Rifle Scopes Athlon Optics -New Reticle for 2018

[frostyline]

Hi, You spoke and we listened...Again appreciate all the feedback and even criticism. Just want to keep you all posted on some new products we have for 2018. If you go to SHOT this year, please stop by booth 3863 to check them out.

Many members shooting PRS asking for true zero stop with a locking or capped windage. So here are the two lines we come up for 2018 with new floating center dot reticles.

ARES ETR 4.5-30x56 FFP, 34mm, true zero stop and a locking windage knob ( pull out to turn and push in to lock), 10mil or 25moa per rotation, 32mil or 110moa total travel, illuminated reticle ( the mil version- APRS1 has a floating center dot, dot size 0.03mil ). here is the reticle. MOA version still has APLR MOA style reticle.



Midas TAC 6-24x50 FFP, 30mm, true zero stop and a capped windage knob, 10 mil per rotation, 25mil total travel, none-illuminated, APRS2 mil version with a 0.04mil floating center dot and 0.03 mil line thickness



Midas TAC 4-16x44 FFP, 30mm, true zero stop and a capped windage knob, 10 mil per rotation, 32mil total travel, none-illuminated, APRS2 mil version with a 0.04mil floating center dot and 0.04 mil line thickness

 

[Monstershot]

Do you have weights and lengths available?

 

[koshkin]

I'll be sure to stop by. I really like the new Ares reticle.

 

[Timo Turl]

Finally a company that listens. Love these reticles.

 

[darrenk75b]

Any of these changes coming to the Cronus line?

 

[frostyline]

Do you have weights and lengths available?

more spec details can be found on those links...

https://athlonoptics.com/product-category/rifle-scopes/midas-tac/
https://athlonoptics.com/product-category/rifle-scopes/athlon-optics-rifle-scopes-ares-etr/

 

[frostyline]

Any of these changes coming to the Cronus line?

We will see how well the locking or capped windage will be accepted by the market. If everyone likes it, we may incorporate the change in Cronus line as well. For the floating center dot reticle, it can be added at any time if demand is there.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

For 2018 Athlon has announced some outstanding additions to their already impressive line of Riflescopes , and have priced them well below competitive offerings from other manufacturers:

Cronus BTR (Tactical)
210200 1-6x24, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 24mm, ATSR2 SFP IR MOA Reticle $1,099.99
210108 4.5-29x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm,APLR FFP IR MOA Reticle $1,799.99
210110B 4.5-29x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS FFP IR MIL Reticle (Brown) $1,799.99
210108B 4.5-29x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APLR FFP IR MOA Reticle (Brown) $1,799.99

Ares ETR (Tactical)
212100 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS1 FFP IR MIL Reticle $1,199.99
212101 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS2 FFP IR MOA Reticle $1,199.99
212100B 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS1 FFP IR MIL Reticle (Brown) $1,199.99
212101B 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APLR2 FFP IR MOA Reticle (Brown) $1,199.99

Midas TAC (Tactical)
213070 4-16x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 30mm, APRS2 FFP MIL Reticle $589.99
213075 6-24x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 30mm, APRS2 FFP MIL Reticle $629.99

Midas HMR
213050 2.5-15x50, Capped, Side Focus, 30mm, SFP, AHMR IR MOA $489.99
213051 2.5-15x50, Capped, Side Focus, 30mm, SFP, IR BDC600A $489.99

Argos BTR (Tactical)
214070 10-40x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 30mm, SFP, BLR MOA $399.99

Thank you for your continued support.
If there is anything else we can assist you with please let me know.
Doug
Camera Land
720 Old Bethpage Rd
Old Bethpage NY 11804
516-217-1000
Please visit our website @ www.cameralandny.com

 

[patriot07]

These are good stuff. Not an Athlon guy, but that might change in the future with stuff like this.

