Athlon Cronus 8.5x42

Rather than the standard 8x power, Athlon Optics have opted to go with a fractionally higher 8.5x magnification on this model. This gives you just that little bit more image resolution, but not at the expense of the width of view. Indeed with a 7.6° viewing angle, it is every bit as wide as some of the very best 8x42 binoculars. The 8.5x power in combination with the 42mm lenses does make for a slightly smaller exit-pupil than your standard 8x42. However, it is still more than adequate and when you consider the extremely high-quality optics and coatings used, low light performance will still be excellent. These characteristics make the 8.5x42 Athlon a great all-rounder, but also the ideal choice for birding and other larger wildlife observation and they will not let you down in low lit conditions or areas like thick forests or woods.

Description of Athlon Cronus Binoculars

The flagship series from Athlon optics is the Cronus and it is one that they can justifiably be very proud of as it boasts an impressive array of top-end features and components that make them one of the very best at this price point and even a match for some that cost far more.
The Athlon Cronus family consists of two binoculars with a choice of either 10x42 or 8.5x42 configurations, you can opt for a wider view and better low light performance or choose to have slightly more reach with a higher definition image.

Important Features

The Athlon Cronus has a top specification body. The chassis is constructed out of magnesium that is as strong as metal, but according to the manufacturer is up to 35% lighter. It is also far more resistant to expansion and contraction with temperature changes, something that can cause misalignment of the optics and therefore a reduction in image quality. 
Fully sealed, the chassis is also filled with dry Argon gas thus making the instrument fully waterproof and protected against internal lens fogging.
The lockable diopter adjuster is incorporated into the large, easy to reach focus wheel and the twist-up eyecups have multiple intermediate click stops to ensure you get the full view, with or without glasses.

Optical Properties

As well as a great body, the optics on Athlon Cronus binoculars are also out of the top-drawer:
Both models feature BaK-4 roof prisms that are Phase corrected as well as Dielectrically Coated. Both of these are important to note, but the Dielectric mirror coatings stand out as they are able to reflect more than 99% of the light across the full spectrum, whereas competitors using silver mirror coated prisms will have a reflectivity of between 95% to 98%.
This, along with a Fully Multi-Coated optical system with ED glass lenses ensure that not only as much light as possible is collected and then transmitted through the pathway and onto your eyes, but it is done so with the minimum amount of distortion as possible.
The result is an image that is both super bright and of a very high definition.

Accessories

These binoculars come with the usual arrangement of accessories that includes a carry case, neck strap, lens covers, rain-guard and cleaning cloth.

Features of Athlon Cronus Binoculars

• ED Glass Lens Elements
• Field Flattening System
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Phase Corrected & Dielectric Coated BaK-4 Roof Prisms
• Magnesium Chassis
• Twist-Up Eyecups with intermediate click stops
• Lockable Diopter located on Central Focus Wheel
• Waterproof and Fog-proof (Argon filling)

Accessories of Athlon Cronus Binoculars

• Carry Case
• Neck Strap
• Objective Lens Covers
• Rainguard
• Lens Cleaning Cloth

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Athlon offers a lifetime warranty on their Cronus binoculars and they will replace or repair them at no cost to you, should they get damaged during normal use.