DLO Reviews: Athlon Ares ETR vs Cronus BTR

In this video I discuss the differences between two Athlon scopes: Ares ETR and Cronus BTR.
The first few minutes are background on both scopes.
5:01 Analysis of the specifications
9:55 Optical Quality
11:40 Durability
15:54 Mechanical Quality
16:55 Turrets
19:20 Final Thoughts
www.darklordofoptcs.com
These scopes are available in multiple configurations. Here are the two I like:
Cronus: alnk.to/apKw2NS
Ares ETR: alnk.to/6Trmqwo
#riflescopes
#optics
#athlonoptics
#athloncronus
#athlonares
#precisionoptics
#precisionrifle

[@ddyoder]

Great video! loved the more technical/visual format -- though i've always enjoyed your videos even when just speaking as you rate certain scopes from your balcony or backyard. Thanks for the great content and would love to see more comparisons like his with the technical breakdown of features and data points.

[@wadeperkins6746]

Thanks for another great review !! Definitely helps people buy with confidence.

[@mftoutdoors7483]

I can see where you were the dark Lord. This is a phenomenal review I from never seen anything like it. I think you for your time.

[@christopherdick8675]

Thanks for doing this comparison! You do the Best optics content on KZbin

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Glad you like them! Spread the word.

[@OC_Lofton]

Thanks for the video. Great information!

[@johnandcompetitionshooting282]

I'm with you on the tiny dot in the center! I really like the dot but I'd prefer twice as big. Oh and I'm young! Definitely agree the reticle has to suit you or the optic isn't a option. In competition shooting I run the IOR Recon and really like the thicker reticle because I can easily use the subtentions at low magnification. I like the idea of 0.2 mil hash marks but I just can't find a reticle that I like better. I was really hoping to like the Minox but after looking through one I was disappointed. I have vortex with EBR-7 thinking on paper it would be great but once again in use I don't like it! Basically I've now accepted that I really like a scope nobody else does and doesn't have some of the features that would be nice. Love your videos I like how you give the good and bad as you see it!

[@mgabriel2636]

thanks for the great review

[@KevinWilliams]

I have double-clicked on Ares ETR turret adjustment numerous times, so I prefer the Cronus turret feel and LOVE the floating dot reticle, the Athlon design being my favorite above all others. Personal preferences, though, not saying you're wrong at all. Great review!

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Different folks, different strokes.

[@trevorwilliams9260]

You the man

[@dirklabuschagne473]

Really like the new Logo!!!👌🏻

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Thanks!

[@matthewgaeta2088]

Thank you so much for this review I've searched high and wide to try to find a review on these two. Are the Gen 2 that much better?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Gen2 Cronus has better turrets. Optical system looks to be very similar.

[@dimitriypm]

Hello, Dark Lord of Optics. Thank you for the thorough review, as always. Any thoughts on Ares ETR 3-8x50? How would it compare to Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18? Worth an upgrade?

[@Jeff-mv4yy]

This is the first time I've viewed one of your reviews. You do a fantastic job making it easier for me to blance my priorities and make the selection process easier. I've been looking for your review of the Delta Javelin 4.5-30x56 and cannot seem to find one. If you have looked at one, how does the optical quality compare the the Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

I have not had a chance to spend time with the Javelin, but from what I understand of where it is made, it should be very similar optomechanically to the Ares ETR 4.5-30x56.

[@shaolinwarriormark]

Would you reccommend ares 3-18×50ffp mil for an ar15? Or meopta optika6?

[@hmoobshow2482]

Where do you get the fov number for Stryker? I was always under the impression that it had a smaller fov but if it’s same as the cronus I might just go with the Stryker. How can I convert the specs so it’s in ft at 100 yard as I’m more accustomed to?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

I generally think of FOV in terms of angular units. If you know the angle in degrees, you can get pretty close by taking a tangent of the angle and multiplying it by 300. That will get you feet at 100 yards. It is an approximation, but it works pretty well for narrow angles.

[@wilhelmhaupt267]

Thanks for the comparison. Reticle aside, what scope would you recommend between the 5 scopes you mentioned?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

You can't easily separate the reticles. They are critical. Anyway, these are all nice scopes. I own the Delta and Meopta.