 

[Glassaholic]

Nice Kevin! Thanks for listening, although I think many of us were expecting these changes to be in the Cronus line but instead you have created a new series, not that I'm complaining but if you offer too many series it can become confusing as to what differentiates each one. So for a quick comparison see below:

Model	Cronus BTR	Ares ETR
Magnification	4.5-29	4.5-30
Objective Lens Diameter	56 mm	56 mm
Reticle	APRS FFP IR MIL, Glass Etched	APRS1 FFP IR MIL, Glass Etched
Surface Finish	Matte/Brown	Matte/Brown
Lens Coating	Advanced Fully Multicoated	Advanced Fully Multicoated
Extra Coating	Xtra Protective Coating	Xtra Protective Coating
Tube Material	6061 Aluminum	6061 Aluminium
Tube Diameter	34 mm	34 mm
Exit Pupil	8.8-1.9mm	8.8-1.9mm
Eye Relief	3.6-3.8"	3.9"
Field of View @100 yards	24.8-3.83 ft	24.5-3.75 ft
Click Value	0.1 MIL	0.1 MIL
Adjustment range per rotation	10 MIL	10 MIL
Total Elevation Adjustment	32 MIL	32 MIL
Total Windage Adjustment	18 MIL	32 MIL
Turret Style	Exposed Direct Dial	Exposed Direct Dial/Locking Windage Turret
Parallax Adjustment	Side Focus – 25 yards to infinity	Side Focus – 25 yards to infinity
Purging Material	Argon	Argon
Length	14.3"	15.3"
Weight	35.8 oz	36.5 oz

 

[Glassaholic]

Based on the above specs, the new Ares ETR is 1" longer and close to 1oz heavier than the Cronus, that along with a different magnification range of 4.5-30 and FOV measurements indicates this is a brand new optical formula. Frosty, can you share why the change in optical formula? If it's because you found a way to eek better IQ out of the scope than the Cronus BTR then sign me up, especially since according to Doug's prices the Ares ETR is $600 less than the Cronus BTR (also, Doug's specs on the ETR appear incorrect as he lists them as 4.5-30x50 instead of 56mm as the Athlon site indicates).

I'd really like to compare this new Ares ETR to my Minox ZP5 and see how the two compare. Also, the Brown looks nice, is that Cerakoted or is it anodized, if Cerakoted what is the color and if anodized what color Cerakote does it most closely resemble?

 

[IndustrialHalo]

The new tac 4-16 will likely end up on one of my ar's this year. Stats look very good.

 

[NewsShooter]

I plan on getting another Cronus, I'd love to have the new reticle with the dot, locking caps wouldn't suck either though I haven't spun these like I've done with my vortex PST a few times.
Looked through a friends Nightforce 7-35 with the mil C reticle. I really like the floating dot, with the addition of the christmas tree holds in the Ares it might be perfect. Put it in the Cronus and I'll buy a couple more, locking turrets would be great too. Loved them on the Bushnell I replaced with the Cronus

 

[m6z]

Midas TAC (Tactical)
213070 4-16x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 30mm, APRS2 FFP MIL Reticle $589.99

This looks like a good option at 24.7oz.

 

[tacticalpanda]

Might of missed it but when in 2018 do you Expect to be released?

 

[frostyline]

Based on the above specs, the new Ares ETR is 1" longer and close to 1oz heavier than the Cronus, that along with a different magnification range of 4.5-30 and FOV measurements indicates this is a brand new optical formula. Frosty, can you share why the change in optical formula? If it's because you found a way to eek better IQ out of the scope than the Cronus BTR then sign me up, especially since according to Doug's prices the Ares ETR is $600 less than the Cronus BTR (also, Doug's specs on the ETR appear incorrect as he lists them as 4.5-30x50 instead of 56mm as the Athlon site indicates).

I'd really like to compare this new Ares ETR to my Minox ZP5 and see how the two compare. Also, the Brown looks nice, is that Cerakoted or is it anodized, if Cerakoted what is the color and if anodized what color Cerakote does it most closely resemble?

