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Rifle Scopes Athlon Cronus BTR. Have they lived up to the expectations?
- Thread starter libertyman777
- Start date
Best scope/value option out there if you ask me with the Ares ETR right behind it. More than happy with both.
It met my expectations completely. It tracks well and has clear glass. The reticle is really nice and easy to use. My first outing with it was in a local match and it was spot on. I wish the shooter was as good as the scope. Call gr8fuldoug at Cameraland if you decide to go with the Cronus.
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I like mine. It’s on my ELR rifle and looking to get another on for my 224v. I do like my razors and Ares a lot also though
With Nightforce coming out with their new reticle I may be on that like a fat kid on ice cream
With Nightforce coming out with their new reticle I may be on that like a fat kid on ice cream
I've had a first gen Cronus (now belongs to a friend) and currently have a Cronus BTR. I'll echo what Padom said... very good scopes for the money, and even ignoring the money it's still a very good scope-- and that's my impression even though I have a bunch of S&B's on my other rifles. I don't feel a huge "let down" when I set down a rifle with one of the S&B's and pick up a rifle with the BTR; the BTR might actually be my current benchmark for the "point of diminishing returns."
Tracks true, zero stop is simple and works, glass is very clear, turrets aren't perfectly crisp when it comes to feel but they feel pretty good after changing the grease on the o-rings, lots of available elevation travel, and the reticle in the BTR is very nice. My BTR is currently on a .25 PCP air rifle so the elevation turret gets a lot of use and it still tracks great, and for the hunting shots where I don't have time to dial the tree reticle is excellent. My only minor gripes are I'd love to see it offer 10Y minimum parallax and I'd also like to see the parallax knob have 320 degrees or so of total rotation (like an S&B 5-25) to space out the parallax settings a bit more; right now they're a bit bunched up. The original Cronus had the parallax bunched up from 200Y+, the BTR spaced out the 200Y+ range but bunched it up inside 100Y because they kept the same total amount of knob rotation. A locking windage knob on the Cronus would be nice too. Other things I've noticed is the image loses a little clarity when elevation is dialed within about 6.5 mils of either the minimum or maximum elevation travel, but that's not an issue exclusive to the Cronus (my S&B 5-25's lose some image clarity and start to vignette when dialed near the elevation extremes.)
I'd like to see a smaller/lighter 3.5-20 x 50 Cronus, I have 2 rifles that could use something like that... Currently trying to figure out what to put on those rifles.
Tracks true, zero stop is simple and works, glass is very clear, turrets aren't perfectly crisp when it comes to feel but they feel pretty good after changing the grease on the o-rings, lots of available elevation travel, and the reticle in the BTR is very nice. My BTR is currently on a .25 PCP air rifle so the elevation turret gets a lot of use and it still tracks great, and for the hunting shots where I don't have time to dial the tree reticle is excellent. My only minor gripes are I'd love to see it offer 10Y minimum parallax and I'd also like to see the parallax knob have 320 degrees or so of total rotation (like an S&B 5-25) to space out the parallax settings a bit more; right now they're a bit bunched up. The original Cronus had the parallax bunched up from 200Y+, the BTR spaced out the 200Y+ range but bunched it up inside 100Y because they kept the same total amount of knob rotation. A locking windage knob on the Cronus would be nice too. Other things I've noticed is the image loses a little clarity when elevation is dialed within about 6.5 mils of either the minimum or maximum elevation travel, but that's not an issue exclusive to the Cronus (my S&B 5-25's lose some image clarity and start to vignette when dialed near the elevation extremes.)
I'd like to see a smaller/lighter 3.5-20 x 50 Cronus, I have 2 rifles that could use something like that... Currently trying to figure out what to put on those rifles.
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I've had a couple of different versions of the pre-BTR Cronus; oldest ones have fewer distance numbers engraved on parallax knob, newer ones have quite a few more. Haven't had any issues with either type, my two 40X jelrod repeaters both have the older (oldest?) versions of the pre-BTR on them, and both track very well & are very clear and sharp optically. The two V-22s in the safe have Cronus BTRs on them, and I'm happy with them, thinking perhaps they have very slightly better clarity than the pre-BTRs? There's also one of the later pre-BTRs on a Bighorn TL2-SA 6 Dasher that's been as good as any of these scopes - it's the only Cronus I have on a CF rifle.
