Ares ETR UHD 3-18x50 or comparable scopes?

D

Dairyboy

Private
Minuteman
Oct 31, 2020
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67
WA State
#1
I'm in the market for a new scope in the $1000 range. Looking at one of these scopes it seems to have about all the things I like except would prefer 30mm tube. Some things I want/need.

-FFP
-Zero stop
-MIL Christmas tree style reticle floating dot
-10yds Minimum focus
-nothing larger than 50mm objective
-plenty of travel 25+ MILs
-Illumination not needed but a bonus
-Dont need anything over 20x magnification
-Do prefer 30mm tubes but willing to go to a 34mm for the right scope

Emailed Athlon and they said the Ares ETR 3-18s won't be in until March-late April. I don't need the scope right now but would like it sooner than later.

Would appreciate any other options to look into.

Just wanting to upgrade from my Midas Tac 4-16x44 is the reason for the scope. It'll be going on my Tikka T1X instead of the Argos BTR Gen2 on it now.
 
#2
I have some of theses Ares on order an am VERY excited to check them out. If you can wait, we'll be on the first shipment and I can hook you up ASAP.

They told me definitely early March.........
 
#3
Sig Tango6 3-18 is available via the common drop shippers for just under $1k. I don't have one, but have been thinking about picking one up. I'm a bit hesitant as it's one the porky side. Also, I don't know what the minimum parallax is as Sig's website is pure crap.
 
#4
Yeah the lack of info on the Sig puts it in the no section for me.

After lots more research on many different scopes I decided to wait for this scope. It's really got all I need and if quality is like my Midas Tac and better glass I'll be thrilled.

I talked to Doug at Cameralandny and order has been made with a sunshade. Rings are on there way and also got a MKM lopro bubble level on the way also for it. Will be looking into some scope caps for it. Wonder if the ones from my Argos BTR will fit?
 
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#5
Dairyboy said:
I'm in the market for a new scope in the $1000 range. Looking at one of these scopes it seems to have about all the things I like except would prefer 30mm tube. Some things I want/need.

-FFP
-Zero stop
-MIL Christmas tree style reticle floating dot
-10yds Minimum focus
-nothing larger than 50mm objective
-plenty of travel 25+ MILs
-Illumination not needed but a bonus
-Dont need anything over 20x magnification
-Do prefer 30mm tubes but willing to go to a 34mm for the right scope

Emailed Athlon and they said the Ares ETR 3-18s won't be in until March-late April. I don't need the scope right now but would like it sooner than later.

Would appreciate any other options to look into.

Just wanting to upgrade from my Midas Tac 4-16x44 is the reason for the scope. It'll be going on my Tikka T1X instead of the Argos BTR Gen2 on it now.
Click to expand...
This:
www.midwayusa.com

Crimson Trace 5-Series Tactical Rifle Scope 34mm Tube 3-18x 50mm 1/10

The Crimson Trace 5-Series is a feature rich 3-18x 50mm mid-range rifle scope that has been purposefully built from the ground up. The scopes First...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com
 
#7
Dairyboy said:
I'm in the market for a new scope in the $1000 range. Looking at one of these scopes it seems to have about all the things I like except would prefer 30mm tube. Some things I want/need.

-FFP
-Zero stop
-MIL Christmas tree style reticle floating dot
-10yds Minimum focus
-nothing larger than 50mm objective
-plenty of travel 25+ MILs
-Illumination not needed but a bonus
-Dont need anything over 20x magnification
-Do prefer 30mm tubes but willing to go to a 34mm for the right scope

Emailed Athlon and they said the Ares ETR 3-18s won't be in until March-late April. I don't need the scope right now but would like it sooner than later.

Would appreciate any other options to look into.

Just wanting to upgrade from my Midas Tac 4-16x44 is the reason for the scope. It'll be going on my Tikka T1X instead of the Argos BTR Gen2 on it now.
Click to expand...