Hi Bill, This is a new design from another factory that can help us offer such feature-loaded product at $1199. it is a 4.5-30x56, 34mm tube scope. The optics is fully loaded with ED lenses and other coatings which eliminate most of chromatic fringe. You will be impressed once you got behind it. We expect to have some samples for SHOT and meaningful volume by Q2.

 

[frostyline]

Might of missed it but when in 2018 do you Expect to be released?

We should have meaningful volume in Q2.

 

[Glassaholic]

Hi Bill, This is a new design from another factory that can help us offer such feature-loaded product at $1199. it is a 4.5-30x56, 34mm tube scope. The optics is fully loaded with ED lenses and other coatings which eliminate most of chromatic fringe. You will be impressed once you got behind it. We expect to have some samples for SHOT and meaningful volume by Q2.

Thank you Kevin, this is exciting to say the least and an Ares ETR may find its way on a new AR 6.5CM build in the near future... I did a big writeup a few years back on "Journey to my lightweight AR-10" that was a huge learning lesson for building large frame AR's, I've since sold that rifle and awaiting funds to start a new build project with the knowledge I've gained since and this scope sounds somewhat ideal for that...

 

[Mooseknuckles]

Awesome job by the guys at athlon! I think an Ares etr will be going on my 300 win and a Midas tac on my Tikka.

 

[Yoteski]

Are these all manufactured in China?

 

[SlimySquirrel]

Just purchased the Ares BTR so looking forward to a real world test in hunting conditions. The glass is excellent for the money and I love the features. The turrets are a little less defined than I would like so hoping the new range of ETR scopes have fixed that.
Great to see that a company is listening to its fans!

That ETR is definitely coming my way when I can afford one!!

 

[wpierce]

Definitely interested in the ETR but would prefer a 2.5-16ish power version, like the uso b17.

 

[HellsCanyonArmory]

Already got a few of the Midas TAC scopes pre-ordered. The configuration is PERFECT for a hunting setup!

Mike

 

[Triple D]

But, aside from the locking turret, has the feel and resistance of the turrets been addressed? That was the biggest knock I had against the Ares BTR. Taking a Midas and making it FFP with the same turret design but 10mil made the turrets feel too soft.

digging the new reticle

 

[Baner]

The Midas TAC 4-16x44 would probably be nice scope for the rimfire calibers.

 

[Glassaholic]

For 2018 Athlon has announced some outstanding additions to their already impressive line of Riflescopes , and have priced them well below competitive offerings from other manufacturers:


Ares ETR (Tactical)
212100 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS1 FFP IR MIL Reticle $1,199.99
212101 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS2 FFP IR MOA Reticle $1,199.99
212100B 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS1 FFP IR MIL Reticle (Brown) $1,199.99
212101B 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APLR2 FFP IR MOA Reticle (Brown) $1,199.99

Doug, I believe your specs are wrong as Athlon's website lists these scopes as 4.5-30x56, that is with a 56mm objective and not a 50mm objective as you show.

Also, my question has not yet been answered as to what the Athlon "Brown" color most closely matches in the Cerakote color palette, thank you.

 

[ICU22250]

Nice to see that Athlon is very concerned with customer feedback and making customers what they want.. Would have been nice to see this center dot tree reticle in their Cronus BTR line... I would love to see Vortex wake up and put their EBR-7B reticle into their gen2 Razor, but according to the email I got back from them the other day, they responded that they didn't know of any plans of that for now but they would forward it to the product development department.. They better watch out, Athlon is really starting to make some real strides...

 

[Basher]

Nice to see that Athlon is very concerned with customer feedback and making customers what they want.. Would have been nice to see this center dot tree reticle in their Cronus BTR line... I would love to see Vortex wake up and put their EBR-7B reticle into their gen2 Razor, but according to the email I got back from them the other day, they responded that they didn't know of any plans of that for now but they would forward it to the product development department.. They better watch out, Athlon is really starting to make some real strides...

