Hey folks, I've been curious about these two scopes, unfortunately I dont have a dealer local to me. I'll be putting something on an AR10 in 308, and I think these two are the biggest contenders unless someone has another recommendation up to that $1200 price point. Pretty much put the rifle together for an MOA match, 1" steel targets at 100 and 5" at 500 and everything in between. I'll also just be hopefully doing a lot of shooting at home. Repeatability in the turrets is my largest concern, with glass quality being second. How does everyone like the center dot of the ETR? Is it easy to locate it on dark backgrounds? How much better is the larger objective and tube for low light compared to the BTR? How does the illumination compare on the two? Any feedback is much appreciated!
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
Rifle Scopes Athlon Ares ETR vs BTR?
- Thread starter YoungBuck94
- Start date
I don't have experience with these optics, but wanted to clarify that a larger tube DOES NOT mean better light gathering. There are many factors, with the main two being objective size & exit pupil and glass coatings. https://www.swarovskioptik.com/hunting/blog/RS_tube_size_matters_but_not_much
There are many other things that affect brightness like glass quality. but if we assume all things equal except the tube size, there will not be a difference in brightness.
@steve123 Can probably weigh having been behind both of these scopes. I have both and the ETR has more audible clicks and better glass. Not sure about the light transmission. You may also want to consider a gen II Vortex Razor 4.5x27 as well, have seen these being sold for slightly more than your 1200, think I saw one listed yesterday for 1350.
The optics and the turrets on the ETR are superior to the BTR. It would be our pleasure to discuss these scopes with you if you have a few minutes to give a call, 516-217-1000
I've got several of the Gen 1 Ares BTRs & have moved one Ares ETR between precision 22RF, custom 7mm-08 Improved & custom 6x47. No doubt in my mind that the ETR's ED glass is better than the Gen 1's HD glass, and the ETR is brighter due to the 56mm objective & glass quality. The ETR's turrets are clearly better than the Gen 1's, with much more distinct clicks/detents. The only item I have any sort of issue with on the ETR is that they went smaller on the floating aiming dot that necessary, to the point where I find it hard to see much below 16x. OTOH, the BTR's + aiming point is quite easy to see at any power setting. Granted, they both have illuminated reticles, and that can be used as a crutch with the ETR's small floating dot. Don't get me wrong - I like my ETR very much, but just don't understand why they designed that floating dot so small.
I've not had any issues with the four BTRs I've put on my own rifles, but am very tempted to order in a couple of Gen 2 BTRs, since they have the improved turrets with stainless steel guts, and much more distinct click/detents, plus some improvements in the optical design. The catch is, Athlon's new Midas TAC 5-25x56 is priced at the same level as the Gen 2 Ares BTR, so I went with a couple of the 5-25x56 Midas TACs on my last order instead of trying one of the Ares BTR Gen 2s. I'm pretty impressed with the Midas TAC 5-25x56 so far, but haven't had time to mount one on a rifle yet. Sooner or later, I'm going to give in to temptation & order in one or two of the Gen 2 BTRs; I really want to compare the optics to those of my older Gen 1 BTRs. I've sold at least one of my used Gen 1 BTRs, so there's a rifle that's going to need a scope - whether I put one of the 5-25x56 Midas TACs on it, or go with an Ares BTR Gen 2 is still a decision I haven't made yet.
I've not had any issues with the four BTRs I've put on my own rifles, but am very tempted to order in a couple of Gen 2 BTRs, since they have the improved turrets with stainless steel guts, and much more distinct click/detents, plus some improvements in the optical design. The catch is, Athlon's new Midas TAC 5-25x56 is priced at the same level as the Gen 2 Ares BTR, so I went with a couple of the 5-25x56 Midas TACs on my last order instead of trying one of the Ares BTR Gen 2s. I'm pretty impressed with the Midas TAC 5-25x56 so far, but haven't had time to mount one on a rifle yet. Sooner or later, I'm going to give in to temptation & order in one or two of the Gen 2 BTRs; I really want to compare the optics to those of my older Gen 1 BTRs. I've sold at least one of my used Gen 1 BTRs, so there's a rifle that's going to need a scope - whether I put one of the 5-25x56 Midas TACs on it, or go with an Ares BTR Gen 2 is still a decision I haven't made yet.