I think the Ares ETR is probably your best bet for the above listed requirements.
The Athlon Helos BTR 4-20x50 would likely also fit the bill and is a 30mm tube but being considerably cheaper than the ETR it'll be lacking in glass quality and likely other areas.

I too want a scope that meets your above requirements but there's nothing on the market that really stands out, the Tract Toric 4-20x50 gets good reviews but the FOV is too small for my liking.

I think the Burris XTR3 would be a good scope for your purposes but the 3.3-18 is more in the $1400 range and still has a 34mm tube.

There is the Brownell's MPO 3-18x50 which seems to get great reviews and is made in Japan but it too has a 34mm tube and not sure the parallax adjsuts low enough.
 
#8
Those scopes do look good but just not quite what I'm looking for. I'm very picky with my reticles and I don't like very busy reticles but want a Christmas tree. What I like about the APRS6 compared to the APRS2 that I'm behind all the time is it's the same base but has the .2 MIL elevation and the Christmas tree but isn't crazy cluttered like others I'm seeing. Also the center dot is nice and isolated unlike many others I've been noticing.

The gun I'm using this scope on is a PCP airgun which max shooting is maybe 120yds for actual hunting where squirrels and pigeons are my largest targets. Plinking for fun I can go much further. So why I want the 10yds minimum focus and good reticle that's not cluttered yet a good windage grid underneath for holdover and holding in the wind. With my gun at 50yd zero 150yds is 10 MIL elevation already.
 
#11
Here's a post I did on it on AGN

Got it in finally from Cameraland last night and got right to work getting it setup once the kiddo was in bed. Man is it a beast! Never had a 34mm tube before but I do like it. Glass seems to be excellent! Turrets are very very good and think they feel nicer than the Midas Tac. Really like the lockable windage even more so than a capped windage like the Midas Tac line but just easier to use not having to take the cap off to adjust when necessary. Parallax adjustment seems to be very accurate and pops in and out very nicely. Will say it's a hair on the stiff side compared to my Midas Tac. The illumination while not really bright in daylight still is visible. Now my favorite is the reticle. I really like it alot. Just has everything that I like in a reticle and is usable for me at all powers. The lines are a hair thicker than the Midas Tac APRS2 reticle which I like and the .2 mil lines makes it easier to see also. Here's a shot through the scope at a starling at about 40yds away on 18x. Paired with my EVOL I think it's the ultimate duo for my pesting needs!

IMG_20210410_084450401_HDR.jpg

Screenshot_20210410-094418.png
 
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#12
I really do like the Ares ETR more so than the Midas Tac. And that says something as I've been using the Midas Tac over a year and have really enjoyed it. But the new Ares is a step up and do prefer it over the Midas Tac now.
 
#13
Poor starling doesn’t stand a chance!😁 That looks like an incredible setup with the EVOL 22, Ares ETR, and the tripod. Thanks for the info and feedback.

I am currently using a TA11 Acog on a FX Maverick Sniper in 30 cal. It makes a handy, lighter weight package that is comfortable for offhand shooting. I imagine with the weight of the Ares I would lose some of the ease of offhand shots. I am sure I would increase my precision of longer shots when supported though.
 
#14
Dairyboy said:
Here's a post I did on it on AGN

Got it in finally from Cameraland last night and got right to work getting it setup once the kiddo was in bed. Man is it a beast! Never had a 34mm tube before but I do like it. Glass seems to be excellent! Turrets are very very good and think they feel nicer than the Midas Tac. Really like the lockable windage even more so than a capped windage like the Midas Tac line but just easier to use not having to take the cap off to adjust when necessary. Parallax adjustment seems to be very accurate and pops in and out very nicely. Will say it's a hair on the stiff side compared to my Midas Tac. The illumination while not really bright in daylight still is visible. Now my favorite is the reticle. I really like it alot. Just has everything that I like in a reticle and is usable for me at all powers. The lines are a hair thicker than the Midas Tac APRS2 reticle which I like and the .2 mil lines makes it easier to see also. Here's a shot through the scope at a starling at about 40yds away on 18x. Paired with my EVOL I think it's the ultimate duo for my pesting needs!