That's disappointing to hear about the EBR-7B. Maybe I'll have to get an Athlon finally afterall...

 

[poke_53]

Cronus BTR never used a Pantone code. the closest is 462U
Ares ETR is 872U.

Hope this helps

Doug, I believe your specs are wrong as Athlon's website lists these scopes as 4.5-30x56, that is with a 56mm objective and not a 50mm objective as you show.

Also, my question has not yet been answered as to what the Athlon "Brown" color most closely matches in the Cerakote color palette, thank you.

 

[Chato308]

I'm more excited about the new spotting scopes coming out

 

[Glassaholic]

I'm more excited about the new spotting scopes coming out

Indeed the Cronus Tactical 7-42x60 has got my interest, I wonder if my Sig Kilo can mount on it, that would be very compelling... https://athlonoptics.com/product/cro...al-7-42x60-ed/

 

[rtpguy]

Indeed the Cronus Tactical 7-42x60 has got my interest, I wonder if my Sig Kilo can mount on it, that would be very compelling... https://athlonoptics.com/product/cro...al-7-42x60-ed/

Very interesting. I had actually checked their site some time back hoping for a spotter with a reticle. I just picked up a new Bushy LMSS, and the Athlon looks to be a near-exact clone although heavier. I like the reticle, and would have considered it vs the (overpriced on normal retail IMO) Bushnell, although the LMSS is pretty solid.

Very much looking forward to seeing street price on this spotter as well as comparisons with the Bushnell.

PS - looks like their docs could use work, though. Clicking to the reticle doc talks about their Gold medel warrantee. Umm.

 

[ShebasDad]

THIS JUST SUCKS! I got my Ares BTR a couple months ago and am very happy with it. It has worked just fine for me in my last 3 monthly club matches.

Now instead of just saving for a spotter now I'm looking at another scope AND a spotter. I wonder if Athlon will do a trade in ... or will swap out my reticle for the new one. I'm really liking that floating dot.

Time to start saving quarters dimes and penny's again.

 

[Taz575]

Any word on the Midas TAC 6-24 availability? My Mueller just busted on my Bergara HMR, so I need a new scope. Was looking at the Helos, but the Midas TAC may be better since I don't need illuminated reticle.

 

[koshkin]

Very interesting. I had actually checked their site some time back hoping for a spotter with a reticle. I just picked up a new Bushy LMSS, and the Athlon looks to be a near-exact clone although heavier. I like the reticle, and would have considered it vs the (overpriced on normal retail IMO) Bushnell, although the LMSS is pretty solid.

Very much looking forward to seeing street price on this spotter as well as comparisons with the Bushnell.

PS - looks like their docs could use work, though. Clicking to the reticle doc talks about their Gold medel warrantee. Umm.

The Cronus Tactical spotter is an entirely new optical design, so it is very different from LMSS internally.

I had some limited input on the reticle and I think it will work very well in this application. If it can pull off both 7x and 42x well, it will be very impressive and will do well for Athlon.

ILya

 

[rtpguy]

The Cronus Tactical spotter is an entirely new optical design, so it is very different from LMSS internally.

I had some limited input on the reticle and I think it will work very well in this application. If it can pull off both 7x and 42x well, it will be very impressive and will do well for Athlon.

ILya

Interesting - thanks, Ilya. I had assumed it was a 're-brand' from the same mfgr as the Bushnell, but either way am looking forward to the comparison. I like the LMSS but am so-so on their reticle, so assuming the new Athlon spotter performs well, it should be a nice reasonably priced (vs LMSS, Leupold, etc.) spotter with what looks to be a solid reticle.

 

[fvalmostthere]

So will the btr's go down in price or just not be manufactured anymore? I like the ares model for my savage build but i like the btr price more than i like the floating dot

 

[IanHusaberg]

What about the new center dot reticle in MOA? Will it happen down the road?

 

[Dr59860]

Are these in fact manufactured in China?