I have an Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50, all is nice until you get the mag up above 10-12 then the box gets really tight and at some point almost un useable, it's on a shelf as I'm not impressed at all with it on the magnification is concerned.
For 9 rds. through it, you could have it TYD 450.00
For 9 rds. through it, you could have it TYD 450.00
DiBBS, I just got in my first ETR yesterday so I don't have any experience with it yet. But man the quality in this thing is ridiculous upon first impression! Seriously the turrets click feel, and the sound they make, have to be some of the best around regardless of price! IMHO, superior to the Cronus BTR.
I know there must be a difference in glass compared to my S&B 5-25 but I can't see it comparing the two on my property?? Old eyes I guess. I do like having 30x!!!
As I use the ETR I can make a more accurate assessment.
The Gen2 Ares BTR Gen2's are my favorite scope for the price right now, mostly because of the all .2 mil reticle. The glass could be a tad better but it's certainly not bad and way better than the older Burris XTR2's were and totally destroying the SWFA 3-15, actually about equal to my old NF F1 going off memory! The new turrets are just like the Midas TAC's are, which cannot be complained about. Gone are any of my previous complaints with the Gen1 version.
My stupid eyes don't abide irons anymore aiming at small targets, not even with apertures. So I bought a Athlon Helos 1-4.5 service rifle scope to put on my 40x 308 that had a decent set of vintage apertures on it. I like that scope a lot too! Sure is nice to have adjustable parallax on a scope like this, that feature does make a difference! Most "1 to whatever" scopes get all wonky to me with fixed parallax depending on magnification and distance, however so far this Helos works great at any distance and magnification.
I swear, Athlon is putting out some kickass stuff! I remember when the Co first came out I was very reluctant to be associated with a new Co, BUT NOT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, let me start by saying thanks for all the quick and detailed responses! I posted the same question over on the arfcom about a week ago with none so far.
Joshuaray83, thanks for the clarification on the light transmission, and thanks for the link.
DIBBS I was looking at the Vortex lineup, mainly the PST Gen II's as I've owned a few of the cheaper optics and they've worked great and the cs department rocks, hadn't looked at the Razors much other than drooling, but if I saw a used one for that type of price it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility, especially since it'd be about the same with tax on an ETR.
gr8fuldoug, I'll definitely take you up on that offer, from what I've read on here about these scopes tells me everyone thinks very highly of you and you're the one to talk to.
flatland1, I think that's about the only thing turning me off from the ETR is that dot. As you said, you can use the illumination as a crutch, but I guess I never had any issues with the standard cross. The floating + in the BTR seems ideal to me. I had looked at the Midas Tac as well, but given that that has the same floating dot without illumination, it no longer has that crutch. Plus, it'd have to have some great feature for me to justify that same price as the Ares BTR.
Ken Burton thanks for the offer and moreso for the honesty, many people would have said "This scope rocks, it'll put every bullet right into the bullseye with your eyes shut!" That being said, I'll be looking to use that higher mag quite a bit, so I'll have to pass.
steve123, how does the glass on the Cronus compare to your new ETR? Keep me updated how you like it as time goes on! Good to hear your thoughts on the Gen II BTR's!
Given that steve123 and I brought up the Cronus', were there any changes done to them over the years (Not sure how long they've been out)? Reason I ask is it looks like a lot of them have been getting sold on the for sale for not much more than the ETR. Again, thanks for all the replies fellas!
Joshuaray83, thanks for the clarification on the light transmission, and thanks for the link.
DIBBS I was looking at the Vortex lineup, mainly the PST Gen II's as I've owned a few of the cheaper optics and they've worked great and the cs department rocks, hadn't looked at the Razors much other than drooling, but if I saw a used one for that type of price it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility, especially since it'd be about the same with tax on an ETR.
gr8fuldoug, I'll definitely take you up on that offer, from what I've read on here about these scopes tells me everyone thinks very highly of you and you're the one to talk to.
flatland1, I think that's about the only thing turning me off from the ETR is that dot. As you said, you can use the illumination as a crutch, but I guess I never had any issues with the standard cross. The floating + in the BTR seems ideal to me. I had looked at the Midas Tac as well, but given that that has the same floating dot without illumination, it no longer has that crutch. Plus, it'd have to have some great feature for me to justify that same price as the Ares BTR.