View attachment 7604834
View attachment 7604835
Click to expand...
Nice level and caps :)
 
#15
Nope he got about 5 seconds to live after that! And yes I'm blessed to have a setup like this. Been through many many guns and this is the top dog. Just a fantastic rifle. Along with scope and the tripod it's a pesters dream!

Sounds like you have a really nice setup there also! Yeah weight wise over the ACOG you'll be adding a good pound at minimum. Not sure if that's something you'd like or not.
 
#17
Dairyboy said:
Lol you would know! Didn't skimp on level and caps on this scope. Really nice caps honestly man! Will be getting them for future scopes as well. And that level is a definite upgrade to the Vortex levels I've been using.
Click to expand...
That's what I like to hear. Snag the scope from me next time and you'll get a free level/lever and 25% off mounts and rings!
 
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#19
I dont have experience with it, but good reviews on Tract Toric 4x20. Its a little light on internal adjustment (65MOA)
A sub-$1000 sleeper I stumbled upon is the Burris RT25, I would buy it to replace my PST Gen 2 but it doesn't come in MOA.
 
#20
The Helos 4-20 is awesome. I got one from the first batch and put it on my 22LR. With a set of burris signature rings I have over 80MOA up. I liked it so much I already have a second one coming for my "precision" AR-15.
 
#21
chutinlead said:
The Helos 4-20 is awesome. I got one from the first batch and put it on my 22LR. With a set of burris signature rings I have over 80MOA up. I liked it so much I already have a second one coming for my "precision" AR-15.
Click to expand...
Would love to see a review of the 4-20 Helos. Especially any comparisons to more well know scopes in a similar price bracket.

I'm looking for a scope with locking turrets to replace my 3-15 PST, so really hanging out for reviews on this or the ETR 3-18.
 
#22
beetroot said:
Would love to see a review of the 4-20 Helos. Especially any comparisons to more well know scopes in a similar price bracket.

I'm looking for a scope with locking turrets to replace my 3-15 PST, so really hanging out for reviews on this or the ETR 3-18.
Click to expand...
Mine replaced my pst 3-15. I liked it enough to immediately sell my vortex and buy a second one for another rifle. I'll maybe work on a full review to post here. I'm still trying to decide if I want to keep my bigger 5-25 PST.

This Ares ETR 3-18 looks like it checks similar boxes and the not locking elevation I think would be fine as long as you setup the zero stop. The double the price tag and jump to 34mm tube made it a no go for me.
 
#23
chutinlead said:
Mine replaced my pst 3-15. I liked it enough to immediately sell my vortex and buy a second one for another rifle. I'll maybe work on a full review to post here. I'm still trying to decide if I want to keep my bigger 5-25 PST.
Click to expand...
How did the glass seem vs the PST?
I've used my PST a lot and have grown quite fond of the glass and wide FOV it offers, I'm worried the Helos will be noticeably worse.

What are the turrets like vs the PST? I find the PST ones fairly good, but they are quite muted and not super tactile so definitely room for improvement.
 
#24
beetroot said:
How did the glass seem vs the PST?
I've used my PST a lot and have grown quite fond of the glass and wide FOV it offers, I'm worried the Helos will be noticeably worse.

What are the turrets like vs the PST? I find the PST ones fairly good, but they are quite muted and not super tactile so definitely room for improvement.
Click to expand...
The glass is good. Did not seem like a step up or down from the PST. The FOV numbers appear to be pretty close to the PST and the eyebox is generous even at 20x.

The Gen 2 turrets are something they really improved with going to a stainless piece for the clicks vs brass on the gen 1. They are very loud and tactile.
 
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#25
chutinlead said:
The glass is good. Did not seem like a step up or down from the PST. The FOV numbers appear to be pretty close to the PST and the eyebox is generous even at 20x.

The Gen 2 turrets are something they really improved with going to a stainless piece for the clicks vs brass on the gen 1. They are very loud and tactile.
Click to expand...

i just placed an order with Camera Land this morning for the Helos 4-20 APRS6 to replace a strike Eagle on my rimfire. Excited to get it in.

