If you’ve ever spent a full day behind the glass, you know your optic can make or break your hunt. Eye fatigue, washed-out images, and poor low-light performance are more than annoyances—they’re missed opportunities. That’s why when I was looking for a premium spotter that could go from western glassing ridgelines for muleys to late-season whitetail scouting here in the Midwest, I went all in on the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85—and snagged it from Brink Excursions at a killer price. Let’s get into what makes this spotter a game-changer—and whether it lives up to the Zeiss name. First Impressions: Light, Tight, and Built Like a TankOut of the box, the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 feels like a tool built for professionals but priced for serious recreational hunters. It’s got that signature Zeiss fit and finish—sleek matte body, smooth focus wheel, and one of the most compact 85mm scopes I’ve ever handled. Weighing in at just under 4 lbs (with eyepiece), it’s surprisingly lightweight for an 85mm objective. That was huge for me—because while I love big glass, I hate lugging a 6 lb. spotter up a ridge. Optical Performance: It’s All in the GlassLet’s not beat around the bush--this thing is sharp. Zeiss’s legendary glass delivers crisp, high-contrast images that just pop with detail. Whether I was glassing antelope on a sunny ridge in South Dakota or trying to pick apart a tree line during a gloomy Iowa afternoon, the light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity were flawless. At 60x, the image stays remarkably clean with minimal distortion. That’s rare—even in this price tier. Color fidelity is next-level too. Animals don’t blur into the brush. Heat waves and mirage still exist, sure, but this optic cuts through them better than anything else I’ve used under $3K Focus & Ergonomics: Smooth OperatorThe speed focus ring is butter-smooth and fast. I could easily fine-tune focus with gloved hands, and the ergonomic angle of the eyepiece meant long sessions weren’t a pain. Zeiss really nailed the balance between speed and control—fast enough for scanning, fine enough for dialing into detail on antlers, feathers, or ear flicks. The built-in rotating tripod collar is also a win. It locks up solid and lets you shift viewing angles without realigning your whole setup. And for the digiscopers out there—yes, Zeiss has adapters ready to go. Durability & Field Use: Rugged But RefinedI’ve dragged this scope in and out of pickups, blind bags, and mountain packs. It’s held up perfectly. Zeiss coats their lenses with LotuTec® hydrophobic coating, which means water, dust, and even fingerprints wipe off easily. Rain, snow, cold fingers, it didn’t matter. This thing is built to perform. Who It’s ForIf you're an avid hunter, wildlife photographer, or long-range shooter who needs professional-level performance without the insane $4K price tag of some other Euro glass, the Gavia 85 is your optic. This isn’t a casual birdwatching scope—it’s for people who care about clarity, durability, and real-world usability in the field. Period. Final Thoughts: Is the Gavia 85 Worth It?Yes. Every. Penny. The Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 punches well above its price class, delivering flagship-level performance with fewer compromises than almost anything else in its range. Bottom line? If you’re in the market for a lifetime-level spotter but don’t want to completely drain your savings, the Gavia 85 deserves a spot in your pack. Pros:
Cons:
How Did We Get Here? We put the Zeiss up against the following.
Happy Glassing! Reach out to Brink Excursions for any questions!
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REVIEW: Athlon Midas Flare 3x Prism Optic – A Solid Mid-Range Prism That Punches Above Its Weight4/12/2025 We recently got our hands on the new Midas Flare 3x Prism Optic from Athlon Optics, and we’ve got to say—we’re impressed. Right out of the box, it feels like Athlon built this optic for shooters who want rock-solid performance without dropping high-end dollars. If you’re in the market for a 3x magnified optic that’s crystal clear, rugged, and fast to acquire your target, this one’s worth a look. Here’s our breakdown after putting it through some early testing. 1. Easy on the Eyes – LiterallyOne of the first things we noticed was how generous and forgiving the eyebox is. Whether you’re shooting from a funky angle or adjusting on the fly, you’re not fighting to get that perfect cheek weld. That makes this optic ideal for fast-paced shooting situations—whether you’re running drills, hunting, or just hitting the range. 2. Crystal-Clear Glass with No Weird TintAthlon really nailed the glass quality. You’ll notice clean, crisp visuals from edge to edge. One big win? There's no noticeable color hue from multicoating, which can be an issue with other prism optics. What you see is natural and vibrant—not a blue or green-tinted mess. 3. Quality Reticle System with a Sharp HaloThe Midas Flare’s reticle is sharp, fine, and extremely usable. The halo ring design is bright, precise, and fast for target acquisition. Whether you're shooting close or stretching it out, the center reticle gives just enough finesse for accurate shots without cluttering your view. The reticle itself is etched, so even without illumination, you’ve got a reliable aiming point. But when you do light it up… 4. Red & Green Illumination – Day and Night ReadyThe Midas Flare offers dual-color illumination—red and green—with a total of 10 brightness settings for daytime, plus 2 night vision settings for low-light or NVG scenarios. No matter what lighting conditions you're shooting in, this optic is ready. 