Let’s Dive into Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars
The Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars are designed for those seeking high magnification and exceptional clarity in a portable package. Athlon Optics has built a reputation for delivering performance optics at reasonable price points, and these binoculars aim to continue that tradition with enhanced features and UHD glass. I was looking for a higher-powered binocular to complement my existing 8x42s for open country glassing, specifically for identifying game at longer distances.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the solid, robust feel of the binoculars. The magnesium chassis felt substantial in my hands, giving a sense of quality construction, and the rubber armor provided a secure, comfortable grip. My initial impression was positive; they felt like a serious piece of gear.
I considered the Vortex Diamondback HD 12×50 and the Bushnell Engage DX 12×50, but ultimately chose the Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars due to the promise of UHD glass and the locking diopter. That feature, in particular, appealed to me, as I often find myself needing to readjust diopter settings on other binoculars. I was excited to see how well the glass performed in low-light conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars during a scouting trip in the high desert of eastern Oregon. The dry, dusty conditions presented a good challenge for the optics, and the long distances demanded high magnification. I spent hours scanning ridgelines and draws, looking for signs of mule deer.
The image quality remained consistently sharp, even in the harsh midday sun. The advanced fully multi-coated lenses truly minimized glare and provided excellent color rendition. I quickly grew accustomed to the center focus and found it easy to fine-tune the image. The long eye relief of 15mm was comfortable, even when wearing my sunglasses.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars have held up admirably. The black rubber armor has proven to be resilient, showing minimal signs of wear despite being bumped and scraped against rocks and branches. I haven’t babied these binoculars, and they seem to shrug off the abuse. Cleaning the lenses has been simple, and the XPL coating makes it easier to wipe away dust and water spots.
Compared to my older binoculars, the Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars offer a noticeable improvement in image clarity and brightness, especially in low-light situations. They have significantly enhanced my ability to identify game at dawn and dusk. They certainly exceeded my expectations for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Athlon Optics.
- Magnification: 12x. This provides a significant zoom for long-distance observation.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm. This allows ample light gathering for brighter images, especially in low light.
- Prism System: Roof. This design makes the binoculars more compact and streamlined.
- Prism Material: BAK4. This high-quality glass delivers excellent light transmission for brighter, sharper images.
- Eye Relief: 15mm. This provides comfortable viewing, especially for eyeglass wearers.
- Exit Pupil: 4.16mm. The larger exit pupil helps maintain a bright image even when the binoculars are not perfectly aligned with your eyes.
- Field of View: 281 ft at 1000 yds (5.4 degrees). A decent field of view for a 12x binocular allows for easier target acquisition.
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated. This minimizes light loss and maximizes brightness and contrast.
- Binoculars Focus System: Center Focus. A central focus knob provides quick and easy focusing for both eyes.
- Interpupillary Distance: 59 – 74 mm. This range accommodates a wide range of face sizes.
- Close Focus: 3.5 m. This allows for detailed observation of nearby objects.
- Weather Resistance: Yes. Suitable for use in various weather conditions.
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof. Provides protection against rain and accidental submersion.
- Length: 6.7 in. Relatively compact for a 12×50 binocular.
- Weight: 32 oz. A bit heavy but manageable, especially when used with a tripod.
- Finish: Black Rubber Armor. Provides a secure grip and protects the binoculars from damage.
- Fabric/Material: Magnesium. This lightweight and durable material contributes to the overall robustness of the binoculars.
- Condition: New.
- Package Type: Box.
- Magnification Type: Fixed.
Performance & Functionality
The Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars perform exceptionally well for their price point. The image is sharp and clear, with minimal distortion, even at the edges of the field of view. I was particularly impressed with their low-light performance, as I was able to glass effectively well into dusk. The binoculars are easy to focus, and the locking diopter is a fantastic feature that prevents accidental adjustments.
The main strengths are the excellent image quality, rugged build, and user-friendly design. If I had to suggest an improvement, it would be to reduce the weight slightly, but the current weight is a reasonable trade-off for the durable construction. Overall, they meet and exceed my expectations for binoculars in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars boast a well-thought-out design. The magnesium chassis provides a solid and durable foundation, while the black rubber armor offers a comfortable and secure grip, even with gloved hands. The binoculars feel well-balanced, though they can become tiring to hold for extended periods without a tripod.
The central focus knob is smooth and precise, and the twist-up eyecups are comfortable and effective. There is a slight learning curve to finding the perfect eye relief, but once set, the viewing experience is excellent.
Durability & Maintenance
The Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars are built to last. The magnesium chassis and rubber armor provide excellent protection against impacts and abrasions. The waterproof and Argon Purged construction ensures that the binoculars can withstand harsh weather conditions without fogging.
Maintenance is simple; I just wipe down the lenses with a microfiber cloth and occasionally clean the rubber armor with a damp cloth. So far, I’ve seen no signs of degradation or wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars come with a comfortable neck strap, lens covers, and a soft carrying case. They are also tripod adaptable, which is essential for stable viewing at 12x magnification. There aren’t many customization options available for binoculars in general, but the tripod adaptability is a major plus.
The binoculars are compatible with standard tripod adapters, making it easy to mount them on a variety of tripods. This greatly enhances their usability for long-range observation.
Pros and Cons of Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars
Pros
- UHD Glass delivers exceptional image clarity and color rendition.
- Rugged Magnesium Chassis provides excellent durability.
- Locking Diopter prevents accidental adjustments.
- Long Eye Relief ensures comfortable viewing, even for eyeglass wearers.
- Waterproof and Argon Purged for reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Cons
- Weight can be tiring for handheld use over extended periods.
- Narrower field of view compared to lower magnification binoculars may require more scanning.
Who Should Buy Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars?
The Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars are perfect for hunters, bird watchers, and wildlife enthusiasts who need high magnification and exceptional image quality. They are also a great choice for anyone who spends time in open country and needs to identify distant objects. These binoculars are suitable for those who use a tripod or are willing to carry the extra weight for the increased magnification and clarity.
Someone who primarily views objects at close range or prefers a wider field of view might want to consider a lower magnification binocular, such as an 8×42 or 10×42. People very sensitive to weight may want to explore lighter options.
A tripod and a good quality binocular harness are must-have accessories to maximize the benefits of these binoculars.
Conclusion on Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars
The Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars are an excellent value for the money. They offer exceptional image quality, rugged durability, and user-friendly features that rival binoculars costing significantly more. At $429.99, they represent a sweet spot in performance and affordability.
I would definitely recommend these binoculars to anyone looking for a high-quality, high-magnification optic for long-range observation. If you’re serious about your glassing, and want performance without breaking the bank, give the Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars a try; you won’t be disappointed!