Ken Burton thanks for the offer and moreso for the honesty, many people would have said "This scope rocks, it'll put every bullet right into the bullseye with your eyes shut!" That being said, I'll be looking to use that higher mag quite a bit, so I'll have to pass.
steve123, how does the glass on the Cronus compare to your new ETR? Keep me updated how you like it as time goes on! Good to hear your thoughts on the Gen II BTR's!
Given that steve123 and I brought up the Cronus', were there any changes done to them over the years (Not sure how long they've been out)? Reason I ask is it looks like a lot of them have been getting sold on the for sale for not much more than the ETR. Again, thanks for all the replies fellas!
I just got an etr from doug at cameraland.
Good deal, fast shipping. The turret clicks are solid, pretty easy to set zero stop. It will draw in good enough light in a hunting situation to get you in plenty of trouble with the game wardens. I havent had a lot of time behind it but so far have been impressed
Good deal, fast shipping. The turret clicks are solid, pretty easy to set zero stop. It will draw in good enough light in a hunting situation to get you in plenty of trouble with the game wardens. I havent had a lot of time behind it but so far have been impressed
YoungBuck94 - I've looked in Athlon's 2020 catalog on the pages towards the back where they show drawings of all the reticles they offer, along with tables giving the dimensions of the hashmarks & aiming points. It's confusing for a dyslexic old fart like me, but it appears that the largest floating aiming dot they offer on any of the scopes in the 4.5-27/6-24 range is in the sfp Midas BTR Gen 2, at .1 mil. All the others I looked at were ffp, and the dots were from .04 to .03 mil. I didn't bother looking at any of the MOA reticles, since I'm not interested in buying MOA scopes. All I know is that when I back magnification down below 15x-16x, all I'm seeing is a blank area between the crosshairs - which in fact could probably serve pretty well as an aiming point. But since I shot for several years behind the pre-BTR Cronus scopes on a couple of jelrod-converted 40X 22RF repeaters, and got to like that reticle (even though some shooters must not have cared for how heavy the + aiming point was). Same goes for the Ares BTR's + aiming point. However, after I got used to the finer + aiming point in the Cronus BTR's finer reticle, I've grown to like it quite a bit. In fact, I'd prefer it to any of their reticles with the floating dot. Reticles preferences are a very personal thing - just because that's what I like, doesn't mean that Athlon isn't getting tons of feedback asking for the finer floating dot. If my vision was as good as it was 30+yrs ago, I might find myself preferring the really fine floating dot. But at my age - looking at having cataract surgery in another year or so - I'll stick with what I can easily pick up, especially when shooting movers.
Last edited:
""""Given that steve123 and I brought up the Cronus', were there any changes done to them over the years (Not sure how long they've been out)? Reason I ask is it looks like a lot of them have been getting sold on the for sale for not much more than the ETR.""""
Yes the Cronus was improved.
The 1st shipment of the 1st Gen Cronus was the one with the suspect turrets. After that the turrets were improved some. Then the Cronus BTR came out, which can be considered a 2nd Gen version, not just the turrets were improved even more but other things were done to the internals and the side focus parallax.
It's debatable if the reticle was improved in the Cronus BTR, lol. Admittedly I do like the finer line thickness better but I don't like mixing .2's with .5's, so I'd take the original all .2 mil Cronus reticle over it any day.
A friend that I shoot with who competes a lot in PRS and NRL bought a Cronus BTR and ran that thing hard the previous two years. Last year he bought a ZCO to put on his best precision centerfire rifle. So he put the Cronus BTR on his Vudoo trainer. When we are traveling back home from the match together he mentions how good that Cronus BTR has been and how well it stacks up to his ZCO and every other expensive scope he's been behind. No it's not a ZCO or a TT but it, like he says, gets the job done, and has never let him down. BTW the ZCO was sent back for repair....
I'm waiting for a Cronus BTR with an all .2 mil reticle option, and 10Y close focus. Which was my suggestion to begin with, until then I'll stick with my S&B 5-25's for my highest priority go-to's....
I'll be using the ETR for the first time today. Long story short if I like it as much as I'm hoping to I'm selling my S&B 3-20 and mounting the ETR on my 6.5 Saum. Gotta pay off that new E-mountain bike I just bought!!!
Yes the Cronus was improved.