 

[flatland1]

I've sold several of the Ares BTR 4.5-27X50 mil scopes to friends & customers, and so far, the only negative comment I've gotten back was that one of the guys was having a problem in that his windage knob is liable to get rotated as he pulls the rifle out of his case. Sounds like Athlon has addressed this issue with a locking windage knob on the ETR. I thought I read somewhere that the latest Ares BTR has a capped windage turret, but haven't been able to find that statement again, either on the Athlon website, or here. I've pre-ordered a few of the new ETR versions, and am looking forward to comparing one of them to the Ares BTRs I have on my own rifles.

 

[Max Owner]

I would like to see a spotting scope with an MOA based type reticle.

Maybe I'm in the minority now....?

 

[ArchAiA]

I just want to know where the glass for the Ares, Midas, Helos, Argos, are made. I understand that a lot can happen during final assembly, however the quality of the glass is the most important variable for me in determining which scope I will be purchasing.

The second would be eye relief, and the eye box.

Could you please elucidate on where the glass for teh various lines in your product range are made? I have been eyeing the Ares BTR 4.5-27x50 since it came out, however the only information that I have been able to find about the glass is from forums, and optics trade (which is wrong in some cases).

I have read one post where an AD indicated that the Cronus, and Ares are both manufactured in Japan, while the Midas, or Helos (I forgot what the specifics were for these two) had glass from somewhere, and were manufactured in China. Another post indicated that the Cronus is the only one manufactured in Japan, while the Ares uses Japanese glass fro LOW, but is manufactured in China, which is fine by me. That's why I have zeroed in on the Ares line. Another forum post indicated that the Ares utilizes Chinese glass, and is assembled in China, along with everything below the Cronus line. Optics Trade in the EU has the Ares as being "Made in Japan," however in the video review there is a moment when you can see the bottom of the scope housing, and it says made in China.

I would also like to know about the glass in the Argos, as I have many rifles to scope, and I think that Athlon may be the answer to my ambivalence toward Primary Arms, and my recent disapointment with Vortex (I still own a Vortex PST 1-4x24 because it's perfect for its application.

TLDR: Can you please tell us where the glass is made for the various optics. It would make my decision much easier. Otherwise I will be forced to continue scouring the internet for exactly what I am looking for.

PS: Any chance of an low power variable optic with FFP that doesn't break the bank, and has a circle around the center reticle? I have tried Atibal XP6, TAC Vector 1-6xsomething (which reminds me of I think the Talos, I forget which one), and currently have a Sig Tango6 1-6x24 FFP on the way. I'm pretty sure that I will be happy with the Sig, and any desire to purchase the Vortex PST Gen II 1-6 will go away after I receive it (although again, I wish that Sig had put a circle around the center of the reticle so that it would be easier at 1x).


I'm rambling on, so, 1) could you please tell us where the glass is made from (country), and 2) if you will have an affordable 1-4x or 1-6x FFP with a circle around the center reticle with real subtensions (no BDC) soon.

 

[SlimySquirrel]

I have the Ares BTR.

I'm not sure where the glass is from but it says China on the scope.

The eye box and glass are good for the money. I'm not an expert but it's hard to see any difference between the PST Gen II and the Ares BTR when the parallax is adjusted well.

Only gripes so far are the Parallax is too touchy and the turrets are far too soft or mushy for the price range, particularly when comparing to the budget Sightron S-Tac range.

Every other feature works well, reticle is excellent, eye relief etc... it would be nice to see a sunshade and some bungee covers in the box too.

 

[therebdraguns]

We will see how well the locking or capped windage will be accepted by the market. If everyone likes it, we may incorporate the change in Cronus line as well. For the floating center dot reticle, it can be added at any time if demand is there.

demand +1

I would love to see the locking windage and floating center dot (MOA too?) in the Cronus BTR.

 

[Roc8man]

I too would like to know whether Athlon will have a new 1-6 or 1-8 FFP Cronus in the near future. Also why was the original Cronus 1-6x24 discontinued?

Thanks