When looking for high-quality binoculars, most times people will pay attention to the brands they know, and that’s for a reason. However, there is a number of manufacturers with binoculars of really good quality that come at more affordable prices compared to the popular products, or are fitted with a bunch of amazing features for the same price. Athlon Optics is one of such brands worth the attention of both beginner binocular enthusiasts and seasoned binos lovers.
Below, you can find detailed reviews of the 5 Athlon binoculars that can fit different needs and budgets. Take a look at each hand-picked model, and high chances are you’ll find the perfect binoculars for your activities after reading this article.
Although Athlon Optics is not a big name on the binoculars market, it does have excellent quality products to offer. Worth noting, their Midas series is quite popular among binoculars fans, and these Midas Roof Prism 8x42 UHD binos have been getting a lot of the highest ratings on Amazon for years.
The model is fitted with advanced fully multi-coated lenses (FMC) and ED glass that ensures a bright and sharp image, as well as accurate color reproduction. Moreover, the ESP dielectric coating of the lenses adds to the clear imagery in both bright and low light.
These binoculars are pretty compact, while the rubber armor with a non-slip texture grip makes them durable and secure. Thanks to the lightweight magnesium chassis, you get the strength of a metal chassis coupled with a light weight of the item. The Midas 8x42 G2 binoculars have a large FOV of 426 ft that not every high-grade binos can offer, and the close focus is about 6.5 ft.
All in all, these are versatile binoculars that will perform great for any outdoor activities, from birding to stadium concert watching. The Midas Roof Prism UHD binoculars are loved by many users for a reason, and if you are looking for great binoculars at an adequate price, this model can be your best bet.
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The Athlon Optics Midas Roof Prism UHD binoculars are for you if:
- You want a high-quality pair of binoculars that will work well for a variety of outdoor activities;
- You don’t need a widely promoted brand if there’s a better alternative in terms of quality and cost;
- You look for a model that can be used with eyeglasses.
Compact, powerful, and reliable. This all is about the Athlon Optics Midas 8x42 G2 UHD binoculars. This model is pretty similar to the previous model and can boast of the same amazing features, with slight differences though. Let’s take a closer look.
This item also has an 8x magnification level along with a 42mm lens diameter, weighing only 23.3 oz. The phase-corrected BAK-4 prism binoculars are light and slim, which is mostly possible thanks to the magnesium chassis and superior built-quality. With the extra-low dispersion UHD glass and ESP dielectric coating, you are guaranteed really bright and sharp imagery with true colors. Besides, these binoculars are fitted with XPL coating aimed to give extra protection to the exterior lenses from dirt and scratches.
Similar to the previous model, these Midas 8x42 G2 UHD binos have a significant FOV of 426 ft. and a close focus of 6.5 ft. Even under harsh weather conditions, you can rely on these binoculars, as they are argon purged, waterproof, and shockproof with a non-slip grip. If you are looking for a quality pair to pack with you on such outdoor activities as hiking or hunting, these binoculars are perfect to go with on a trip.
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The Athlon Optics Midas 8 x 42 G2 UHD binoculars are for you if:
- You want to get a bright and sharp image with correct color reproduction;
- You are looking for binoculars with wide FOV for enjoying such outdoor activities as hiking, trekking, hunting, and birding;
- Durability and waterproofness are important factors for you.
This Cronus UHD 10x42 has incorporated literally all the best features that Athlon Optics offers. The premium-quality UHD glass coupled with multi-layer ESP prism coating ensure sharp, clear images with no chromatic fridge. At the same time, you are guaranteed bright imagery with accurate colors in any light condition.
What is especially notable about this model is that the Cronus UHD binoculars are fitted with an innovative E2ES system. This field flattering system ensures a bright and clear view with no dark or blurry frame at the periphery of the lens.
This model has a higher (10x) magnification compared to the previously discussed products, so if you need a more powerful device, take a look at these binos. Although a tripod adapter is not included in the package, this model has a tripod mount socket, meaning you can use it with a tripod without a problem. Also, you won’t strain yourself using these binos, as the Chronus UHD item is compact and lightweight, thanks to Athlon’s magnesium chassis. Besides, these binoculars are sturdy and can withstand any weather conditions, thanks to the XPL coating, rubber armor, and argon purging.
If you are looking for premium-quality binoculars that will deliver the clearest, brightest, and sharpest view possible, this Cronus 10x42 UHD model can easily compete with the market leaders. However, quality comes at a price, so be ready to spend some more money on these binoculars compared to other options.