The 1st shipment of the 1st Gen Cronus was the one with the suspect turrets. After that the turrets were improved some. Then the Cronus BTR came out, which can be considered a 2nd Gen version, not just the turrets were improved even more but other things were done to the internals and the side focus parallax.
It's debatable if the reticle was improved in the Cronus BTR, lol. Admittedly I do like the finer line thickness better but I don't like mixing .2's with .5's, so I'd take the original all .2 mil Cronus reticle over it any day.
A friend that I shoot with who competes a lot in PRS and NRL bought a Cronus BTR and ran that thing hard the previous two years. Last year he bought a ZCO to put on his best precision centerfire rifle. So he put the Cronus BTR on his Vudoo trainer. When we are traveling back home from the match together he mentions how good that Cronus BTR has been and how well it stacks up to his ZCO and every other expensive scope he's been behind. No it's not a ZCO or a TT but it, like he says, gets the job done, and has never let him down. BTW the ZCO was sent back for repair....
I'm waiting for a Cronus BTR with an all .2 mil reticle option, and 10Y close focus. Which was my suggestion to begin with, until then I'll stick with my S&B 5-25's for my highest priority go-to's....
I'll be using the ETR for the first time today. Long story short if I like it as much as I'm hoping to I'm selling my S&B 3-20 and mounting the ETR on my 6.5 Saum. Gotta pay off that new E-mountain bike I just bought!!!
steve - Your comments on improvements made to the Cronus line are interesting. I'm sure I probably read something along those lines here back when the Cronus BTR was announced, but at the time, I let my feathers get ruffled when Athlon sold their remaining new-old stock pre-BTR Cronus scopes without giving small-time dealers like myself a shot at a few of them. IIRC, I've got three of the pre-BTR Cronus scopes on rifles - a Bighorn just recently re-barreled in 6.5-08 Improved 30*, jelrod-converted 40XB repeater, and CZ457 VPT w/Shilen ratchet rifled bbl w/EPS chamber.
My two heavy bbl'd comp V22s both have Cronus BTRs on them with the finer + aiming point that I bitched about several months ago - my complaint about it not being as easy to pick up while shooting movers was BS - a little more use in a few PRS-style 22RF matches proved to me that it was practically an ideal aiming point, especially for really small targets. I have one NIB Cronus, with the floating dot APRS1 reticle - haven't decided whether I want to use it on one of my own rifles or keep it back for sale. The 2020 catalog shows the Cronus dot at .04 mil, while the Ares ETR's APRS1 reticle's dot is .03 mil. My preference is for the Midas BTR Gen 2's sfp .1 mil dot, but that might get a bit large at full magnification in a ffp scope.
As far as the Cronus BTRs having improvements to the turrets, the two I'm running seem to have slightly mushier click/detents than the older pre-BTR Cronus scopes. Might ought to pull the turret caps and see about wiping some excess silicone grease off. Probably would've done so if the click/detents were bothering me during match shooting, but I think the stiffness of the parallax knob was more of an issue for me while shooting stages with targets spread out from 50-300yds under fairly tight time constraints. I got spoiled by the great depth of field the Kahles K624i scopes on my other Bighorns have - no need to dink around with parallax adjustment on them. I did buy a couple of MK Machining's 3-D printed parallax focus wheels for the two BTRs on the V22s, but have yet to shoot a match with them.
Whatever - I've had excellent service out of all the Cronus scopes I've shot with - no real complaints, and excellent tracking & return to zero confirmed by shooting box tests. A guy could do a lot worse than these scopes....
My two heavy bbl'd comp V22s both have Cronus BTRs on them with the finer + aiming point that I bitched about several months ago - my complaint about it not being as easy to pick up while shooting movers was BS - a little more use in a few PRS-style 22RF matches proved to me that it was practically an ideal aiming point, especially for really small targets. I have one NIB Cronus, with the floating dot APRS1 reticle - haven't decided whether I want to use it on one of my own rifles or keep it back for sale. The 2020 catalog shows the Cronus dot at .04 mil, while the Ares ETR's APRS1 reticle's dot is .03 mil. My preference is for the Midas BTR Gen 2's sfp .1 mil dot, but that might get a bit large at full magnification in a ffp scope.
