Best Budget Spotting Scope: Athlon Talos 20-60x80

A review of the Athlon Talos 20-60x80mm spotting telescope. The best performing spotting scope under $150. Read my full review on my blog moondogindustries.com/athlon-...
*CORRECTION: The distance to the radio towers is 5 km not 5 miles.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Inspection and Unboxing
03:36 Outdoor Tests Views
07:45 Range Tests
09:34 Resolution Test
10:06 Conclusions
Available on Optics Planet: shrsl.com/3c5wh
and Amazon amzn.to/3ebVqLF
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MUSIC
KZbin Music Library
TweetTomTom by P. Del Castillo used with permission
PRODUCTION NOTES
Edited on Apple Final Cut Pro X
Shot on Panasonic G85 and Samsung S6
SPONSORSHIPS & PARTNERSHIPS
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DISCLAIMER: This video description may contain paid affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase that product, Moondog Industries receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. DO NOT attempt anything you see in this video at home. All work should be performed by a trained professional. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in my videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. KZbin and Moondog Industries can not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your firearm or property resulting from attempting anything shown in any of our videos. Any firearms or airgun footage shown was filmed in a safe location under supervision by a range safety officer. Unless specifically stated, Moondog Industries does not endorse any product, goods, or services mentioned in this video. Moondog Industries is not a gun shop and DOES NOT sell or deal in firearms, firearms parts or ammunition. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.

[@ravenovatechnologies6554]

The lack of spotting scope videos online is wild, and the prices for "good" spotting scopes are absolutely outrageous. This video was extremely well done, and i just purchased one based on this video. Sorry i didnt use your links, i got it somewhere else, but i have liked, shared and subscribed! Thank you for your effort.

[@MoondogReviews]

Thanks for the Sub in any case. I've started reviewing higher end spotters but this is still my go-to scope because it's sharper than most of other scopes I have on the shelf.

[@tga4991]

Bought it off your recommendation absolutely love it, more so than my Vortex scope. Thanks

[@Richard-iu9sf]

Very well done review, thank you.

[@MoondogReviews]

Glad it was helpful! This still remains one of the best performing low budget scopes I've tested and still currently use when I go to the range. I have sharper scopes but this one is both sharp, powerful and light weight.

[@johnhammond3090]

I just sub'd and purchased at Amazon using your affiliate link. Thank you for your excellent review and great methodology for comparison. I will definitely be checking out your other work.

[@MoondogReviews]

Awesome, thank you!

[@salsa810salsa9]

Excellent review, was undecided but now will buy especially after the detail in the shooting range. Great job.

[@MoondogIndustries]

You're welcome. Hope you subscribe.

[@StOKRATzoom]

repair of binoculars kzbin.info

[@rcbreton3784]

Thank you, excellent video. Purchased this item for rifle range and deer hunting. Well done mate. Ciao

[@MoondogIndustries]

Thanks. Let us know in the comments in a couple of months how well it holds up to deer hunting. Long-term, real-world durability is something I couldn't test before editing this video.

[@MoondogReviews]

Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe to my channel.

[@jphynes1]

I love that you are testing the resolving power quantitatively. Very helpful!

[@MoondogReviews]

Thanks. I got kind of tired of watching video reviews with the guy just telling you how sharp something was when they looked through it. I wanted to showing you on a sample target that was repeatable and comparable. Hope you subsribed.

[@jphynes1]

@@MoondogReviews Yup, liked subscribed and used your affiliate link when I bought one. My own resolution test gave results only 2% different than yours.

[@MoondogReviews]

Thanks so much! How did you figure out exactly 2%?@@jphynes1

[@jphynes1]

@@MoondogReviews I printed out what looks to be the same target at the same scale as you used as a reference, and then adjusted for the difference in distance and scale of the target I used to compare microradian to microradian. I might have a little error in converting between targets, but either way the results were surprisingly close.

[@robbidi123]

Now I gotta get one. TY!

[@MoondogReviews]

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[@crailleakroyd9697]

I have been browning my dads spotting scope he has a Leica awesome spotting scope but no where near my budget definitely going to be having a look at this

[@MoondogReviews]

And you won't cry if you drop this on accident unlike a Leica. Those are nice scopes.

[@rxxg4563]

Thanks!

[@MoondogReviews]

You bet!

