Ahtlon vs Vortex (just glass perspective)

[FlatCat]

I'll probably be buying a spotting scope in the next few months (and might be upgrading a rifle scope in the next year) and am trying to identify which brand to buy. I haven't totally narrowed it down to these two brands, but they seem comparable to me.

All things being equal, (price, customer service, etc.) which is better glass Vortex or Athlon? How do the two brand's top of the line glass compare to the another? Is one's middle tier line better than the other? Is one brand superior for spotting scopes, while another has clearer, sharper, better, rifle scopes?

I know a lot of people like Vortex and they have a great reputation and warranty, but Athon's warranty is similar.

I've been reading a bunch of forum posts and doing other research, but wanted to ask from a pure glass perspective.

Also, this is my first post and I'm trying to learn as much as possible as I'm finding I may be shooting more long range in the future.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

 

[Gwine]

Not a lot of experience with "good" glass. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. The viper has better glass, but I am able to see .22 holes in paper In the shade at 350yds with the Argos.

 

[Gwine]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[FlatCat]

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks Gwine! Appreciate the insight on the Viper and Argos.

 

[JMW67]

contact Doug at cameraland have this conversation with him he will steer you in the right direction and make you a very good deal on whatever you decide on they are honest and trustworthy great folks to deal with

 

[74honker]

I have a MIDAS TAC 6x24x50 and love it. My buddy owns several high enders including a couple Schmidt & Benders and after looking through mine went and bought one cause it was just as good as those. Same guy last year went to one of the more reputable LR courses and the former sniper instructor told the class that Athlon was probably one of the most underrated scopes on the market.

 

[Rilow]

Not a lot of experience with "good" glass. Vortex viper hst is the nicest scope I have had. Just picked up an Argos 6-24 for $249 and am very pleased. The viper has better glass, but I am able to see .22 holes in paper In the shade at 350yds with the Argos.

Gwine , how is the clarity on the Argos at 24x magnification? Looking for something in that power range but don't want to spend a fortune but also know some lower price range scopes are lacking I need clarity on high magnification.

 

[Gwine]

Mine is a gen 1, the gen 2 may be better? At 24 the edges are not as clear as the center. I mentioned earlier, at 350yds I could make out .22cal holes on a white target that was in the shade. At 100yds I can read 1/2" writing easy enough. I only have about 80 rounds under it, but so far I'm pleased, tracks right, always returns to zero.

 

[texas]

I love my Athlon Cronus 4.5x29x56 had a Nightforce years back, the glass is exceptional to me but to each their own!

 

[PantaRhei]

I recently did a bunch of research on this, and ended up with a Athlon Midas Tac and a Cronus BTR. The quality for the price is incredible, and they're backed by an excellent warranty.

 

[Fishnut]

after discovering Athlon a few years back, I now own 4 scopes 1 pair of binos and a spotter. I've also sold off all but 1 Vortex scope and will probably never buy another if that gives you any idea how I lean.

 

[jvr]

Take a look at the kowa line of spotting scopes. Remember too that when you want to see tiny holes at distance. You need a steady tripod. As for rifle scopes there are a lot of individual parameters. Hunting or tactical. Then what and where you are mainly going to hunt. Lots of good threads on all this. I also spend more on my glass than rifles. It's easier to get a rifle to shoot better. It's impossible to get better viewing out of your scope or spotter.

 

[Backcountry sports]

I'll probably be buying a spotting scope in the next few months (and might be upgrading a rifle scope in the next year) and am trying to identify which brand to buy. I haven't totally narrowed it down to these two brands, but they seem comparable to me.

All things being equal, (price, customer service, etc.) which is better glass Vortex or Athlon? How do the two brand's top of the line glass compare to the another? Is one's middle tier line better than the other? Is one brand superior for spotting scopes, while another has clearer, sharper, better, rifle scopes?

I know a lot of people like Vortex and they have a great reputation and warranty, but Athon's warranty is similar.

I've been reading a bunch of forum posts and doing other research, but wanted to ask from a pure glass perspective.

Also, this is my first post and I'm trying to learn as much as possible as I'm finding I may be shooting more long range in the future.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Vortex all the way also great wty

 

[HVGBDT]

Have had vortex Viper hs lr 6x24 with 1/2" clicks. Didn't like that. Otherwise, very good scope. Have switched to Athlon. Have 1 Midas tac & 2 Ares gen2. Love them! Especially the reticle. Tracking has tested spot on! Glad we switched.