A review of this scope would be awesome if you get a chance
 
#26
Dairyboy said:
Here's a post I did on it on AGN

Got it in finally from Cameraland last night and got right to work getting it setup once the kiddo was in bed. Man is it a beast! Never had a 34mm tube before but I do like it. Glass seems to be excellent! Turrets are very very good and think they feel nicer than the Midas Tac. Really like the lockable windage even more so than a capped windage like the Midas Tac line but just easier to use not having to take the cap off to adjust when necessary. Parallax adjustment seems to be very accurate and pops in and out very nicely. Will say it's a hair on the stiff side compared to my Midas Tac. The illumination while not really bright in daylight still is visible. Now my favorite is the reticle. I really like it alot. Just has everything that I like in a reticle and is usable for me at all powers. The lines are a hair thicker than the Midas Tac APRS2 reticle which I like and the .2 mil lines makes it easier to see also. Here's a shot through the scope at a starling at about 40yds away on 18x. Paired with my EVOL I think it's the ultimate duo for my pesting needs!

View attachment 7604834
View attachment 7604835
Click to expand...
What ball head is that on your tripod?
 
#27
260284 said:
What ball head is that on your tripod?
Click to expand...
It's the Vault Outdoors Wrecking ball. I really enjoy it.

vaultoutdoors.com

Wrecking Ball

Mil Spec Hard Coat Anodized Carbon Fiber Thrust Washers Arca-Swiss Adapter Locks Securely Fits 3/8-16 Tripod Stud Lightweight, Only 1lb Ball - 1.875" Diameter American Made and Designed Ball Head The Wrecking Ball is the first ball head specifically designed with hunting in mind. No more sloppy...
vaultoutdoors.com vaultoutdoors.com
 
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#30
Bumping this as I’m now trying to decide between the Ares ETR 3-18x50 vs the Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50.
All comparisons or inputs/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Looking to buy in the next few days, scope will go on a Bergara BXR rimfire rifle.

Thanks.
 
#31
cuz said:
Bumping this as I’m now trying to decide between the Ares ETR 3-18x50 vs the Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50.
All comparisons or inputs/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Looking to buy in the next few days, scope will go on a Bergara BXR rimfire rifle.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
The Ares ETR is a superior scope even though it's made in China while the XTRIIIi is made in the Philippines.

The Athlon Ares ETR and even the BTR Gen 2 line and Midas Tac are the best Chinese made scopes that money can possibly buy that blows away the rest of their Chinese made competition sold by all other well known brands regardless of price.

Always try to buy them when you see an excellent sale or from EV for close to half price and not at their regular street prices. EV probably has them for less than $700 since the 4.5-30x56 Ares ETR model went as low as $625 and is currently $745.

Be aware that they're still made in China so there will be a few that can and do slip through QC unless you request your dealer open the box and inspect the scope to check for artifacts in the glass and ease of unscrewing the battery cover and running the turret clicks at least a few revs up and down and side to side before actually shipping it. Even the Philippines made Burris can have out of box issues such as stiff turrets, zoom and parallax or optics possibly out of calibration.

I personally do not choose to buy any of the Athlon the ETR line since for their price, you can get better quality scopes not made in China such as the European Meopta Optika 6 for the same price if not cheaper or at least the Japan made Tract Toric 2.5-15x. The Athlon Midas Tac and Ares BTR G2 are the upper limits of what I personally feel Chinese made scopes are actually worth paying $450-$600 maximum for or the Ares ETR 4.5-30x56 for under $700.

I may suggest you buy both at the same time and just return the one you don't like and shop smart and don't get ripped off whenever buying anything.