5. Daytime Bright Illumination – No ProblemWe were blown away by how bright the reticle gets in full daylight. This isn't one of those optics where the red washout makes you question your settings. Athlon's digital illumination control gives you a smooth, no-nonsense way to adjust brightness, and it holds up well even in full sun. 6. Digital Simplicity & Smart PowerSpeaking of that digital control system—it’s super intuitive. Adjusting the brightness is straightforward and responsive, with tactile buttons that don’t feel mushy or overly sensitive. Plus, it’s got Smart Power Management: a 3-hour auto shutoff system to save battery life. Forget to power down after a long day? No worries—this optic’s got your six. 7. Mount Up a Red Dot for 1x Close-QuartersHere’s a feature we really appreciate: the top of the optic is ready to mount a RMR pistol red dot, like an Athlon Midas Flash or similar footprint. That gives you instant access to true 1x magnification for fast close-quarter work, while keeping the 3x ready for longer shots. It’s the best of both worlds in one compact setup. 8. Lifetime Warranty – Zero WorriesAs with most of Athlon’s top-tier gear, the Midas Flare 3x is backed by their Lifetime Warranty. That means if anything goes wrong due to craftsmanship or manufacturing, you’re covered—no receipts, no headaches, no fine print. Final ThoughtsAll in all, the Midas Flare 3x checks a lot of boxes: rugged build, clear glass, smart features, and a reticle system that's both quick and precise. Add in the ability to run a red dot on top and dual-color illumination, and you’ve got a rock-solid optic ready for almost any scenario. For the price point, it holds its own against other higher-dollar optics in the 3x prism space. And with Athlon’s lifetime warranty, there’s even more peace of mind. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, high-performance prism optic to top your rifle, the Midas Flare 3x deserves a spot in your kit. Available now through Brink Excursions – grab yours and see the difference for yourself.
![]() When it comes to excelling in precision .22LR matches like NRL22, PRS22, or benchrest competitions, your choice of ammunition plays a pivotal role. While factors like rifle setup, optics, and environmental conditions matter, the ammo is often the defining factor in accuracy and consistency. Let’s dive into what makes the best .22LR ammo for precision shooting and why high-velocity rounds may not be your best bet. Understanding Ammunition Performance: Subsonic vs. High-VelocityPrecision shooters prioritize accuracy and consistency over velocity. While high-velocity .22LR ammo may offer higher speeds, it is more prone to destabilization when the bullet transitions from supersonic (>1,125 fps) to transonic speeds (below 1,125 fps). This phase causes turbulence and can affect the trajectory, leading to reduced accuracy at long distances. Subsonic ammunition, which stays under the supersonic threshold, avoids this issue entirely. While slightly slower, subsonic rounds maintain a stable flight path, making them ideal for precision shooting at ranges of 100 yards or more. Top Brands for Precision .22LR Matches1. SK Ammo - SK ammunition is a favorite among precision shooters for its exceptional quality and affordability. Products like SK Rifle Match and SK Standard Plus are popular choices for NRL22 and PRS22 competitors. SK offers consistent velocity, tight groupings, and reliable ignition. 2. Lapua - Lapua ammunition is synonymous with precision. Its Center-X and Midas+ lines are among the most sought-after for benchrest competitions due to their incredible uniformity in bullet weight and powder loads. Lapua's attention to detail ensures minimal shot-to-shot variation. 3. RWS - RWS is another premium brand offering high-quality .22LR ammunition, including the R50 and R100 lines. These rounds are crafted with precision in mind, delivering excellent performance for competitive shooters seeking ultra-tight groupings. 4. Eley - Eley ammunition has long been a benchmark in the .22LR world. With products like Eley Match and Eley Tenex, this brand has earned the trust of top competitors worldwide. Known for their meticulous manufacturing processes, Eley rounds are perfect for shooters demanding unparalleled accuracy. Conclusion Choosing the right ammunition is essential for achieving peak performance in precision .22LR competitions. Brands like SK, Lapua, RWS, and Eley offer reliable and consistent options that cater to the demanding needs of competitive shooters. By sticking to subsonic rounds and experimenting with different loads, you can unlock your rifle’s full potential and take your precision shooting game to the next level. Whether you're gearing up for your next NRL22 match or fine-tuning your benchrest setup, Brink Excursions is here to support your journey with high-quality gear and expert advice. Happy Shooting!
