Some context: I am entering world of scopes, pretty much never having tried one, despite birding for 25 years. I want to up my birding skills, and get better at IDing waders, gulls... You know... The really confusing ones. I also want to increase my reach for seawatching, and dabble into casual stargazing.
I was looking at a good place to start, solid optics but under $1000 for sure.
I stumbled upon the Athlon Cronus G2 (86mm, 20-60x fixed) and it seemed to be a good deal. (Thanks gr8fuldoug)
It's on the larger and heavier side, but currently I don't intend to use it on long hikes, so I thought bigger the better if it's on a tripod.
I've ordered it without too much information - no reviews here - and can't compare it to what might have been other options (used MM4 77, used Nikon 82 etc) that seem to be the gotos in a mid budget range.
Still, I'm very curious to see if anyone has had a chance to try this, especially comparing it with other scopes. The little I've read seems promising.
I was looking at a good place to start, solid optics but under $1000 for sure.
I stumbled upon the Athlon Cronus G2 (86mm, 20-60x fixed) and it seemed to be a good deal. (Thanks gr8fuldoug)
It's on the larger and heavier side, but currently I don't intend to use it on long hikes, so I thought bigger the better if it's on a tripod.
I've ordered it without too much information - no reviews here - and can't compare it to what might have been other options (used MM4 77, used Nikon 82 etc) that seem to be the gotos in a mid budget range.
Still, I'm very curious to see if anyone has had a chance to try this, especially comparing it with other scopes. The little I've read seems promising.
