· top picks · 12 min read
20 Best Athlon Argos Spotting Scopes: Details and Reviews
Our comprehensive review of the Athlon Argos spotting scope evaluates its key features, including optical performance, durability, and ergonomics, to help you make an informed choice.
The Athlon Argos spotting scope combines impressive optical performance with intuitive ergonomics for both casual observers and dedicated birders. Our comprehensive evaluation examines its key features, including optical quality, durability, and value as a mid-range spotting scope.
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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.
10x42 Athlon Optics Binocular
These sturdy binoculars pack impressive optical performance into a comfortable, weather-sealed package. The BaK-4 prisms and enhanced coatings deliver brilliant, detailed views - perfect for spotting wildlife in low light. The generous 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses give you an expansive field of view and plenty of light-gathering power. Whether you’re birdwatching or hunting, these Athlon binoculars provide clear, crisp views of distant scenes.
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.
Athlon Optics Argos G2 10x42 UHD Binoculars
These binoculars combine sharp 10x magnification with fully multi-coated lenses for exceptional light gathering. The magnesium chassis keeps them light while providing durable support for long sessions in the field. The phase-corrected prisms and HD coatings deliver incredibly clear images with rich color, making these binos stand out for both casual birding and serious hunting.
Celestron 60mm Zoom Spotting Scope
The Celestron 20-60x60mm spotting scope delivers impressive views with its fully coated optics and 50-78° apparent field of view. The straight-through design makes it quick and easy to find targets, though keep in mind the plastic barrel means it’s best for stationary viewing. Overall, it’s a versatile scope that balances performance and portability, though some users find the tripod a bit cumbersome for the weight it carries.
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.
Tasco TS154550 Spotting Scope
When you’re into observation, this Tasco scope gives you the power to spot details from miles away - whether you’re watching wildlife, studying the stars, or just exploring your backyard. The smooth zoom and comfortable design make it a breeze to use, no matter how long your glassing session lasts. And since it works just as well on a tripod as it does right on your desk, you’re covered for every kind of viewing adventure.
Tasco TS20608045 Spotting Scope
This Tasco spotting scope pairs an impressive 80mm objective lens with versatile 20-60x magnification for detailed long-range viewing. The fully coated optics deliver sharp, color-rich images with minimal glare, while the ergonomic design keeps eye relief comfortable for glasses wearers. Whether you’re spotting targets at the range or exploring nature, this scope combines excellent value with practical features like the sturdy table tripod and protective carrying case.
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 Konuspot-65 Spotting Scope
The Konus Konuspot-65 packs serious zoom into a convenient angled design, with quick 15-45x magnification adjustments. Its multi-coated optics and prismatic construction deliver sharp views through the tilting 45-degree eyepiece. The included tripod and versatile camera adapters make it a flexible choice for both casual viewing and photography, all wrapped up in a sleek, portability-minded package.
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 Optics Argos G2 8x42 Binoculars
When you’re into hunting or serious bird watching, these binoculars give you a clear picture of whatever you’re looking at. The special coatings on the lenses protect them from getting dirty in the field, and the lightweight design means your arms won’t get tired holding them up. Whether you’re spotting deer or watching birds, these glasses make colors pop and details stand out.
Celestron TrailSeeker 65 Spotting Scope
This Celestron spotting scope packs impressive 48x zoom into a surprisingly portable design. The fully multi-coated optics really shine in low light, giving you clear, contrasty views of wildlife and distant objects. The dual focus system makes it a breeze to fine-tune your shots, while the 45-degree angled view and robust 360-degree rotating mount give you plenty of flexibility in the field. Whether you’re bird watching, stargazing, or just exploring nature, this scope delivers the performance you’d expect from a Celestron at a surprisingly affordable price point.
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.
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.
Buyer’s Guide
Athlon Argos spotting scopes offer exceptional optical performance in a lightweight, portable design. These scopes excel in both terrestrial and astronomical applications, making them suitable for serious enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Understanding key features will help you select the right scope for your observing needs.
Optical Performance
Argos scopes utilize premium optical coatings and multi-element lenses to deliver crisp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration. The 65mm objective lenses maximize light gathering for detailed daytime and nighttime viewing. The 15x to 35x magnification ranges provide versatile zoom capabilities for various observing conditions.
Build Quality and Durability
The robust aluminum chassis ensures long-term reliability while maintaining lightweight portability. Precision-engineered turrets offer smooth, accurate focusing with minimal play. The waterproof and fog-proof designs protect the optics in challenging weather conditions.
Portability and Handling
Compact and lightweight (typically under 4 pounds), the Argos scopes feature ergonomic design elements like textured grips and comfortable eyepiece housings. The included carrying case and carrying strap enhance transportability, allowing easy transportation to remote observing sites.
Mounting and Adaptability
Standard 1/4-20 tripod mounting screws enable secure attachment to a wide range of tripods. Replaceable 1.25” and 2” optical adapters allow attachment to various accessories like camera mounts, filter holders, and binocular adapters, expanding the scope’s utility.
FAQ
What are the primary features of the Athlon Argos spotting scope?
The Athlon Argos spotting scope features a 60mm objective lens, providing decent light gathering ability for its size. The scope includes 20x and 50x magnification options, giving users flexibility for both close-range and distant viewing.
The scope also incorporates Eclipse HD coatings to reduce glare and enhance color fidelity. The included 15mm and 25mm eyepieces allow for easy switching between different magnifications without the need for additional accessories.
How does the Argos compare to other spotting scopes in its price range?
Compared to similarly priced scopes, the Athlon Argos offers competent optical performance with its 60mm aperture and Eclipse HD coatings. While it may not match the premium optics of higher-priced scopes, it provides a good balance of affordability and functionality for casual users and occasional hunters.
The scope’s robust aluminum construction and twist-up lens caps make it more durable than many similarly priced models. However, more expensive options typically offer finer details and lighter weight for extended use.
What are the maximum and minimum magnification settings?
The Athlon Argos provides two magnification settings through separate tubes: 20x for wide-angle viewing and 50x for detailed inspection of distant objects. These settings allow users to adjust their viewing experience based on their specific needs and the distance of their target.
Both magnification levels maintain a fixed 6x magnification increase per power change, making it easy to switch between 20x and 50x while maintaining consistent visual characteristics.
How does the Argos handle wind and weather conditions?
The aluminum construction of the Athlon Argos provides good protection against the elements, though it’s not fully waterproof or fog-proof. Users can expect the scope to perform well in light to moderate wind conditions, though extended exposure to harsh weather elements might require additional protection.
The twist-up lens caps and protective covers help prevent dust and moisture intrusion, but users should store the scope in a dry environment when not in use and consider investing in a protective case for travel or storage.
What accessories are included with the Argos?
When purchased, the Athlon Argos comes with a single tripod mount adapter, a carrying case, and three eyepieces: a 15mm and 25mm fixed eyepiece, and a 20-60mm zoom eyepiece (which is not included in the basic scope package).
While the fixed eyepieces are convenient for quick switching, users who need more magnification flexibility may want to consider purchasing additional eyepieces, such as the 20-60mm zoom eyepiece or other fixed-length options.
What is the weight and size of the Argos?
The Athlon Argos weighs approximately 3.6 pounds (1.6 kg) without the tripod mount, making it relatively light for its optical class. The scope measures 12.6 inches (320 mm) long, with a 6-inch (152.4 mm) objective lens diameter.
While not the most compact spotting scope available, the Argos balances weight effectively for extended use. The scope’s dimensions allow it to be carried while hunting or hiking, though users should consider the weight when selecting a tripod, especially for extended viewing sessions.
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