Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Athlon binoculars

The more expensive Athlon binoculars (Midas and Cronus) look really good on paper and get great reviews online. ED glass, phase and dielectric coatings, etc. Taking the specs and reviews at face value makes them seem like a top choice for someone wanting to spend under $500.

Unfortunately Athlon is one of those companies that has a factory in China make binos to their specifications. At my price point (I’d like to spend under $300) there are few options not made in China so it’s hard to get too mad at Athlon for that.

Have any of you owned Athlon binos and if so what did you think? Were they competitive with other binos in their price range?

Thanks!

Was at the gun show the other day….

On a table was a package of Athlon scope rings.

On the front it said “USA Company” with a flag.

On the back, obscured by the include Allen wrench was “made in China”.

I had a set of the older Cronus, not the newest generation. Doug at cameraland said they were a no brainer in that price range. They were very good but heavy.

Good Not Chinese Options
Kowa SV2 are in your price range. -Philippines $250 ish
Burris Droptines - Philippines under $200
Nikon Prostaff- Japan around $200 multiple models

I am not sure which may have dielectric coatings which is a must for me. All are fully multicoated.

The Athlon Midas is a steal for the $250'ish they cost. Easily superior to the Vortex Viper HD.

Athlon Precision rings are made in the USA by Warnes.

Thanks everyone. I especially appreciate the info on some non-China binos, even though I don’t want this to turn into another China argument. I am definitely always on the lookout for new and used non-Chinese stuff that competes with the cheaper China made optics.

Athlon has 2 series of rings. One made by Warne in the USA and one series, less expensive, made in China

I would look at them Kowa SV II if you want to look at an affordable non Chicom pair.

Sure thing- let us know what you get and you can review them for us.

Yep, same here. I have Cronus 15x56 that are a couple years old. I was looking to upgrade some minox I had used for several years. They are super clear and sharp. However, I should have looked at the specs closer before I bought them. They are huge and heavy, much bigger than the minox.