Been looking at grabbing an Ares ETR, or maybe a few extra bucks for the Cronus. Oddly enough, there's much more feedback around about the ETR (including a review here just today) but not so much on the Cronus. Maybe because everyone wants a killer scope they can say they got for $1k? Anyway, is anyone running a Cronus and how does it compare to the big boys over $2k? Similarly, the Ares ETR for $500 less compared to the Cronus (we've already heard a bunch of comparisons to the $2k+ crowd for the Ares ETR). Worth the extra $500 for the Cronus, unless you require the shorter form factor?
I have both. I like the glass on the cronus better. Its obviously different to my eyes. I like the turrets on the ETR better, though.
I love my Cronus. BIL just got the ETR. Haven’t compared the two next to each other yet but my Cronus BTR holds its own next to a NF ATACR. I ran my Cronus for a year now. Excellent optic. Only reason I sprang for that model is I got a very good deal on it and like the fact it’s made by LOW in Japan vs China. Have had great luck with my Sightron SIII’s and NF from LOW and decided to stick with that
If you want a Cronus watch the PX here. They go for $1100-$1200 used. The BTR are the upgraded/newest models
If you want a Cronus watch the PX here. They go for $1100-$1200 used. The BTR are the upgraded/newest models
I have two Cronus BTR's (4.5-29) ... one in Mils and one in MOA. They're awesome. Tied for my affection with a couple of much more expensive Leupold Mark-5's. Great glass, solid tracking, great daylight illumination ... etc. etc. etc. A great investment that compares well to much more expensive optics.
My two Cronus BTRs have been great. I’ve shot them side by side with my dad’s Razor G2 and I can’t see much difference in the glass. I prefer the Cronus floating crosshair reticle. Really tough to beat for the money when you can find them here used for $1100-$1200
I’ve gotten to compare my Cronus to a few 5x25 atacr’s and it definitely holds its own.
I’d 100% buy. another Cronus
I’ve shot a Cronus btr for 2 years after shooting nf, kahles, vortex and honestly I can’t see 2k dollars difference. Great optic for the money
I have 2 Cronus BTR, one with Cross reticle and one with center dot, ETR, 2 Razor Gen2. The ETR is the best scope in its price range hands down.
The Cronus BTR is a ton of scope for the money and I have zero complaints. I love mine and it's right there with my Gen2 Razor.
The Cronus BTR is a ton of scope for the money and I have zero complaints. I love mine and it's right there with my Gen2 Razor.
I've had 2 Cronus BTR's and one ETR. I still have 1 Cronus, but the ETR is very close in my opinion. I honestly think the ETR has hurt Cronus sales because it's such a good scope, and the turrets are better. The BTR's turrets aren't bad, but the ETR turrets feel nearly perfect to me. The Cronus is very easy to get behind at high power, which is a big plus for me.
Same here, rational or not I just prefer to spend extra for Japanese optics. I would also love to try a Delta Stryker, I wish they were more available here.
I have a Athlon Cronus BTR Montana prairie dogs hate it,its a great scope . Also have a Trijicon Accupower which many think is the delta striker with a few cosmetic changes. Lens quality is subjective ,I think the Trijicon has a little bit better glass ? With the Athlon all you get is the scope and a box,in fact I had to download the manual .But with the Trijicon it came with scope flip up covers ,scope caps, entire scope cover ,Lens pen,and a detailed manual which answered question I never new I had . So the Cronus is great,but I think the Trijicon is better.
The 4.5-30x56 Delta Stryker, 4.5-30x56 Trijicon and 4.5-29 Cronus seem to be variations of the same LOW design. Between the three, I think the Stryker edges out the other two a little based on the samples I have seen, but it is close.
As far as the ETR goes, I really like that scope and for the money it is arguably a better deal than the Cronus. I wish it had a slightly thicker reticle, but that is largely it.
ILya
As far as the ETR goes, I really like that scope and for the money it is arguably a better deal than the Cronus. I wish it had a slightly thicker reticle, but that is largely it.