[@kevinhullinger8743]

Well done 👍

[@MoondogReviews]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BROTUNED]

I’m amazed at how good the image quality looks

[@MoondogReviews]

Agreed. I actually like this better than the Argos, despite it's more delicate build.

[@mainenorthwoodshunter3265]

thank you.

[@commonsense5709]

Great review, I wonder how the ED glass versions of the SVBony 46P and 406P and Gosky ED does on your resolution chart. They range from $243 - $390. I've seen an Athlon Argos spotter review on KZbin that had terrible image resolution and it's a step up in level and price compared to this Talos.

[@MoondogReviews]

You can check it out yourself. Subscribe to my gadget channel Moondog R&D where I've moved all of my spotting scope and telescope content: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWinZJmgeb2artU

[@checkmeoutidoanimations.840]

Went in here from your review of athlon talos from optics planet calling it to be "better than leupolds 1000$ scope" had to check it out.

[@MoondogReviews]

It is sharper than my buddy's Leupold Mark 4 spotting scope. You can also compare to a Leupold Mark 5 rifle scope which presumably has better glass than the M4 though a smaller objective. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z37UgnueZ8mNY8U

[@commonsense5709]

I believe Leupold's $1000 spotter is also made in China.

[@bricegately]

i was about to spend nearly 1000 on a setup, but you convinced me this will do the job for now, my only complaint is the lack of any reticles

[@MoondogReviews]

I haven't found any spotters with reticles for under 1000. A "budget" option would be to buy a 15-30x scope and mount that on a tripod as a spotter? amzn.to/3Jz5WMO

[@ABCJKE]

Nice, thx

[@MoondogReviews]

Thank you too! Hope you subscribe.

[@A.C.71]

Going to try this based on your recommendation - Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotter Scope, Black

[@MoondogReviews]

Thanks. Let me know if it matches the one I tested? My review is based on a sample size of 1 so if other people get different results, I want to know.

[@A.C.71]

​@@MoondogReviews I sure will. I really appreciate your reviews and that you used the same testing on each so we could see the difference ourselves and make a more unformed decision. I was torn between the Gosky Updated 20-60x80, Emarth 20-60x60AE and the SVBONY SV28...hopefully the Athlon performs as well as I expect.

[@countrymanrandylewis8463]

​@@A.C.71hows it?

[@CR3W1SH03S]

Just purchased one but haven't received it yet. I think I'll be satisfied with it. Impulse buy with less research than I normally do. Glass looked great outside which is where I shoot. Thanks.

[@MoondogReviews]

Let us know what you think after you've used it for a while. Hope you subscribe.

[@CR3W1SH03S]

@@MoondogReviews . Already subbed based of of this one video. I'll be back to check your other content.

[@troytownsend1730]

Great review, I am wondering though why a removable eyepiece. I am hoping maybe that it is to replace with a ranging reticle eyepiece down the line sometime. Yeah, I bought a Talos spotting scope, before I seen this video actually. This is only my second spotting scope, first one was a Leupold Seqouia from a pawn shop. I shouldn't have to tell you how that comparison test went. Now I know what it feels like to own a legit spotting scope. I know your question, (Did, Athlon just throw their name on a junk scope to make a few extra bucks). was rhetorical, but No! they did not. Thanks.

[@MoondogReviews]

I haven't seen Athlon roll out a reticle eyepiece for this so I suspect maybe it's just just a standard manufacturing spec and that you can theoretically buy a 3rd party eyepiece?

[@sgtrock6213]

Great video....

[@MoondogReviews]

Thanks. Hope you subscribed.

[@sgtrock6213]

@@MoondogReviews I did...

[@MoondogReviews]

Happy Christmas.

[@JeffreyOakarPhotos]

Great review...seems like a great first scope and a true bargain. The one thing you didn't talk about was the chromatic aberration which really showed up on the shot with the pine cones and brances. What is your verdict about how it handles that problem? Is there a way to eliminate that in post production?

[@MoondogIndustries]

Chromatic aberration seems to to show up a lot when I turn a scope toward the pine tree across the street because of the position of the sun when I test in the morning. It's partially backlit or directly overhead. This has been the case with many of the scopes I've tested. See my Channel Library and compare it to the more expensive Athlon Argos.

[@JeffreyOakarPhotos]

@@MoondogIndustries I'll do that. In fact, I'm going to subscribe right now.