As far as the Cronus BTRs having improvements to the turrets, the two I'm running seem to have slightly mushier click/detents than the older pre-BTR Cronus scopes. Might ought to pull the turret caps and see about wiping some excess silicone grease off. Probably would've done so if the click/detents were bothering me during match shooting, but I think the stiffness of the parallax knob was more of an issue for me while shooting stages with targets spread out from 50-300yds under fairly tight time constraints. I got spoiled by the great depth of field the Kahles K624i scopes on my other Bighorns have - no need to dink around with parallax adjustment on them. I did buy a couple of MK Machining's 3-D printed parallax focus wheels for the two BTRs on the V22s, but have yet to shoot a match with them.
Whatever - I've had excellent service out of all the Cronus scopes I've shot with - no real complaints, and excellent tracking & return to zero confirmed by shooting box tests. A guy could do a lot worse than these scopes....
I will say that the old cronus btr turret (Ive had it a few years now) have a reputation for feeling the oring/grease and making the detents feel kind of spongy , I really like them though as I can turn them without feeling like Im going 90 mph down a rocky road like so many clunky "tactical" turrets seem to be these days. (Feeling the click and having to over come the click are two very different things IMO and I think we've gone too far one way)
I did just get a new cronus btr though and the turret is decidedly more "clicky" and with more pronounced space between the clicks but still not requiring excessive force to turn. Maybe grease drying out and moving around with time will mute them a bit to be like the old turrets are. I half way hope it does. I sold a used one over this new one just to find out for myself.
I did just get a new cronus btr though and the turret is decidedly more "clicky" and with more pronounced space between the clicks but still not requiring excessive force to turn. Maybe grease drying out and moving around with time will mute them a bit to be like the old turrets are. I half way hope it does. I sold a used one over this new one just to find out for myself.
Last edited:
I cleaned the grease from my Pre BTR Cronus and used a much lighter grease and it made a huge difference.
I didn’t Bother with the windage turret because I very rarely use it.
Someday I’ll buy another Cronus, mine has been fantastic.
I’d like to look through a ETR someday.
I didn’t Bother with the windage turret because I very rarely use it.
Someday I’ll buy another Cronus, mine has been fantastic.
I’d like to look through a ETR someday.
I do not have an ETR but...
I have several Athlon scopes but we'll compare my BTR 4.5-27(Made in Taiwan), just received a Nightforce NX8 4-32(made in Japan), a PA Platinum 5-30 x 56 (Made in Japan by LOW and reviews well amongst some scope "snobs" and is nearly identical to a similar, well regarded Weaver). A pair of Swarovski 8x10 binos, and a Leica 2700-B rangefinder. (Swarovski and Leica are extremely well known for high quality glass).
I set up all three scopes on focused on the same target(s) to evaluate and compare. I had difficulty telling the three apart. That's when I pulled out the binos and rangefinder. Again, they were extremely similar. The Athlon was slightly browner than the others. I then asked my wife to look through all of them and describe. She has no clue what costs what and which should be better. All she knows is that she likes the binos when we're out hiking etc. She initially liked the Athlon. But eventually came to a similar conclusion. Too close to call when it comes to glass. The Nightforce had a much larger FOV and was easier to get behind. But for approx. $500, the Athlon is gonna be a hard value to beat. I was going to sell it to subsidize the Nightforce purchase but might just keep it.
I'm NOT a scope snob nor is my wife. Just average eyes giving an opinion. I think the most important take away for me was the my wife, the uninitiated, saw basically the same things I saw. You'd have to be quite adept to really tell them apart, reticles aside.
Edit: Wanted to add that when the Sun begins to fade, the Athlon does too. This is really where I see the differences between the Japan optics and the Taiwan. It's not night and day, no pun intended, but you can begin to see it when the Sun goes low and it only gets farther apart as it drops.
I have several Athlon scopes but we'll compare my BTR 4.5-27(Made in Taiwan), just received a Nightforce NX8 4-32(made in Japan), a PA Platinum 5-30 x 56 (Made in Japan by LOW and reviews well amongst some scope "snobs" and is nearly identical to a similar, well regarded Weaver). A pair of Swarovski 8x10 binos, and a Leica 2700-B rangefinder. (Swarovski and Leica are extremely well known for high quality glass).