I posted a reply here on one of the Ares ETR threads about using an ETR on a 7-08 Improved on a dark, overcast day, and having the Bighorn Dasher with the Cronus on the line at the same time. My impression on that occasion was that the ETR was at least as clear & sharp as that particular Cronus. I've not yet had the opportunity to get both these rifles back out on a day with better light to compare them against each other; would like to also compare them late in the afternoon on another dark/cloudy day.
I posted a reply here on one of the Ares ETR threads about using an ETR on a 7-08 Improved on a dark, overcast day, and having the Bighorn Dasher with the Cronus on the line at the same time. My impression on that occasion was that the ETR was at least as clear & sharp as that particular Cronus. I've not yet had the opportunity to get both these rifles back out on a day with better light to compare them against each other; would like to also compare them late in the afternoon on another dark/cloudy day.
We just received another healthy Cronus BTR and Ares ETR shipment so give a call and we can get one on the way to you.
I run a Cronos BTR on my match rifle. I ran a 10 mil tall target test and ot was dead on and i've shot past 1000yds with it twice and the dope has been dead on each time.
I have both the ares etr and Cronus btr to my eyes and in my opinion the etr may be “brighter looking” I don’t hunt so not sure about lowlight situations but side by side the etr appears brighter to me not necessarily a better image but certainly brighter than my cronus I would say for a hunter or crossover the ares etr might be the better choice
I hunt with mine and on a full moon night you can bring a 6 pack to a box stand on a food plot and hunt till midnight.
We would be pleased to assist you with this. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000
Doug
I have had my BTR for a little over a year and it doesn't disappoint. I love the reticle, glass is clear, tough to beat. If I had any minor tweaks to do...
I like just a little heavier "feel" to the turrets (completely subjective) and maybe a little better anti fog coating.
I would love to see a 4-20x50 come out with a capped windage. That would be awesome.
I like just a little heavier "feel" to the turrets (completely subjective) and maybe a little better anti fog coating.
I would love to see a 4-20x50 come out with a capped windage. That would be awesome.
I’ve been enjoying my Cronus BTR. I think it’s the best value going right now.
I like the floating “+” more than the open center on my 5-20 Razor. I’m not sure if I would like a floating dot that is all the rage now. A friend just got an Ares ETR, so I’m looking forward to conparing the two reticles side my side.
I like the floating “+” more than the open center on my 5-20 Razor. I’m not sure if I would like a floating dot that is all the rage now. A friend just got an Ares ETR, so I’m looking forward to conparing the two reticles side my side.
I have an ARES ETR that I just sent back. The hash marks were not lining up with the clicks, always just a little off. The customer service contacted me today and they’ll be fixing it and sending back. From Cali to Kansas back to Cali within 8 days. Bummed it wasn’t correct from the beginning but they are fixing it... the glass is outstanding especially in the $1k range. I hope that’s the only hiccup I have.
Put one on my 300wm in place of a G2R 4.5-27. Gained a little magnification but shed a bunch of weight and bulk. Can't say the clarity has suffered either.
I have had one since 2016. I received the original Cronus back then and ran it hard. Then I got a BTR and did the same. Just got notification last night that my next one with the new APRS1 (floating dot reticle) shipped. Looking forward to it.
I really like the glass quality, brightness, illumination, and easy eye-box. It's one of the easiest scopes to get behind IMHO. In the last year I switched to a NF ATACR 5-25x, then a Kahles k624i. Sold both and am now back to a Cronus. There were things I liked about those scopes, and a lot I didn't. To me they weren't good enough above the Cronus to justify the extra cost ($800-$1,000). The Cronus just does what I need it to do, and does it well.
