Excellent write up!
Everything else being the same, larger objective lens generally translates into better resolution. As a range spotter size doesn't matter, but in the field the 80mm+ spotters are a pain to me even when spotting from the truck.
Also,apparently magnification sells so the manufacturers seem to be in a race for higher magnification. Once beyond about 45x on most spotters I've looked through resolution begins to fall off, and mirage, available light, and shake all become an issue. Larger objective lens seem to handle higher magnification better. My buddy has a 65mm Swaro ATS with the 20-60x eyepeice and 45x is about as high a magnification that's useful under most conditions--both at the range and in the field. For looking at critters I MUCH prefer a 15-45x eyepiece, it's just more useful.
At less than 48 ozs (with lens covers no less) the 65mm Athlon is interesting.
I wonder what Athlon CS and warranty is like.
