Took it and the AR to the blind this afternoon. Hoping for a pig or coyote, but no luck on that. At 5:45 a bunch of does showed up. I decided to wait till full dark to try to sneak out of the blind. Just about 6 pm, it was very dark, and it occurred to me to look through the scope and use the illuminated reticle. I had done it before, but not when it was this dark. At approx 80 yards, and me at 8 power, the deer was clear as a bell. Put the illumination on minimum and it was not too bright and just about right. Very nice.

cool. too many scopes can not be adjusted down dim enough to actually be useful

Thanks for the report. That’s another plus for the Midas. Ever sit it side by side with the VX-5?

Well, I do have both. Never took them both to the blind. I have to rate the VX5 higher, but that’s partially because the CDS and fire dot are so useful and well done. But, the fact that a fellow could buy 2 of the Athlon for the cost of one VX5 is something to consider.

That 300 yard shot on a pig that I made a while back was in extremely dim light. The hog was barely visible, but he was sideways to me and I could tell which end was which. If I hadn’t already known it was a hog, I would not have shot. It was that dim. The VX5 with CDS and fire dot let me make the shot. Based on this afternoon, I think maybe I could have made the shot with the Athlon scope. The CDS however is infinitely variable on fire dot brightness and allows a higher level of precision bullet placement in very dim light.

Strictly my opinion, but the above is what I think. I give first place to the VX5.

I have several Athalon Ares scopes. All do the job quite well, and worth every penny. I will buy more when they are back in stock ,,,