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Tempting but I have a Athlon Argos that is underwhelming and could not get excited about another Athlon.
To the OP, I have a Nikon FX1000 6-24x50 and a Vortex PST Gen2 3-15x44. The Vortex is a MUCH sharper and clearer lens. I was really excited to get the Nikon but after using it a few times I regret not returning it inside of the 30 day window. I've moved it to one of my less important rifles and the PST went back on the rifle I bought the Nikon for.
I'd have to get the Nikon for a pretty serious discount to consider it again.
I have an Athlon Argos also, 6-24 iirc. I thought the same thing as you until I found an Ares BTR 2.5-15x50 for a price I couldn't pass up. The Ares is a much better scope than the Argos in every way and now I own two of them. I think the Ares BTR has better glass than the Nikon mentioned above and seriously competes with the Vortex PST Gen2.
I'd actually compare the Nikon fx1000 6-24 with the Athlon Argos in terms of glass quality alone. The Nikon obviously has better features than the Argos but it's only slightly better quality glass imo, and I was a fan of Nikon glass before this!
Edit: I'm a commercial photographer and I use high quality glass every day for a living. I have a pretty good idea of what good glass should look like.
I also shoot at least one of my rifles weekly, during the day and night so I see what they can do in less than ideal settings. Comparing lenses in a store under bright lights isn't a good test imo.
Serious question, can you really compare glass in a 6x24 scope with glass in a 3-15 scope? I would think lower magnification covers up any defect in glass that higher magnification would reveal? I looked through an FX-1000 6x24 and a PST Gen2 5x25 the other day at the store, side by side. While if I had to pick, I would give a slight edge to the glass in the Vortex, although I may not have gotten the Nikon diopter adjusted all the way. Either way, the difference was minute, and not worth the cost difference in the scopes. I will be picking up the Nikon this week.
Comparing a $700 6-24 to a $1000 3-15 is not apples to apples.
Comparing a $700 6-24 to a $1000 3-15 is not apples to apples.
The zoom lens “I can’t tell my client” comment does not apply.
I’m pretty sure there aren’t many who have plenty of eye time behind top-tier high powered (24 to 30 max mag) scopes that would expect a variable power entry level FFP to beat the clarity of the same level scope in a midrange magnification of the same build quality/cost. Higher mag clarity (esp in variables) takes pricier glass and build quality.
I guess everyone's eyes see things differently, but I have a pst gen ii on my trainer and it doesn't compare to my Cronos or ETR for that matter. Imo the Cronos beats my gen 2 Razor. .I own 4 Nikon scopes, but not an Black FX: Monarch 3 2.5-10x50, an older Tactical 4-16x50, and two 4-20x50 Monarch 5s. I can only vouch for the robustness and optical clarity of the Nikon scopes. I compared the tactical model ($1,000 circa 2001) to a friend's Swarovski and it was a dead heat. (It's a shame they aren't produced anymore - this was made in Japan. The glass is awesome). It is still one of the best scopes I own, both optically and mechanically. The 4-20x 50s were recent purchases, at the price I feel they were the best choice available. Newer Nikons are produced in the Philippines, if I am not mistaken, hence the lower price point. Burris, Sightron, and a few other rifle scope manufacturers have factories in the Philippines now.
Having said all that, I recently purchased a PST genII 5-25x50. As a first focal plane scope it compares well to my $1700 Athlon Chronus 4.5-27x56. I got the PST new for $699.99 on sale, couldn't turn it down. As much as I love Nikons, if you are looking for a FF high power scope below $1000, I would go for the PST genII. The glass is on a par with the Nikons, they have a better magnification range, and the turrets and reticles are beyond reproach. I considered the Black FX but didn't like the fact the magnification range was 6-24 compared to 5-25 for the Vortex.
Not to hijack this thread, but since I am on the topic of Nikon optics, if anyone is looking for a range finding binocular, the new Nikon's are absolutely awesome. They beat my $2600 Leicas in the field, ranging much better in foggy conditions, returning accurate ranges in much less time than it took for the Leicas. I prefer the Leicas because of the ballistic calculator built in, but the $1200 Nikons compared favourably to my mate's $3000 Swarovski range finding binos.
Sample variation causes a lot of different opinions in glass until you get to the high dollar index matched lenses. My $.02 worth. If you get lucky, low end glass can be pretty damn impressive for the money. If you are not lucky, you will begin to wonder who stacked coke bottles inside your scope tube.
If the guy is a pro photographer, I'd take his word for it.Serious question, can you really compare glass in a 6x24 scope with glass in a 3-15 scope? I would think lower magnification covers up any defect in glass that higher magnification would reveal? I looked through an FX-1000 6x24 and a PST Gen2 5x25 the other day at the store, side by side. While if I had to pick, I would give a slight edge to the glass in the Vortex, although I may not have gotten the Nikon diopter adjusted all the way. Either way, the difference was minute, and not worth the cost difference in the scopes. I will be picking up the Nikon this week.
I really like the FX1000 6/24. The glass is very good for the price point. Great scope for the average guyThanks everyone! Basically I was set on trying to get another nxs but budget is a little tighter right now so figured I could test out the newer pst gen II 5-25x50. Once budget allows I’ll just throw the pst on my varmint rig which will need a scope update soon ish and pick up the nxs just cause I’m use to the nxs.
But a good buddy of mine reps for Nikon and wants me to try one for a much much cheaper price. Just wasn’t sure if they were worth the try or not. I figured if I didn’t like that one I could put together a little 22lr practice rig with the Nikon.
Strongly agree on SHV. I had the exact same experience with PST.Hard to say honestly I’ve had 2 PST scopes both took dumps spend a little extra and get an SHV nightforce or Athlon ETR