I set up all three scopes on focused on the same target(s) to evaluate and compare. I had difficulty telling the three apart. That's when I pulled out the binos and rangefinder. Again, they were extremely similar. The Athlon was slightly browner than the others. I then asked my wife to look through all of them and describe. She has no clue what costs what and which should be better. All she knows is that she likes the binos when we're out hiking etc. She initially liked the Athlon. But eventually came to a similar conclusion. Too close to call when it comes to glass. The Nightforce had a much larger FOV and was easier to get behind. But for approx. $500, the Athlon is gonna be a hard value to beat. I was going to sell it to subsidize the Nightforce purchase but might just keep it.
I'm NOT a scope snob nor is my wife. Just average eyes giving an opinion. I think the most important take away for me was the my wife, the uninitiated, saw basically the same things I saw. You'd have to be quite adept to really tell them apart, reticles aside.
Edit: Wanted to add that when the Sun begins to fade, the Athlon does too. This is really where I see the differences between the Japan optics and the Taiwan. It's not night and day, no pun intended, but you can begin to see it when the Sun goes low and it only gets farther apart as it drops.
Last edited:
Hey, just thought I'd let everyone know I gave Doug a call at Cameraland, and I'm pretty sold on the ETR. I've got a revolver I'm looking to sell, and once that's gone that'll be my scope fund and I'll give him another call! Thanks again for all the help folks!
Had the gen 2 btr for about two months now bought primarily for my sons 22nrl rifle
Pros
Reticals from Athlon are really nice options
Glass is ok quality nothing to write home about
Illumination seems adequate in full sunlight
Scope parallax goes down to 20 yds for 22nrl
Cons
Scope turrets just feel cheap like I could tear the turrets off when really running them hard
I have had no problems yet with them just a personal opinion
Price point is around 30% high on this scope
If some of the other manufacturers would make there comparable models price wise have parallax go as low as this scope I would gladly sell this one for ie sig tango 4 Burris xtr2
Pros
Reticals from Athlon are really nice options
Glass is ok quality nothing to write home about
Illumination seems adequate in full sunlight
Scope parallax goes down to 20 yds for 22nrl
Cons
Scope turrets just feel cheap like I could tear the turrets off when really running them hard
I have had no problems yet with them just a personal opinion
Price point is around 30% high on this scope
If some of the other manufacturers would make there comparable models price wise have parallax go as low as this scope I would gladly sell this one for ie sig tango 4 Burris xtr2
I’ve had both scopes and I have a Cronus BTR now. The ETR was much closer to the Cronus image wise and has better turrets, IMO.
I ended up owning 3 Ares BTR 4.5-27x50's, one G1 and two G2's. The main difference I like on the G2 are the turrets, plenty good enough for me.
I do wish for one step up in the glass department, and as always wish these had 10Y close focus like the Midas TAC 6-24 and Argos BTR 6-24. The reticle is the biggy for me on these Ares BTR scopes which I love! I also like the .2 mil reticle in the Talos BTR but the scope suffers in different ways being so inexpensive.
The ETR was a superb scope, everything except the reticle was exceptional! I sold it though for that one reason, and it's the same reason I sold my Cronus BTR.
LOL, why the heck I can't find that perfect sub $1000 scope is both sad and funny????!!!!!
Someday - someway.
Thankfully I have those S&B 5-25/H59's for the nicer rifles! Wish I could afford a herd of them.
I do wish for one step up in the glass department, and as always wish these had 10Y close focus like the Midas TAC 6-24 and Argos BTR 6-24. The reticle is the biggy for me on these Ares BTR scopes which I love! I also like the .2 mil reticle in the Talos BTR but the scope suffers in different ways being so inexpensive.
The ETR was a superb scope, everything except the reticle was exceptional! I sold it though for that one reason, and it's the same reason I sold my Cronus BTR.
LOL, why the heck I can't find that perfect sub $1000 scope is both sad and funny????!!!!!
Someday - someway.
Thankfully I have those S&B 5-25/H59's for the nicer rifles! Wish I could afford a herd of them.
Just going to drop a line in about the GEN 2 Ares BTR
The biggest issue I heard about the GEN 1 had to do with the turrets. I’m new, no doubt about it, but even with my untrained and heavily arthritic fingers I’m able to dial the GEN 2 turrets crisply and without any reservation about how many clicks I’ve felt and heard.
