, adjustable eyecups, and smooth focusing mechanisms are crucial for prolonged use. The scope’s tripod compatibility, including the type of mount required, should match your carrying and setup preferences. Build quality, indicated by materials used (aluminum vs. steel) and attention to detail, affects both durability and value for money.
Field Performance
Key elements include size and weight for transport, weather sealing for various conditions, and the tripod’s stability and portability. The scope’s compatibility with accessories like compasses, measuring devices, or illuminated targeting reticles can enhance functionality for specific use cases.
Value and Warranty
Price should reflect the scope’s optical quality, build materials, and included accessories. Extended warranties, particularly those covering optical components, provide peace of mind. Consider the brand’s reputation for customer support and warranty service when making your selection.
FAQ
What makes the Athlon Ares spotting scope unique?
The Athlon Ares stands out in the spotting scope market through its impressive optical performance and robust construction. It features premium optics that deliver sharp, high-contrast images, while its durable, waterproof housing ensures reliable operation in all weather conditions.
The scope’s ECLIPSE HD coating system significantly reduces glare and enhances light transmission, making it ideal for both daytime and low-light observing. Its ergonomic design and included carrying case provide convenient transport and protection for outdoor adventures.
Is the Athlon Ares suitable for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing?
While primarily designed for terrestrial observation, the Athlon Ares performs admirably for basic astronomical viewing under clear skies. Its 60mm objective lens delivers decent planetary views and brighten star clusters, though more advanced deep-sky objects may require specialized equipment.
For dedicated astronomical use, consider scopes with larger aperture sizes and specific coatings optimized for celestial observation. The Athlon Ares shines in daytime activities like bird watching and nature study.
How does the 26mm objective lens compare to longer focal length options?
The 26mm objective lens offers a wider field of view compared to longer focal length options, making it excellent for sweeping landscapes and fast-moving subjects. It provides a more generous close-focus distance, allowing for clear shots of nearby objects over 12 feet away.
For extended detail viewing of distant targets, the included 20-60x magnification range delivers sharp images across a wide zoom spectrum. The trade-off is slightly reduced field of view at higher magnifications, requiring steady hands or a tripod for optimal results.
What maintenance requirements are associated with the Athlon Ares?
The waterproof housing and optical coatings require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap solution maintains optimal performance. Avoid abrasive chemicals that can damage the coatings. Regularly check the objective lens caps and protective covers for secure attachment.
When not in use, store the scope in its carrying case to protect against environmental damage. Perform a thorough inspection before each use to ensure all components are in good working condition. The included lens covers provide essential protection during transport and storage.
How does the 26mm objective lens compare to longer focal length options?
The 26mm objective lens offers superior light gathering capabilities compared to longer focal length options, making it ideal for low-light conditions and detailed terrestrial viewing. It provides a more extensive range of viewing options, from wide-angle landscapes to medium-distance subjects.
For extended detail viewing of distant targets, the included 20-60x magnification range delivers remarkable clarity across a wide zoom spectrum. The trade-off is slightly reduced field of view at higher magnifications, requiring steady hands or a tripod for optimal results.
What is the waterproof rating of the Athlon Ares?
The Athlon Ares features a 100% waterproof sealed housing, rated to perform in environments where water contact is possible. It can withstand rain, fog, and even short submersions, making it suitable for coastal viewing, hunting in wet conditions, and general outdoor use.
The waterproof design also extends to the optical components, with fully multi-coated optics protected against moisture-related degradation. Regular cleaning with appropriate methods ensures continued performance in damp or humid conditions.
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