Mid Tier Spotters - $1,000 - $1,500

[SlimTim_MN]

Looking for Advice on Mid-Tier Spotting Scopes

Hey guys! First time poster here on Rokslide. I’m looking for some help deciding on a spotting scope and would really appreciate any insights you can share. I'm based in the Midwest, so I don’t get to hunt out West as often as I’d like—but I do have several trips planned over the next few years. I am wanting to buy spotting scope and I want something with a larger objective lens—around 85mm—and up to 60x magnification. Weight isn’t much of a concern since most of my usage will involve truck hunting and short, single-day hikes. I will also use it some around home for long distance scouting for Whitetails.

Right now, my budget is in the $1,000–$1,500 range, so I'm not quite ready to splurge on top-tier glass. I've narrowed it down to two options: the Athlon Cronus G2 and the Vortex Razor. I’d love to hear from anyone with hands-on experience with either of these, especially when it comes to optical performance, durability, and value for the price. I'm also open to other suggestions in that price range if there's something else you think I should consider.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Buy a quality used swarovski sts/ats 65mm or 80mm. Nothing wrong with the non-hd model you are not losing much if anything to the HD They can be found in that price range.

Search ebay, Craigslist, fb marketplace, other online forums

 

[snowtoy83]

You can pick up a razor 85mm for $750 from sportsmans if you can wait or you want better find a Swaro ats65 nonhd but still in your price range. Hard to beat the razor for the price.

 

[Brian Fahs]

Used kowa.

 

[Wrongside]

If you’re sticking with the new market, I’d also add the Tract Toric to your list. IME, better bang for the buck than the Razor.

 

[TradLife406]

This Kowa right here. Not much experience with anything else. But for $1000 off the classifieds I'm really impressed. It's a great backpacking tripod.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SlimTim_MN]

Appreciate the help and insights guys!

 

[WSMHNTR]

I have a 65mm Razor and side by side with a Swarovski 65mm non HD had a hard time deciding which one was better. The Swarovski gets the nod for edge clarity but that's with pretty limited time behind the glass under optimal conditions. I think if you could find a used Razor for $750ish I'd jump on it and put the money towards something else. If you're ok with spending the $1500 or a little more I'd be looking at Swarovski. I was is the same boat but now find myself wanting an ATX setup after getting to use one for an afternoon, don't make that mistake lol

 

[SlimTim_MN]

Would you buy a used STX 20X60 65mm for 1,500 if you can find it? I have a guy who is willing to sell me his old on on marketplace. I just get concerned about not being able to see it before buying/shipping.

 

[AirlockIndustries]

Used Kowa 553/554

 

[Dos Perros]

The Meopta MeoPro 80HD will smoke the Vortex Razor and I bet you can find it cheaper too.

 

[WSMHNTR]

Would you buy a used STX 20X60 65mm for 1,500 if you can find it? I have a guy who is willing to sell me his old on on marketplace. I just get concerned about not being able to see it before buying/shipping.

I would absolutely buy it for that price but would make sure its legit first and not a scam. The eye piece alone is worth more than that. Are you positive its not an STS?

 

[flyfisher117]

As a Razor HD Gen 2 owner I would not pay full price for one. Glass honestly isn't that great, it does what I need but I would have returned it if I paid full price. Maybe the 85mm is better than my 65mm? Pick up a refurbished one off Sierra and put the savings into your next spotter fund. lol

If I had to buy a new mid tier spotter today I would buy the Maven S.3.

 

[grizz19]

Another vote for snagging some used glass on here. You can get alpha glass on here used for that price point and never regret it. Zeiss diascope, swaro ats/sts, meopta s2, or Kowa. You will thank yourself later. You’ll never regret buying one of these over a vortex or Athlon. Trust me I was in your shoes and went the vortex route. I would have saved some money if I went the above route instead of starting with a razor. Now have a Swaro stm 80mm I got right at the top end of your budget. Not looking back.

 

[06 SB]

I looked at a lot of different options to replace my 1990s era Leupold spotter. I ended up with the Cronus you listed. I use it on the range and out to 1000yds. I am completely satisfied. I also considered the Razor but just was not happy with the cost vs glass compared with the Athlon. I am kind of an Athlon homer though. I have never been disappointed or had to return one for service. I get good deals through Expertvoice Flash sales too.

 

[renagde]

Would you buy a used STX 20X60 65mm for 1,500 if you can find it? I have a guy who is willing to sell me his old on on marketplace. I just get concerned about not being able to see it before buying/shipping.

Hell of a deal for an STX, I would assume it's an STS.

 

[SlimTim_MN]

Lots of amazing help on here, thanks everyone. Ill let you know how things shake out. Buying used for sure makes sense as a good option. I need to look around more.

 

[SlimTim_MN]

Hell of a deal for an STX, I would assume it's an STS.

Guy claims its an STX. Pics look legit.....I just feel weird about it for some reason.

 

[UKwildcatfan]

Looking for Advice on Mid-Tier Spotting Scopes

Hey guys! First time poster here on Rokslide. I’m looking for some help deciding on a spotting scope and would really appreciate any insights you can share. I'm based in the Midwest, so I don’t get to hunt out West as often as I’d like—but I do have several trips planned over the next few years. I am wanting to buy spotting scope and I want something with a larger objective lens—around 85mm—and up to 60x magnification. Weight isn’t much of a concern since most of my usage will involve truck hunting and short, single-day hikes. I will also use it some around home for long distance scouting for Whitetails.

Right now, my budget is in the $1,000–$1,500 range, so I'm not quite ready to splurge on top-tier glass. I've narrowed it down to two options: the Athlon Cronus G2 and the Vortex Razor. I’d love to hear from anyone with hands-on experience with either of these, especially when it comes to optical performance, durability, and value for the price. I'm also open to other suggestions in that price range if there's something else you think I should consider.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Meopta

 

[renagde]

Guy claims its an STX. Pics look legit.....I just feel weird about it for some reason.

Sounds too good to be true, but there's a noticeable difference between the STS and STX, should be able to tell easily by the pictures.