I'd personally recommend the Athlon Ares BTR G2 4.5-27x50 unless you really need lower than 4.5x magnification since you'll get a better shooting experience with it over the Burris and ETR where you get the sweet spot with very forgiving eye box and incredible sight picture on 18x vs maxing out the Burris and ETR where their eyeboxes aren't as forgiving. The Athlon Ares BTR G2 4.5-27x50 in both MOA and MIL reticle version currently on sale for $565.49 at Walmart online with free shipping and free returns within 90 days simply can't be beat just to try out totally risk free. I highly doubt even EV can beat this current sale price. Amazon also currently has the MOA version for $565.49. Value wise, everyone else currently sells them for $869.99 which has an MSRP of $1087.49. I would never recommend buying them for $869.99 though since they're still made in China. In fact I wouldn't recommend buying any Chinese made scope that cost over $600 maximum so only buy them when you find an excellent sale since they're actually meant for profits first then quality second.
 
#34
I like the ret on the athlon more than the Burris. The Philippine made Burris might be a bit nicer all around than the athlon but the USA made Burris trails both of them by a significant margin in terms of glass and controls. At least based on my personal experience
 
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#35
Chasing3 said:
Any more reviews on this? Wondering what type of quality this scope competes against, NF NXS line or SHV, Vortex Viper Gen 2?
Click to expand...
The Chinese made Athlon Ares ETR is better than the Philippines made Vortex PST 2 but not as good as any of the Japan made Nightforce. It's still made in China but it's the best one of all the rest of Chinese made scopes sold by other brand labels. IMHO they're worth paying EV prices for (close to half price) but no more since you can buy better quality "non Chinese" made scopes when paying street prices such as the Meopta Optika 6.

I'm personally sold on the Athlon Ares BTR G2 4.5-27x50 after comparing it to both of my $1294.00 Japan made Tract Toric 4-20x50s with German Schott glass and the $1499.99 Japan made Element Optics Nexus 5-20x50 and Japan made $1900 (on sale) Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 F1. I ended up buying more of the Athlon Ares for $700 apiece which I thought were a really good deal until I recently saw then for $565.49 with free shipping and free returns within 90 days at Walmart online and off and on sale on Amazon.

If you can manage with the 4.5x instead of 3x on the low end I'm 100% sure you'll be really happy with the $565.49 Athlon Ares BTR G2 4.5-27x50. Everywhere else currently sells them for $869.99 with an MSRP of $1087.49. It's also much better than the new Bushnell Match Pro ED in every possible way in regards to quality and warranty. Being much cheaper at their current $565.49 sale price is also a plus. I wouldn't recommend buying them of they weren't selling as cheap as they currently are and never pay $869.99 or even more than $600 for anything made in China.

I had one mounted onto a 10 meter match rifle and no problems with the 25 yard minimum focus it was crystal clear at 5-6 yards on it's lower magnification and at 10-12x able to clearly see at 10-11 yards while both my Japan made Athlon Cronus 4.5-29x56 and Tract Toric ELR 4.5-30x56 can't see as close unless you really only use low magnification.

Many airgun shooters are scared of using 25 yard scopes but the Ares BTR G2 is actually useable at really close distance shooting.
 
#36
Neurotic said:
How is the ETR the superior scope?

And why do you keep denying the Meopta is made in China?
Click to expand...
Got it straight from the horse's mouth over at Meopta that their Optika 6 aren't made in China.

Are there any new models that are now made in China that just changed made in Czech republic status from their Optika 6 line just recently?
 
#37
Neurotic said:
How is the ETR the superior scope?

And why do you keep denying the Meopta is made in China?
Click to expand...
Glass quality is night and day difference and so are the turrets and overall smoother function.

The Burris is rough around the edges by comparison.

If you still have any doubts, just buy an Athlon Ares ETR from a return friendly dealer just to try out for yourself. That's what do all the time. I only keep the ones that I feel are worth the money spent and I specifically compare them to what I kept and constantly keep searching for anything better to compare with in their price class and even compared to my cheaper scopes I bought at excellent sale prices.

Midway USA and nowadays even Walmart online and Amazon have excellent free shipping and free returns policy. You are only borrowing them so paying full prices for them is a non issue where shopping smart doesn't apply. Shop smart and pay the cheapest possible prices only if you intend to actually keep them.
 
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