ILya
Delta Strykers are available here, I have one. Got it from EDGunwest.com in California. Not shilling for Delta or anything, but I love mine and they have locking turrets now. About the same price as the Athlon Cronus, of which I also have one.
I have a couple Cronus. Love them. Ares has good glass but I much prefer the feel of the cronus, especially in the turrets.
One thing is for sure, that the ETR is a great scope. I like most everything about it more than the Ares BTR Gen2, EXCEPT the reticle! That APLR2 in the BTR is the one I prefer.
I guess if I could get the ETR glass in the BTR I'd be satisfied.
I guess if I could get the ETR glass in the BTR I'd be satisfied.
I had the chronus, ares, and midas tac. For me it was not worth the extra money and instead now have 2 of the midas tacs. The Ares parallax/ illumination knob stuck out too far for my liking.
Can anybody confirm the differences between Cronus BTR and Cronus ETR?
It seems from the previous comments that ETR has better turrets when compared to BTR. However, it also seems BTR has better glass resolution and IQ when compared to ETR.
It doesn't make sense that Athlon would create a new scope and upgrade one thing but degrade another. Would you not want to create a new version with improved design without degrading some thing else in it?
It seems from the previous comments that ETR has better turrets when compared to BTR. However, it also seems BTR has better glass resolution and IQ when compared to ETR.
It doesn't make sense that Athlon would create a new scope and upgrade one thing but degrade another. Would you not want to create a new version with improved design without degrading some thing else in it?
I have the Argos from many years ago and 2 years old Cronus BTR.
The Cronus has perfect clicks. It is smooth to do just 1 click or 2 but very well enough precise so the clicks are clear.
I can spot my 22LR hits on paper still at least at 300m and beyond but it takes some focusing. It is amazing.
And I roll that dial like a mf when shooting all around the field and it holds zero.
For myself it was the Cronus for €1700 or the Vortex Gen2 for around €2400.
After short googling it was obvious.
The Cronus has perfect clicks. It is smooth to do just 1 click or 2 but very well enough precise so the clicks are clear.
I can spot my 22LR hits on paper still at least at 300m and beyond but it takes some focusing. It is amazing.
And I roll that dial like a mf when shooting all around the field and it holds zero.
For myself it was the Cronus for €1700 or the Vortex Gen2 for around €2400.
After short googling it was obvious.
I've had several pre-BTR Cronus scopes on precision 22RF repeaters, and been very pleased with them. Tracking & return to zero on box tests with all have been spot on. After selling one of my 40X repeaters, I put the Cronus off it onto one of my Bighorn TL2-SA rifles in 260 Improved 30*. The other three Bighorns have Kahles K624i scopes, which are still my favorite, but at the same time, I don't feel at all handicapped by the Cronus. I put two Cronus BTRs on the V22s, and have been very pleased with both. My single Ares ETR is on a custom M70 in 6x47 Lap, and I'll echo Ilya's comments - very good glass & turrets, but the reticle's a little thin for my old eyes.
I had a Cronus BTR, and wish I never sold it. It compared favorably to my Gen2 Razor, and my NF Atacr F1. I didn’t care for the turrets very much compared to the Vortex and NF, but it did track spot on and the glass was damn good for the price point. For the $1K-1200 that they go for here in the PX, I think they’re a helluva deal!
Those scopes are made in different factories, the Cronus in Japan, and the Ares ETR in China.
A couple years ago this Chinese factory bought new CNC machines so the quality went way up. Initially rocking the scope world with the astounding Midas TAC line which blew away the competition.
The only thing noticeably superior in the ETR is the elevation click feel which is super distinct, other than that IMO the Cronus still has an edge in IQ.
I've had the chance to look through a pile of high end optics with the guys I shoot with. The Cronus BTR is really hard to beat, especially with dealers selling them new for $1500. I just wish it came with a capped windage and Tenebraex caps.
I think the new reticle available in the Cronus BTR makes it a winner. Speaking as an owner of the older version Cronus.
I’ve compared the Cronus to allot of other big name scopes and it holds its on. I’ve got several more expensive scopes but when it comes down to putting a bullet on target I can do it just as good with the Cronus as any. When I miss it’s on me.
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