Would I love to have a Schmidt, a ZCO, or a TT? Hell yes! Cronus isn't in the same league, but until I can justify to myself and my wallet that I need that tier optic, the Cronus will do just fine. It's an outstanding $1,500-ish optic!
I really like the glass quality, brightness, illumination, and easy eye-box. It's one of the easiest scopes to get behind IMHO. In the last year I switched to a NF ATACR 5-25x, then a Kahles k624i. Sold both and am now back to a Cronus. There were things I liked about those scopes, and a lot I didn't. To me they weren't good enough above the Cronus to justify the extra cost ($800-$1,000). The Cronus just does what I need it to do, and does it well.
Would I love to have a Schmidt, a ZCO, or a TT? Hell yes! Cronus isn't in the same league, but until I can justify to myself and my wallet that I need that tier optic, the Cronus will do just fine. It's an outstanding $1,500-ish optic!
I agree the BTR is the best value going right now. I got lucky and found a used Cronus BTR for $1100 shipped on here!
The BTR does have minor things that could be better BUT used pricing is literally 1/3 the cost of my NF ATACR... When the glass is this damn good, warranty is excellent, AND tracking is perfect, you can't go wrong.
The value is SO good in fact, I cant bring myself to fork out $3000 on a scope anymore.
The BTR does have minor things that could be better BUT used pricing is literally 1/3 the cost of my NF ATACR... When the glass is this damn good, warranty is excellent, AND tracking is perfect, you can't go wrong.
The value is SO good in fact, I cant bring myself to fork out $3000 on a scope anymore.
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I just got the newest Cronus BTR with the APRS1 (floating dot) reticle yesterday. They are shipping now! I love these scopes. Built like a tank!
APRS1
APRS1
As has been stated on here, I think it’s the best scope available for the price, and then some.
It has actually made me stop and think, “Do I really need a $3000 scope?”
I still want the more expensive scopes, but I have a tough time justifying it when everything I need is on the Cronus.
I’d definitely squirt over a new 3-21x52 Cronus!! ???
It has actually made me stop and think, “Do I really need a $3000 scope?”
I still want the more expensive scopes, but I have a tough time justifying it when everything I need is on the Cronus.
I’d definitely squirt over a new 3-21x52 Cronus!! ???
It is a nice scope. I just switched over from my Burris XTRii 4-20. The images are much more clear with the Cronus and I like the extra elevation available to me. I slightly prefer the Burris reticle and do think it is easier to stay behind while maintaining a good picture. Getting a great focus I find to be a bit of a chore with the Cronus. With the Burris I didn't bother too hard because even at it's finest nothing was all that clear anyway.
My opinion of a company and it's products are more based on how well they support their customers and can turn around repairs or replacements. Based on that, what's the consensus regarding Athlon?
Please advise.
Please advise.
I had what I thought was a problem with a discontinued model that I had just bought. Talked with a nice gentleman named David a couple times during the RMA process, once before sending it in, and once after to discuss what I would like to do. Turns out I just needed to tighten the set screws on the cap on the turret, but he found that the parallax was a little off in testing and he took care of me. I opted to go ahead and just upgrade the scope for the cost difference I had paid originally. They didn't have a suitable scope with a reticle I liked in MIL to swap. Should have that scope in the next couple days as we just did that Friday. Next time I'm in need of a scope, I'll be looking at Athlon first.
By the way, the Switchview 1720-1762 DSFD throwlever fits GREAT and works even better on my Cronus BTR
I can chime in on this point...
I bought a Midas Tac to use on my .22. Before mounting it I sat it on top of a tripod in my office looking out the open door to my neighbor's house a couple hundred yards away. I stupidly bumped the tripod and the scope fell 5' to my hardwood floor. The objective housing bent but I went ahead and mounted it and got to the range the next day. The scope tracked perfectly.
Since the housing was bent, I couldn't use the sunshade so I sent it to Athlon to be repaired (at my expense since it was my fault). I told them exactly how it happened and they replaced the scope anyway and sent the new one to me free of charge.
Can't ask for more than that. I then bought an ARES ETR for my big boy rifle since it also has the floating dot reticle .
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