Athlon argos vs leupold sx-4

[MTN_AVE]

Has anyone compared the Argos to the SX-4? I see alot about the Ares but nothing about the Argos spotters.

 

[4th_point]

I don't think a budget 85mm that is ~70 ounces (Argos) is on the radar for many Rsliders. Lot of weight and bulk to pack, with suspect optical quality. However, it could be OK for some people, especially with realistic expectations and uses, plus a good sample if such a thing exists with that make/model.

I have looked through the SX scopes but have zero experience with the Argos. I have tried a couple Ares and was not impressed but am primarily interested in high resolution.

 

[MTN_AVE]

I don't think a budget 85mm that is ~70 ounces (Argos) is on the radar for many Rsliders. Lot of weight and bulk to pack, with suspect optical quality. However, it could be OK for some people, especially with realistic expectations and uses, plus a good sample if such a thing exists with that make/model.

I have looked through the SX scopes but have zero experience with the Argos. I have tried a couple Ares and was not impressed but am primarily interested in high resolution.

if the vortex Diamond back is on their radar why wouldn't the Argos be? especially if they are looking at he Viper as well the Viper is heavier then the Argos.

 

[4th_point]

I suppose that's a fair point about the DB, but we are in a subforum of the Backpacking section.

The audience seems primarily focused on backpack hunting or at least putting a lot of miles on their feet. A lot of the discussion revolves around higher quality optics. In other words, optical performance inline with the weight and pack space penalty.

An 85mm scope of lower end quality probably isn't something that a lot of people here are interested in. For one, it is bulky. Second, it is heavy.

That doesn't mean that lower cost options are not discussed on occasion. Or that everyone can, or should, go out and spend thousands of dollars. The Ares was a big deal for awhile, with a fair amount of discussion.

You'll see that many people, myself included, started with a budget scope then upgraded. Sometimes multiple times.

 

[Hotmail]

Speaking of low cost budget spotters, I recently bought a brand new Bossdun ED 25-75x60 for $47+$3 shipping from eBay shipped directly from China which took a month to arrive.

It's actually closer to 20-40x magnification with decent glass advertised as ED but probably only HD. While it's not as clear my Kowa 554 it's build quality is surprisingly good with more than decent clarity especially for around just over $50 after eBay adds their taxes.

This one is not your typical Chinese junk.

I personally would never buy an Athlon Argos spotter nor the Leupold SX4 due to poor image quality when spending $300 on any spotter. I'd rather buy the super light weight entry level Chinese Kowa 20-40x50 TSN501 angled or preferably the straight 502 for better glass than the Chinese Athlon or Leupold for the same price if not cheaper if you price shop smart Or better yet the superior Nikon Fieldscope ED 50 or 60 instead when spending over $300.

You could even buy fantastic quality used made in Japan Kowas with fluorite glass for pretty cheap as well.