[@mln19631]

I was tickled when you mentioned the reticle. I’m also a balding grey beard and prefer the floating cross reticle offered in the Cronus. I sold my Cronus to a friend wanting a nice scope and miss the reticle. I have a nice ZP5 with MR4 reticle and love the scope, but I’m having a issues finding that tiny dot when the power is backed off and on the clock. I’m sure it’s an old eyes thing, but I have noticed it the last year or so. I’m looking at trying the Brownell’s MPO for the reticle or buying another Cronus with the floating cross.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

You will like the reticles I designed for March: FML-3 and FML-TR1.

[@mln19631]

Dark Lord Of Optics I didn’t see them in the March website. I don’t think a March is in the budget, but I’d still like to see them.

[@TrueLineOutdoors]

Cronus BTR can be found for same price as ETR currently. Main difference would be floating cross vs floating dot. For same price which would you recommend? Is the floating dot alone worth going to ETR if same price? Thanks so much!

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Cronus is a better scope

[@doug1274]

Have you had hands on experience with the Ares BTR Gen 2 2.5-15x50? Is it similar in quality to the ETR?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Not too much. From what I have seen, ETR is still a solid step up from a Gen 2 BTR.

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

Your knowledge and reviews are very much appreciated. A friendly suggestion would be to reduce your room reflections with absorption. This wouid greatly improve the intelligibility of the audio. There are low cost, temporary solutions to this challenge which are universal to all who record audio. p.s. The new mic is an improvement however.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Thanks. There was a little too much gain with this mic setting. I'll dial it back a little and see how it works. Adding sound deadening is a different ballgame since my wife might not take well to me re-decorating to make better KZbin videos. If the channel takes off a little more, I might be able to justify making one room into a proper studio, but not yet.

[@lukefoster3550]

as far as the glass overall how does meopta 5x30 compare tp the cronus and delta stryker?

[@Appalachained]

I’d like to know this also.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Cronus and Stryker are better scopes optically, but they also cost more. This really comes down to how much you want to pay. Optiak6 5-30x56 is a fairly direct competitor to the Ares ETR and Javelin.

[@lukefoster3550]

@@DarkLordOfOptics thank you.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

This was a great video! Let me ask you, regarding the reticle and turrets predominately, how does either one of these stack up against the Stryker? Or is the Stryker a “clone” of the Chronos which is what I thought I heard you say in other words early in the video but I wasn’t sure because of my old fading ears of mine aren’t that good. Any suggestions would be very appreciated! Cheers

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Cronus and Stryker are related designs, but not identical. They do perform similarly, but Stryker seems a touch better to me optically. Turrets are very similar.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

@@DarkLordOfOptics , good deal. Another option I have been looking at for my .257 Ackley Improved rifle and I fairly nice AR 5.56 is the Leupold line of either VX-5HD or the 6HD. Have you had much exp. with those? I haven't ever owned a high mag power scope before , so this is fairly new ground for me. My optic exp is in camera lens though. For target shooting, long range, I was considering going long, like 30 or even 35x. Leupold has a 7-35x56 in their VX-5HD series. Also of course they have a 5-25x50 for slightly less money and size. For wanting to go long (1000 yard ish) does a magnification power of 30 or 35 seem excessive or finicky? I ask because I am familiar with my larger Telescopic lens and the way they behave and wasn't sure if I should assume rifle scopes would be any different. Thanks so much for your feedback , really appreciate that

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

@@freeandcriticalthinker4431 I tested and liked VX-6HD 3-18x44. With VX-5HD, I played with the 2-10x and 3-15x models and I think they are very good. That having been said, in the 3-15x range, I think I slightly prefer the 3-15x Vortex Razor HD LHT models. I have not tested the higher magnification versions of the VX-5HD and VX-6HD. Shooting and looking are two different things. For shooting, even fairly far away, I seldom use very high magnification. I use high magnification often when shooting very small targets at moderate distances. For long range, most of the time (and this varies between different parts of the country), the atmospheric conditions are not ideal for high mag use. Everyone treats normal muscle tremor differently as well, so there is a lot of personal preference in this.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