[@StOKRATzoom]

repair of binoculars kzbin.info

[@txmexnittro]

Not a bad scope and great review!! I think this is a better scope than the SV46 20-60x80 Spotting Scope you did a review on and it's a lot less..... What do you think?? I wonder if you have ever done a review on Simmons 20-60X60 Venture Black Fmcwptripodhard/Soft Case which another scope in the same ball park?? Thanks for sharing

[@MoondogReviews]

100%

[@aslanbosnakoglu8240]

with all that bright sun every scope looks fine

[@MoondogReviews]

Check the range target footage and compare vs. my other scope reviews. Those target frames are in an hooded target bay and provide a more consistent venue for comparing relative glass performance using the resolution chart. Light gathering and passthrough is honestly subjective using a human eye or a camera because we automatically adjust our iris.

[@webcamsdelpueblomexico6434]

Very much interested on this unit to start,but can you stop all the shaking.price is good.any guidance would be good.tnx.

[@mrbeige7916]

what type of mount did you use to record the video through the scope and can you send me a link to said mount?

[@MoondogReviews]

This is what I use now. So much beter than the one I used to film the Talos kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep_ShnehfpqLhKc Hope you subscribed.

[@rnavgps1470]

What's this about 200% digital zoom? Does this scope have that feature or was that through your camera?

[@MoondogReviews]

The digital zoom is on the phone camera I was using to film this video.

[@xadrezblack]

The best

[@MoondogReviews]

Agreed

[@TheNotoriousNemo]

great video, i am looking to spot the neighbors selling houses about 100yards away, also the nosey neighbor with her blinds open when i go outside, the turn tables will soon turn hehehehe.

[@MoondogReviews]

For the price, you can't be beat.

[@smydie]

Any comparison with the leupold 60x scope ?

[@MoondogReviews]

I don't have a Leupold Alpine. It's a wee bit sharper but also about 4x more. I'm almost certain the Alpine is more rugged.

[@jibsmontclair]

Any suggestions on how well this would work at 200 and 400yds? For sighting in a hunting rifle.

[@MoondogReviews]

Perfect for sighting in a hunting rifle at 200yrds. But I suspect it's not armored enough to take on a back-country hunt. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel.

[@crio2366]

I RAN out & got this Athlon after using a couple of older Simmons, Tasco & a Harbor freight one some guys let me try @ the range. This Talos is like said in video, over & above those others. Yes, you will get Chromatic Aberrations on the edges or Out of focus things like video showed in the 50 yd pine cone trees. BUT, if you wanna get rid of that be prepared to layout some serious cash! I used this scope out @ the range after I got it & YES it is ALL that +. @-400 yds are NOT a problem @ 60x. NOT for this price. You can find em for $100 - $110 if you look. My range buddy after using mine went out & got 1 as well. Can't beat em!

[@MoondogReviews]

Agreed. Please remember to SUBSCRIBE and thanks for chiming in to backup my thoughts, it's so much better to get other folks opinions on the gear I'm testing.

[@yannicksaint-priest4358]

im between a really cheap scope like the glasshawk creative xp HD 20x60x60 (usd60), then like a middle budget one: the glasshawk creative xp HD 20x60x80 (usd90, i suposse it has better clarity) or at the top of my budget this Athlon Talos 20x60x80 (usd120), do you think its worth buying the athlon ? im open to other brands also... Thanks. I will be using this as a shooting scope, 150-200m max.

[@MoondogReviews]

I haven't tried a Glasshawk so can't say for sure. It is likely about the quality of an SVBony SV28 50mm or 70mm which I reviewed which is good for a scope under USD80. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gafRl4mVnreYi9E But the Talos blew both of them away in terms of clarity. For 150-200m ranging, I'd go with the Athlon Talos.

[@yannicksaint-priest4358]

@@MoondogReviews how much better is the athlon talos compared to the svbony sv24 ?

[@MoondogReviews]

@@yannicksaint-priest4358 You can see for yourself by comparing the same target test footage in both the Talos and SV28 (not SV24) review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p33OqKlpfJ2Mqbs Subscribe to my channel and you'll have an easier time finding my other spotting scope reviews.

[@yannicksaint-priest4358]

@@MoondogReviews just bought the athlon, best review hands down, thanks a lot.

[@MoondogReviews]

@@yannicksaint-priest4358 Thanks for the supporting my channel.

[@SpencerEyring]

How did you get such clear video through the scope

[@MoondogReviews]

Steady hands. haha. But seriously try this: amzn.to/3szrbVQ And please SUBSCRIBE

[@rccaraddict294]

@@MoondogReviews😅😂😂 good job

[@blurryface1975]

since the eye piece is removable, are you able to replace it with other ones that may provide some sort of advantage depending on what situation youre in?