This feels like a “if I can do it, anyone can” situation. I’m using the ARES for hunting and I appreciate that reticle isn’t too busy. Zooming in I get plenty of detail to adjust my holds, and when zoomed out it’s nice and clean.
The zoom is tight enough that it stays put, but is easy for me to move. The illumination is great and really makes a difference when the sun starts getting lower, especially if we’re overcast. Again, super easy to adjust and though it’s on the same side turret as the parallax adjust, it hasn’t gotten in the way even with my fingers.
One of the things I appreciate most was how much adjustment I could get out of the eye relief and diopter. I’ve had cataract surgery and the replacement lenses are for distance. I was able to adjust it far enough out to not need my reading glasses when behind the scope. (This means that nobody else can see the reticle clearly, but then it’s not their scope, is it? lol)
My only issue with it, and it likely comes from inexperience, is trying to determine which mark on the elevation turret is actually center. There is a odd offset line marker on the backside of the turret and it can be confusing as to which mark I’m turning to, if I’m not paying close enough attention.
I don’t have a lot of other scopes to compare optics clarity to, but everything I’ve read is that the GEN 2 ARES is at least as good or better than other scopes in the price range. I got mine from Cameraland and at a helluva great price too!
As a side note, Athlon’s customer service was very responsive and helpful to my several emails back and forth while I was searching for a scope. I’ve got no complaints or reason to return anything, but if their willingness to help on the mundane stuff is any example, I have no concerns for the future.
The biggest issue I heard about the GEN 1 had to do with the turrets. I’m new, no doubt about it, but even with my untrained and heavily arthritic fingers I’m able to dial the GEN 2 turrets crisply and without any reservation about how many clicks I’ve felt and heard.
This feels like a “if I can do it, anyone can” situation. I’m using the ARES for hunting and I appreciate that reticle isn’t too busy. Zooming in I get plenty of detail to adjust my holds, and when zoomed out it’s nice and clean.
The zoom is tight enough that it stays put, but is easy for me to move. The illumination is great and really makes a difference when the sun starts getting lower, especially if we’re overcast. Again, super easy to adjust and though it’s on the same side turret as the parallax adjust, it hasn’t gotten in the way even with my fingers.
One of the things I appreciate most was how much adjustment I could get out of the eye relief and diopter. I’ve had cataract surgery and the replacement lenses are for distance. I was able to adjust it far enough out to not need my reading glasses when behind the scope. (This means that nobody else can see the reticle clearly, but then it’s not their scope, is it? lol)
My only issue with it, and it likely comes from inexperience, is trying to determine which mark on the elevation turret is actually center. There is a odd offset line marker on the backside of the turret and it can be confusing as to which mark I’m turning to, if I’m not paying close enough attention.
I don’t have a lot of other scopes to compare optics clarity to, but everything I’ve read is that the GEN 2 ARES is at least as good or better than other scopes in the price range. I got mine from Cameraland and at a helluva great price too!
As a side note, Athlon’s customer service was very responsive and helpful to my several emails back and forth while I was searching for a scope. I’ve got no complaints or reason to return anything, but if their willingness to help on the mundane stuff is any example, I have no concerns for the future.
What Flatland details in the first paragraph I can confirm as I have both BTR and ETR. Both good scopes, but going forward I'll be getting 56mm scopes with 34mm tubes. Just plain brighter IMO.
This is why I settled on the 2.5-15x. I feel if I really want 20x+ magnification on the top end, I would probably be better off saving up more money for an optic with nicer glass.
As it is, my Gen 1 2.5-15x Ares BTR proved to be a good buy, and compares really well to my SWFA 3-15x. The BTR has a nicer reticle, good illumination, zero stop, and it continues to track accurately. Time will tell on durability when I can get it into the field more.
With the new reticles Athlon is putting in the Helos 2-12x and 1-10x and the Ares ETR 1-10x, it seems like they're really clued in to what people want from an affordable tactical scope. If your budget tops out at $500 or $1,000, they have some great options.
I felt the same way, and also got the 2.5-15 in the Gen 2 though. Couldn’t be happier.
I have a Midas Tac 4-16x44 and love it. Same glass quality and turrets of the Ares BTR Gen2 which for the price are damn hard to beat. I am going to be trying an Ares ETR UHD 3-18x50 whenever they come in. For the sub $1000 price point I think it'll be one of the top ones to beat.
Last edited:
