Sub $1000 spotting scopes.

[tomcatfan]

So I ordered an Athlon Ares 20-60 spotting scope from a hide vendor back in early June and they have been given the run around by Athlon and I still don’t have scope in hand. I’m getting a little impatient so if I don’t get it within the next 2 weeks, I’m going to ask for my money back and go another route. I’m looking at what is in the same price range and I’ve found a couple of options. Does anyone have feedback on these other options?

Leopold SX-4 proguide. 20x60x85

Sightron SII BL 20x60x85

I have a couple of SIII scopes and they are amazing from a glass standpoint. Does the SII spotting scopes compete with the SII spotting scopes as far as glass quality?

 

[Wyzrd]

In that price range (sub $1K), I’d be looking at a lightly used, or maybe even new if you search around- Vortex Razor HD- either new or old model. Maybe a Leupold GR HD if you don’t need as much magnification. Another option, though not sure on prices would be the Nikon Monarch ED Fieldscopes.

 

[45.308]

Leupy doesn't get much love especially on here but side by side they perform extremely well. During our demo days the Leupold always had the shock factor, this is a Leupold.

For the money, Bushnell Legend T is hard to beat.

I never sold Sightrons so cant say.

If possible, try to look them before purchasing.

 

[htowncoog]

Agree with Bushnell Legend T

 

[Sieg]

I bought a Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80, it was basically worthless for spotting .22 cal holes at 200y with any mirage present. IMO you have to be very careful buying lower priced spotting scopes.

 

[Sieg]

Agree with ☝Bushnell Legend T

The Legend Tactical T 15-45x60?

 

[htowncoog]

The Legend Tactical T 15-45x60?

yes. you are not going to see bullet holes at 600 yards at paper. But for steel I have had no issues seeing impacts at 1,000 yds. Plus have the mil reticle on it is a bonus.

 

[Pilotscrappy]

Sportsman's warehouse has the razor spotter on sale for 849$ this weekend

 

[FN-Whitney]

On another note, JUNE, I would ask for my money back unless the vendor let you know that it was on back order or had a particular wait time.

 

[45.308]

I agree. Been to boomershoot, shots out to 880 yards if I remember was the top of the hill boomer, no problem seeing splashes every shot in all kinds of weather, bright sun and howling cloudy snain. Obviously a hit is quite visual, one shot I could the splash hit the lower right edge of the boomer, rip it open but no boomer. Had a few shooters wanting to know what spotter I had and took a peek through, most were impressed. Out to 1100 is the longest I can report.

yes. you are not going to see bullet holes at 600 yards at paper. But for steel I have had no issues seeing impacts at 1,000 yds. Plus have the mil reticle on it is a bonus.

 

[556ARs]

without hesitation I'll say the KOWA 82mm with a strait eye piece and the uncoated lenses. I have one, and have about $780 in it plus the cover. I use the 27x eyepiece, and it'll pick out the pull pin on a pop rivit at 375 yards with no problems. Your gonna have to spend about $1200 to get something better, and then only slightly better

 

[tomcatfan]

On another note, JUNE, I would ask for my money back unless the vendor let you know that it was on back order or had a particular wait time.

So they didn't mention that it wasnt in stock when I placed my order and I called about 2 weeks later when they told me it was on back order. They have gotten at least 3 different delivery dates from Athlon since then. I dont blame the vendor which is why I will keep their name out of it, but my patience is wearing thin for Athlon.

 

[tomcatfan]

Leupy doesn't get much love especially on here but side by side they perform extremely well. During our demo days the Leupold always had the shock factor, this is a Leupold.

For the money, Bushnell Legend T is hard to beat.

I never sold Sightrons so cant say.

If possible, try to look them before purchasing.

I'm looking at glass quality as my biggest deciding factor. I was told by the vendor that the Athlon Ares was competitive with the Vortex Razor which is why I went that route. I'm looking for something to spot ELR. I'm going to try past 1000 soon and was looking for a spotter for that purpose. All shots will be at steel.

 

[tomcatfan]

I bought a Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80, it was basically worthless for spotting .22 cal holes at 200y with any mirage present. IMO you have to be very careful buying lower priced spotting scopes.

I'm hoping there is a difference between the low end and the medium tier scopes. There should be a difference between a $300 and a $900 spotting scope.

 

[Steel head]

I'm hoping there is a difference between the low end and the medium tier scopes. There should be a difference between a $300 and a $900 spotting scope.

There is.

I have a cheap Tasco.
It’s ok a 1000 yards.
My buddy’s have razors, Leupolds and a Kowa and they’re awesome at 1000 and even a mile.

I’m not sure about the Ares being as good as a razor but I doubt the ares with suck eggs like the low end vortex products and tasco.

 

[spife7980]

I dont use too many other spotting scopes but the now discontinued vortex razor hd I was given is pretty impressive and I saw an add for 800 or so I think when I first took possession of it.
I have both the 20-60 and 30x mil dot eyepieces. I dont like that you have to get your eye right up on the scope for a full view (my glasses interfere so a bit of tunnel vision leaving them on so not a whole lot of eye relief) but I cant complain about the image quality.

Razor HD 20-60x85 (Straight)

Razor HD 20-60x85 (Straight)

vortexoptics.com