XTRiii vs Cronus

[_newshooter]

Im sure this topic has surfaced here and there but I wanted to ask again since most of the older threads didn't have so many opinions on them.

Planning to buy a scope as an "end all" where I won't be seeing myself upgrade for a long while. I feel I've had my heart set on the Cronus but the contender that came in is the XTRiii.

Any thoughts and reasons to go with one or the other?

I can get the XTRiii at $1000 or a Cronus at $1400. SO wasn't sure if the $400 makes so much of a difference as people say both scopes are really great.

Please let me know your thoughts. I want to try to secure a scope before a comp I have on May 21

 

[Ericsl2]

i personally prefer the xtriii. The scr2 reticle is nice if you need a tree. Id suggest going to the xtriii thread in the optics section. There’s about 14 pages of comparisons and the cronus is in there as well

 

[021411]

Well you have to remember the XTR3 isn’t really a “$1000” scope. Some vendors are still selling it for $1600 or so. However at the $1000 price point it’s REALLY hard to beat. The glass is excellent. I briefly owned a 3.3-18 as a hold me over scope. It performed well once I was past 10x. The SCR 2 Mil reticle is thin.
I’ve compared the XTR3 against my old ATACR, a MK5, and a Razor Gen 3. You will not feel like it’s lacking or wish you spent more for your end all scope.
Plus it’s made in Greeley, CO..

 

[st1650]

I prefer the Cronus.

 

[dscl]

I have no experience with the XTR3, but I love the hell out of my Cronus and have them on a couple rifles. Crystal clear glass, reticle that suits my eye for hold over/under, perfect tracking and has been rock solid for me out to 1200 yards (530 on rimfire LOL)

 

[_newshooter]

i personally prefer the xtriii. The scr2 reticle is nice if you need a tree. Id suggest going to the xtriii thread in the optics section. There’s about 14 pages of comparisons and the cronus is in there as well

Thanks I’ll check this out

 

[MDrimfirerookie]

I've looked through both and went with the Cronus. My eyes couldn't see the difference in the glass and I personally like the Athlon reticles more than the Burris. YMMV but I would say pick the reticle you like more.

 

[JohnTheFisherman]

Move this to the “Observation and sighting devices” forum. You’ll probably get some better insight.

 

[Franko]

I owned both a XTR3 and an Athlon Ares ETR so this might be of some help. The XTR has a much better eyebox and is easier to get behind at high magnification. If your willing to buy one of the old stock non-illuminated versions they can be had for a steal.

 

[Lastsaint21]

I did not want to like my XTR3 but got a good deal..I wanted something more expensive for my vudoo.. Even though I tried not to like it, you just have too..Eye Box is great, clarity is great, the reticle is easy and just works and for the money, I have no idea how you beat it. I also love the race dial... makes certain stages a lot easier on the brain. I will say I am not a fan of Athlon Scopes, just don't feel right to me, it's not a knock for reliability or performance or anything, we each like what we like and maybe you will like the Cronus. I am a fan of Athlon Spotting scopes, best deal out there..but for the money I don't see how you can beat the XTR3 for the money right now. Great Scope and made right here if you get the right one.

 

[Hickswr]

I have a Cronus BTR and a 5.5-30 XTR3

My findings as follows are based on the last several days of comparison in various light/mirage conditions.

Cronus has ever so slightly better glass near the center but the edges don’t seem as crisp as the XTR. The Cronus seems to cut a heavy mirage ever so slightly better than the XTR3.

Turrets are essentially equal.

XTR3 FOV and eyebox definitely trumps the Cronus.

I’ve ran the Cronus for 4 PRS matches and it’s performed flawlessly. Going to run the XTR3 on the next few to see if I like the reticle and larger FOV vs the Cronus.

If FOV isn’t relevant to you, then it essentially comes down to reticle preference.

 

[_newshooter]

I have a Cronus BTR and a 5.5-30 XTR3

My findings as follows are based on the last several days of comparison in various light/mirage conditions.

Cronus has ever so slightly better glass near the center but the edges don’t seem as crisp as the XTR. The Cronus seems to cut a heavy mirage ever so slightly better than the XTR3.

Turrets are essentially equal.

XTR3 FOV and eyebox definitely trumps the Cronus.

I’ve ran the Cronus for 4 PRS matches and it’s performed flawlessly. Going to run the XTR3 on the next view to see if I like the reticle and larger FOV vs the Cronus.

If FOV isn’t relevant to you, then it essentially comes down to reticle preference.

Thanks! Please let me know how your test goes. I honestly didn’t know much about FOV until I got behind an Arken SH4 and I’ve been liking that since

 

[021411]

Thanks! Please let me know how your test goes. I honestly didn’t know much about FOV until I got behind an Arken SH4 and I’ve been liking that since

The SH4’s are 30% off right now.

 

[_newshooter]

i personally prefer the xtriii. The scr2 reticle is nice if you need a tree. Id suggest going to the xtriii thread in the optics section. There’s about 14 pages of comparisons and the cronus is in there as well

Hey Eric,
Do you mind linking the xtriii page. I honestly don’t know how to navigate through the website the best and I’ve been looking but not sure if I’m finding the thread page

 

[Ericsl2]

Hey Eric,
Do you mind linking the xtriii page. I honestly don’t know how to navigate through the website the best and I’ve been looking but not sure if I’m finding the thread page

Rifle Scopes - Burris XTR3!!!

:eek::p:love::giggle: Wow its been a crazy year. I went from being a scope snob http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/scope-snob-in-remission.6877345/ to selling everything and buying 2 new XTR2's with H59. This whole year as been fun competing with a scope that tracks phenomenal...

www.snipershide.com