[@MoondogIndustries]

Perhaps if a fixed magnification eye-piece would give you slightly better light transfer and would be lighter in weight?

[@blurryface1975]

@@MoondogIndustries from what ive been seeing it seems like the more expensive units offer this feature. i just figured maybe it was to add some type of benefit to the user.

[@MoondogReviews]

There are also eye-pieces with higher magnification if the threading and diameter match.

[@blurryface1975]

@@MoondogReviews i wonder if there are any that do match?

[@jacobross451]

i was wondering the same thing, would be cool to be able to throw a reticle eyepiece in.

[@3767712]

Would you recommend this spotting scope to whatch for rifle hits out to 400 yards?

[@MoondogIndustries]

Depends on your budget. If you have $1.5K-$3K, yes there are better scopes by Kowa and Zeiss. But you won't find a sharper scope at the same price as the Talos.

[@3767712]

I am looking for one under $200.

[@MoondogIndustries]

@@3767712 Yes, I recommend the Talos. As I said, I have not found a sharper scope at the same price as the Talos. The Leupold Alpine is about as sharp but costs more than twice.

[@countrymanrandylewis8463]

I'm thinking becuase of the price, what if you had a setup where a person gets 2 of these and set it up like a binocular, powerful pair for 280$

[@MoondogReviews]

Haha, I suppose if you could get the angle of the eyepieces right But two 80mm spotting scopes aren't designed to be in the correct distance for two eyes side by side.

[@scott2228]

I’m looking for a budget friendly spotting scope that also includes a MRAD reticle.

[@MoondogReviews]

How do you define "budget"? Because I don't think you'll get an MRAD Christmas tree reticle on a spotting scope for less than $500?

[@scott2228]

I hope a $500 ceiling is possible. The rifle scopes I use are $800+. I saw some of the spotting scopes have the reticle that can be purchased separately. Perhaps a spotting scope with that feature.

[@MoondogReviews]

The Athlon has an Ares reticle eyepiece which is about $200. But that eyepiece is not compatible with the Talos. If $500 is your ceiling, you could get a Midas G2 Pro 12x binocular with a MRAD reticle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r366noGBfaiMnqc

[@scott2228]

Thanks. That was actually the 1st vid of yours I ever watched.

[@Bonjour-World]

Stupid question: what is the minimal focus distance ?

[@MoondogIndustries]

20ft. I've used it for spotting 22LR pistol targets to good effect. Hope you subscribed.

[@jasonfarrugia246]

What model is it

[@MoondogReviews]

Athlon Talos. It's in the title of the video.

[@bigwestreviews4933]

Call me crazy but this looks nicer than the argos

[@MoondogIndustries]

Me too; sharper and less chromatic aberration. But the Argos just feels tougher. So if you're trecking back country, the Argos is probably gong to survive more trips.

[@mefirst5427]

It is funny it looks exactly like the generic cheap brands selling for $50 on Amazon and eBay. It all probably came from the same factory assembly line in China just slap on different brand names. I have one just like this I got for $20 on eBay

[@MoondogReviews]

Outside they all start to look the same. But when you look through the glass the difference is measurable. Check out my other reviews on the SVBony and GoSky and compare the resolution measurements I got using the same chart and the same distance and you'll see what I mean. But if your $20 scope works for what you need then you got a good deal!

[@mefirst5427]

@@MoondogReviews agree I get what I paid for, at 60x it is blurry and tiny, but max I shoot is 200 yards

[@AsH-fp3fx]

Apparently you do not understand or know anything about optics. With your logic all glass does look the same 😂😂

[@TacticalandThings]

Argos or Talos??

[@MoondogReviews]

This video has "Talos" in the thumbnail and the text description?

[@ps-mq7tm]

🔭 🙋‍♂️

[@MoondogReviews]

Merry Christmas. Have you tried this scope for astronomy?

[@ps-mq7tm]

@@MoondogReviews Hello, have not tried it for astronomy as I do not own this model. Enjoyed your website as I recognize many locations. I used to go to Coyote when it was CF, Bob Chows in the 70's....Cheers!

[@busman2050]

Please background music not needed

[@MoondogReviews]

It hides a multitude of faults in the background audio in the real world (cars, dogs, people, etc.)