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The Athlon Optics Cronus UHD 10 x 42 binoculars are for you if:
- You are looking for quality binoculars with higher magnification than 8x to enjoy a more detailed view;
- You want to enjoy not only bright and sharp imagery but a flat field of view as well;
- You are willing to spend more on a premium-level device.
If you are looking for greater magnification but not ready to spend a lot on quality binoculars, these Argos G2 UHD binos have got you covered. The model has a 10x magnification level and is fitted with most of Athlon Optics quality features, such as advanced fully multi-coated optics and ED glass. Even in low light, you will see no chromatic aberration. Besides, these binos also have ESP dielectric and phase correction coatings that add to contrast, bright images with color fidelity.
The signature feature of Athlon Optics, the magnesium chassis is also present in these binoculars, ensuring their light weight compared to similar items on the market. At the same time, this item is durable and secure, thanks to the rubber armor and argon purging used for water- and fog resistance. With a large field of view of 319 ft., these binoculars can serve well for wildlife viewing, hunting, birding, and other outdoor activities.
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The Athlon Optics Cronus UHD 10 x 42 binoculars are for you if:
- You want to get a greater magnification at an adequate price;
- You are looking for all-purpose binoculars that will serve in any weather conditions;
- You need an item that will work with eyeglasses.
For those who are looking for some good quality but are on a budget, these Neos HD 12x50 binoculars are ready to meet and exceed your needs. With 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, these binos can deliver bright and pretty sharp images with true colors. Although you won’t find premium-grade characteristics in this model, the binoculars do feature multi-coated optics that reduce light reflection and increase light transmission for good image clarity.
Also, these binoculars have adjustable eyecups and an easy-to-use focus knob. Thanks to the nitrogen purging, the item is fog- and water-proof, and you can use it even underwater. The biggest con of this model is probably its bulkiness. You are guaranteed great magnification and bright imagery, but given the size of the binos, you may find it hard to hold them for long to watch a live concert or enjoy birdwatching for a long time. However, for this price, it would be hard to find a better performing and more well-built pair of binoculars.
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The Athlon Optics Neos HD 12 x 50 binoculars are for you if:
- You are looking for a budget-friendly, yet quality item;
- You prefer binoculars with greater precision;
- You don’t mind the size of the binos while they’re still water- and fogproof.
What You Need to Know Before Buying Binoculars
Choosing good-quality binoculars may seem difficult at first, given the number of features and technical specifications these items have listed. However, the main point is to pay attention to the key characteristics of a particular item to understand if its performance will match your needs:
- Magnification: Generally, binoculars have two numbers specified, i.e., 8x42, 10x50, etc. The first of them indicates a magnification level, and the second number reflects the objective lens diameter. Simply put, magnification means how much larger an object can be seen through the binoculars. You may probably think that the greater the magnification is, the better the binoculars are. But in reality, it’s not so simple. It’s often hard to focus steadily with greater magnification without a tripod. Generally, 8x magnification will work for all-purpose binos, while 10x magnification and higher will allow capturing more details.
- Objective Lens: As mentioned above, the second number means the diameter of the objective lens, which is often measured in millimeters. For example, in 10x42 binoculars, the magnification level is 10, while the diameter of the front lens is 42mm. The bigger the diameter is, the more light will go through the lens, and the brighter image you will get. However, larger lenses will also gradually increase the weight and bulkiness of the binoculars. Generally speaking, 42mm is considered the most popular and useful one.
- Weight & Size: The weight and compactness of binos are also some important things to consider. If you plan to engage in a week-long hiking trip or enjoy a safari ride, you’ll most probably look for a compact device. When watching a game or a concert at a stadium, you’ll prefer to hold a lightweight item. Therefore, it’s important to find an optimal model in terms of performance and physical parameters.
- Price: Don’t expect a top-notch product at a cheap price. The coatings of the lenses and the quality of the glass used in the binoculars will mainly determine the price of the item, but with cheap glass and no coating, you won’t get a clear and sharp image. Thus, a pair of binoculars with fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion glass will definitely cost a sum. However, taking into consideration the bright and sharp imagery you can get and the many years that quality binoculars will serve you, the investment will be worth it.
To sum up, Athlon Optics is a solid mid-range option with excellent value for money, and its binoculars can often performing on par with pricier products from more well-known manufacturers. If you are looking for good quality at an adequate cost, it may be beneficial to consider getting yourself a pair of Athlon binoculars.