I’ve seen reviews on this and they all look positive, but they are probably paid to say good things. Does anyone have experience with this scope? Anyone compared this side to side with Hawke or Athlon?
Aztec Emerald 5.5-25
- Thread starter ltreperinas
- Start date
Others have disagreed with me, but I (personally and to my eyes) would put them up against the hawke scopes all day. Better?. Maybe not overall, but I like the reticle better and glass is about the same. I've never had an Athlon.... Wearing multifocal contacts makes it tough for me to see real/small differences between glass quality as my scope eye is my 'non-dominant' eye. I've bought plenty of scopes based on others reviews and have come to the simple conclusion that I need to decide for myself.
These work well for me. I have 7 so that's my commitment. Doesn't mean they will work well for anyone else. I actually sold one, with a reluctance, to a member here. I think his overall impression was less than positive compared to other scopes in the same price range.
These work well for me. I have 7 so that's my commitment. Doesn't mean they will work well for anyone else. I actually sold one, with a reluctance, to a member here. I think his overall impression was less than positive compared to other scopes in the same price range.
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I have done a side by side of my Aztec Emerald 5.5-25, Hawke Airmax 8-32, and Athlon Talos 6-24. IMHO the Hawke has the best glass, and clearest picture in low light. But I love the Aztec reticle. The Hawke comes with better quality accessories (sun shade, AO wheel, lens caps) vs the Aztec. With my Athlon being the lowest tier model it did not come with any accessories and the build quality isn't as good ($200 vs $400 makes sense).
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I really like the reticle compared to some other scopes. I am using the SFP for 100yd target shooting. I can achieve 1in or less groups when this scope is paired with my Streamline .25 (modded and tuned). The glass is clear, I shoot at 25x power religiously. I have members of my shooting club that have shot my gun and have come close but they have witnessed my hand on the rifle. The FFP will be great for the guys that hold over and do shooting at different magnifications. The side wheel allows for precise focus among different ranges. I also use an Athlon Midas as well but I prefer the Aztec as it has a little more magnification which I need for 100yd target shooting. So that scope sits on my Bulldog for when I decide to hunt with it. I plan on getting a second one for my competition CZ .22lr. I really enjoy mine. Also this scope tracks very well. I can mess with the turrets and twist them to random spots then reset them and have the confidence my pellet will go exactly where it did before. Are there better scopes out there of course but for the price you cant beat the quality.
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Won't argue the glass, opioins are just that. Just curious on the accessories... Are you saying the AO wheel and sunshade from Hawke are better? Not arguing with that as I don't remember any notable differences The ones on my Aztecs are fine. I think the AO Wheel is actually bigger. The 'bikini' lense cover/caps with the current Aztec are not a selling point!
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I have an Aztec Emerald and a Hawke Sidewinder. The Emerald's clear, ranges accurately and the reticle is good, but I find the eye relief a bit finicky and the glass produces a distinct purple fringing when using a scope cam. Of the two I prefer the Hawke.
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JCD: Good catch, I spoke too broadly. I don't notice any difference in sunshade quality, but I do on the AO wheel. On my Hawke the wheel is attached using a tool and has a cap which secures it very well. The Aztec on the other hand is held on my some grub screws and isn't as secure. I haven't measured them, so I cant say if one is larger.
My Hawke also came with metal flip caps which again require a tool to remove or install (similar to the AO wheel). They crisply snap shut and have a firm enough hinge that when open you could put on a sticky note with your holdovers/clicks and it wont flop around.
My Hawke also came with metal flip caps which again require a tool to remove or install (similar to the AO wheel). They crisply snap shut and have a firm enough hinge that when open you could put on a sticky note with your holdovers/clicks and it wont flop around.
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I have the 5.5-25x50 FFP Aztec Emerald, I’ve only had it a few days so cannot give a full opinion yet. I’ve always shot SPF scopes and have to get use to the reticle growing and shrinking. I am loving the reticle, very crisp, the center dot has 1 MOA of space all around it, making for an uncluttered sight picture. Liking the illumination very much especially when panning from a light area to one not so well lit. Mounting on my Compatto was straight forward and sighting in was easy peasy. Can’t wait to unleash it on some pests. Took it to the local dairy, but I have done my job too well and there was no action. Next week I’ll try a new place.
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That's fair. I really feel like my first 1 or 2 Aztecs (prob from the first run for sale to the public) had flip up caps but I wouldn't swear to it, I NEVER use them anyway. The sidewheel attachment is def different but I see the Aztec as being what most are accustomed too and the Hawke being oddball (without any regard to what is better). Still just a note, from me at least, as neither wheel is big enough for FT use and it really doesn't matter on the guns I shoot at known ranges....
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Get the Vortex Diamondback 6-24 FFP, then you wont feel like someone has put a stocking over the objective lens!
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Interesting post. Do you have experience with Aztec or Hawke? Also, why distance does that focus down to?
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Interesting post. Do you have experience with Aztec or Hawke? Also, what distance does that focus down to?
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Just my 2c . Unlike Hawke and Athlon Aztec only has 3 scopes and all 3 have the same grade of glass. The other two have budget to Very high end . Dollar for dollar I would rank them this way .
(1) Aztec, best glass of the 3 when talking about the 400-500 range the other two offer .
(2) Athlon ,and this is a Very close second place for me . But mainly because I prefer the reticle of the Aztec over most .
(3) Hawke , for me personally the Hawkes are not in the same league as the other two and are overpriced. And have a wide range of quality from scope to scope
After doing so many scope reviews I WISH I were being paid ....But not everbody who has a review on YouTube has an opinion for sale . A free scope or a loaner from these companies or any other get them a review ....But my opinion isn't for sale . Ask BSA , Centerpoint, UTG , Gamo, Benjamin , Air Arms , Pyramid Air or several others .
There are a couple of scopes in this price range I prefer over any of these mentioned . Like I say , just my 2c
(1) Aztec, best glass of the 3 when talking about the 400-500 range the other two offer .
(2) Athlon ,and this is a Very close second place for me . But mainly because I prefer the reticle of the Aztec over most .
(3) Hawke , for me personally the Hawkes are not in the same league as the other two and are overpriced. And have a wide range of quality from scope to scope
After doing so many scope reviews I WISH I were being paid ....But not everbody who has a review on YouTube has an opinion for sale . A free scope or a loaner from these companies or any other get them a review ....But my opinion isn't for sale . Ask BSA , Centerpoint, UTG , Gamo, Benjamin , Air Arms , Pyramid Air or several others .
There are a couple of scopes in this price range I prefer over any of these mentioned . Like I say , just my 2c
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Nice to hear JoeWR. Often wonder and sometimes skeptical about many of the Youtube reviews out there. As most plug their sponsor(s) names... one wonders what truly is an unbiased review these days, as most have sold out regardless what they say. Kudos to you!
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