Dark Lord Of Optics thanks much. Well that sounds fairly similar to “shooting” with the very long tele lens, I have had quite a few issues with our harsh high desert climate here in western Colorado. Differentials can be into the 40 F range and with that kind of rapidly rising and falling temps and very mountainous terrain, the “seeing” as I have heard it called is rarely stable. Thus with super tele lens they are going to be the most effected. Rapidly fast forwarding thru large numbers of pics shows you this effect quite plainly. Oh well, I do appreciate your feedback on my questions, helps a lot. Have a good one:)

[@dfabove9108]

Dark Lord,Great Video,I am trying to decide between the Meopta,both Athlons and The Delta Stryker.I have not found what the Stryker's warranty is,do you happen to know?You are the MAN,follow you on Snipers Hide.God Bless!

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

You may want to check with Delta, but I think it is a 10 year warranty, which is pretty common for European companies.

[@kyley808]

which one has a better eyebox pls

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

They are fairly similar, but Cronus is a touch more forgiving.

[@kyley808]

@@DarkLordOfOptics thanks

[@chrxnohhxoxo3255]

Which one would you buy if you didnt have a budget

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Cronus

[@azamatrq7977]

Здравствуйте, видимо отличное обзор только жаль что на английском. Как раз было бы интересно послушать на русском в одном обзоре ваше мнение о достоинствах близки по концепции прицелов.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

That's next on the list.

[@jean-lucbaert1559]

Great review...now i know what to do...ETR for shooting range and CRONUS for hunting...aprs1 reticle very good reticle for my eyes...thank you 👍👍

[@chrxnohhxoxo3255]

Why etr for range?

[@jean-lucbaert1559]

Why not?

[@ucdan5]

Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29 vs Razor HD 4.5-27... what would you recommend overall and for the money? Is the Razor worth the extra $1000 or so? And considering the Razor at $2000 or so, is the ATACR 7-35 at about $2600-3000 worth the extra money over the Razor?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

I am not sure where you are getting your prices, but that does not jive with what I am seeing in the market. $1000 difference between Cronus and Razor seems a little excessive and I do not think I have seen a new ATACR 7-35 under $3k for quite a long time. Generally, you really need to figure out how much you are looking to spend. I think the price range where Cronus, Stryker, Razor and a few others are ($1600-$2000) is where you get the most for your money right now. You do get more with higher end scopes, but whether that's worth the money is up to you. I'd start by figuring out how much you are really looking to spend and then giving some thought to the reticle selection.

[@ucdan5]

@@DarkLordOfOptics cameralandny had a deal on Cronus for about $1000 after the rebate. I believe the cheapest I’ve seen a Razor Gen II 4.5-27x was about $1700 but most going for 1800-2000... the ATACR I was looking at for $2600 was SFP, my mistake, I thought it was FFP. I believe EuroOptic has the FFP ATACRs for about $3000 I also was looking at the Optika6 5-30x I believe. What are your thoughts on that or the Cronus? Or is the Razor worth the extra $? I can afford the ATACR, but just debating on if I’ll be able to justify it considering I don’t know if there are many ranges over 600-800 yards that I’d be going to very often

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

@@ucdan5 I think Athlon is introducing Gen2 Cronus. You are probably seeing a rebate on Gen1 because of that. Honestly, it hard to do better than Cronus for $1k.

[@ucdan5]

@@DarkLordOfOptics Cronus over the Meopta? Yeah, hopefully the Gen I comes down as I think they popped up to $1200 after the New Year’s Deal ended last night at Midnight.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

@@ucdan5 At that price, yes. Cronus is a good deal at $1500 or so. At $1k, it is steal.

[@arkenopticsusadealer9215]

I would argue the Arken turrets are as good as the Ares ETR and very similar in feel

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Quite possibly. I have not tested Arken.

[@NaNa-rb7ou]

With these optics you would the deadliest slav on the current battle field no matter which side of the Slav you fight for 😅

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

I am not a Slav

[@NaNa-rb7ou]

@@DarkLordOfOptics apologies mr dark lord sir, it is foolish of me to assume you are Eastern European

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

@@NaNa-rb7ou no worries at all. I grew up in Russia, but I am not Slavic. There are lots of people in Eastern Europe who are not Slavic.

[@MrBeanpop]

Can just get a Cronus radical on a trijicon 💁 2023