Double D Hunting | Optics Guide
Best Budget Spotting Scope
The best budget spotting scope for most hunters is the Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope at $199.99. It delivers fully multi-coated optics, waterproof construction, and a included tabletop tripod — everything you need for range days, western hunts, and trophy judging without spending hundreds more.
What Is the Best Budget Spotting Scope?
The best budget spotting scope for most hunters is the Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope at $199.99. It offers fully multi-coated lenses, a waterproof nitrogen-purged chassis, and comes with a tabletop tripod and soft case.
Need more glass? Step up to the Athlon Argos 20-60x85 ($399.99) for HD glass and argon purging, or the Cronus Spotting Scope ($999.99) for UHD optics under $1,000.
What Makes a Spotting Scope Good?
A good spotting scope isn't just about magnification. Whether you're glassing elk across a canyon, checking target hits at the range, or judging antler size before taking a shot, these are the features that separate a useful optic from a frustrating one.
Optical Clarity
Fully multi-coated lenses and quality prisms deliver a bright, sharp image — especially at higher magnifications.
Objective Lens Size
Larger objectives (80–85mm) gather more light for clearer images in low light and at maximum zoom.
Zoom Range
A 20–60x zoom range covers most hunting and range applications — wide field of view at low power, detail at high power.
Weatherproofing
Nitrogen or argon purging prevents internal fogging. Waterproof construction is essential for field use.
Build Quality
A sturdy chassis, smooth focus knob, and tripod adaptability make a spotting scope practical in real hunting conditions.
Angled vs. Straight
Angled eyepieces are more comfortable for extended glassing sessions. Straight models work well from a vehicle or blind.
Best Spotting Scopes Under $500
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a capable spotting scope. These three Athlon Optics models deliver serious performance at budget-friendly prices — and we carry all of them at Double D Hunting.
Athlon Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope — $199.99
Our top pick for the best budget spotting scope. The Talos features fully multi-coated lenses, K9 prisms with silver coating, a lightweight waterproof chassis, and includes a tabletop tripod and soft case. Available in 45° angled tan or green.
- 20-60x magnification with 80mm objective
- Nitrogen purged, waterproof, fog proof
- Tabletop tripod and soft case included
Athlon Forerunner Spotting Scope — $299.99
A step up in the Athlon lineup with a 20-60x90 configuration for improved light gathering. A solid mid-budget option for hunters who want a larger objective without crossing $300.
Shop Forerunner →
Athlon Argos 20-60x85 Spotting Scope — $399.99
The best spotting scope under $500 if you want HD glass. Features advanced fully multi-coated lenses, argon purging, rubber armor, and a specially designed soft case that works with the scope mounted on a tripod.
Shop Argos Spotting Scope →Best Spotting Scopes Under $1,000
When your budget stretches closer to $1,000, you unlock noticeably sharper glass, better low-light performance, and more refined mechanics. These are the top picks we recommend in this range.
Athlon Ares UHD Spotting Scopes — from $669.99
UHD glass delivers exceptional clarity for serious glassing sessions. The Ares family sits between the Argos and Cronus lines, offering premium optical performance at a price that still qualifies as budget-friendly compared to European brands.
Shop Ares Spotting Scopes →
Athlon Cronus UHD Spotting Scope — $999.99
The top of the Athlon spotting scope lineup under $1,000. Cronus UHD glass, tactical-grade construction, and the optical clarity serious western hunters and long-range shooters demand — without the four-figure price tag of comparable European optics.
Shop Cronus Spotting Scope →Featured Spotting Scopes at Double D Hunting
We carry the full Athlon Optics spotting scope lineup — from the budget-friendly Talos to the premium Cronus UHD. Every order ships free, and as a family-owned shop in Missouri, we're here to help you pick the right optic for your hunt.
| Model | Magnification | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talos | 20-60x80 | $199.99 | Best budget pick overall |
| Forerunner | 20-60x90 | $299.99 | Larger objective on a budget |
| Argos | 20-60x85 | $399.99 | HD glass under $500 |
| Ares UHD | 20-60x85 | from $669.99 | Premium clarity, mid-budget |
| Cronus UHD | 20-60x85 | $999.99 | Top pick under $1,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Shop Spotting Scopes at Double D Hunting
From the budget-friendly Talos to the premium Cronus UHD, we carry Athlon spotting scopes for every hunter and every budget — with free shipping on all orders.
Browse Spotting Scopes Shop All Optics