~ B.E. Team When it comes to choosing the right scope for your rifle, the word “Rimfire” often stirs up confusion among hunters and shooters alike. Are these scopes lower in quality? Are they only for .22 caliber rifles? Today, we’re diving into the real truth about Rimfire rifle scopes—what they are, how they differ from standard scopes, and why they might be the perfect fit for your Midwest hunting adventures. Are Rimfire Rifle Scopes Lower Quality?Let’s bust this myth right away: Rimfire rifle scopes from reputable manufacturers are made with the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship as their “standard” counterparts. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Athlon design their Rimfire scopes with durability and precision in mind. The distinction lies not in quality, but in purpose-built features that cater specifically to Rimfire shooting applications. What Sets Rimfire Scopes Apart?The term “Rimfire” in a scope’s name signals some key differences tailored to the unique needs of Rimfire rifles:
Rimfire Scopes and Midwest HuntingIf you’re a Midwest hunter, you might be surprised to learn that Rimfire optics can also shine in shotgun and straight-wall cartridge setups. Why? The average distance at which deer are harvested in the Midwest is just 47 yards. This aligns perfectly with the fixed 50-yard parallax setting found in Rimfire scopes. Here are some scenarios where Rimfire optics excel:
Final Thoughts: Versatile and ReliableThe word “Rimfire” on a rifle scope doesn’t mean “less than.” It means purpose-built precision for closer-range shooting, whether that’s a day at the range with a .22 or a Midwest deer hunt with a shotgun. These scopes bring all the quality you expect from top-tier optics, with features specifically designed to help you succeed in your chosen application. So, next time you’re shopping for a scope, don’t overlook the Rimfire options. They might just be the perfect tool for your hunting or shooting needs. Happy Shooting!
~Brink Excursions Team When you're stepping into the world of rifles, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right caliber for your needs. Whether you're a new shooter looking for the "easy button" or an experienced hunter wanting to optimize your arsenal, there's a perfect round for everyone. Let’s break down some of the most popular and versatile options in today’s market. The Do-It-All Round: 6.5 Creedmoor![]() If you’re new to shooting or want a round that covers a lot of ground, look no further than the 6.5 Creedmoor. This caliber is the Swiss Army knife of the shooting world.
For the Precision-Minded Shooter: 6mm CreedmoorIf accuracy and flat shooting are at the top of your list, the 6mm Creedmoor is a hot contender.
Extra Takedown Power: 6.5 PRCLooking for a hunting round that adds a bit more punch? Enter the 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge).
The Heavy Hitter: .300 PRCFor those who want a caliber capable of handling nearly all North American game, the .300 PRC is your go-to choice.
Which Round is Right for You?The answer depends on what you’re looking to achieve:
Final ThoughtsEach of these rounds has its strengths and specific use cases, so choose one that aligns with your hunting or shooting goals. With the right rifle and round, you’ll be ready to hit the field or range with confidence.
At BRINK EXCURSIONS, we’re here to help you make the best choices for your next adventure. Happy shooting! When it comes to choosing a rifle scope, parallax adjustment is a key feature that often gets overlooked. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just getting started, understanding the difference between fixed parallax scopes and side adjustable parallax scopes can help you make a smarter decision and improve your shooting accuracy. Let’s break it down: What is Parallax in a Rifle Scope? Parallax occurs when the target and the reticle (the crosshairs) are not on the same optical plane. If parallax isn’t properly adjusted, moving your head slightly can make the reticle appear to "float" on the target, which can throw off your shot. A parallax-free scope ensures the reticle stays perfectly aligned with your target, even if your eye position shifts. Almost all scope are NOT parallax-free. So being able to fine tune the parallax is a game changer. Fixed Parallax Scopes Fixed parallax scopes are set to focus on a specific distance—often 50 yards for rimfire scopes or 100 yards for general-purpose scopes. This simplicity makes them lighter, less expensive, and easier to use, especially for beginners or those shooting at consistent distances. The downside? If you're shooting at distances significantly shorter or longer than the fixed parallax setting, your shot accuracy can suffer. For instance:
NOTE: Rimfire Scopes: Same Quality, Different Parallax - Rimfire scopes are often misunderstood. While they have a 50-yard fixed parallax, they are every bit as high quality as their centerfire counterparts. Why 50 yards? Rimfire cartridges like the .22 LR are commonly used at closer ranges, making the shorter parallax setting ideal. That said, rimfire scopes with fixed parallax share the same limitations as any other fixed parallax scope: accuracy can suffer when shooting at distances beyond the fixed focus point. If you're using a rimfire rifle for varied ranges, a scope with side adjustable parallax is worth considering to avoid these challenges. Side Adjustable Parallax Scopes Side adjustable parallax scopes offer much more versatility by allowing you to fine-tune the focus for your target's specific distance. With a simple twist of the side knob, you can eliminate parallax and ensure your reticle stays crisp and accurate, no matter the range. Why is this better?
PS - AO Adjustable Parallax scopes are for the birds! (In hunting, Tactical or competition. Just fine for benchtop warriors.) Final ThoughtsWhile fixed parallax scopes can work well for specific applications, their limitations at varied distances can lead to missed shots and frustration. If you're looking for adaptability, precision, and improved accuracy, a side adjustable parallax scope is the clear winner. And don’t overlook rimfire scopes—they’re purpose-built for close-range precision but may still benefit from adjustable parallax features depending on your shooting needs.
At Brink Excursions, we’re here to help you find the perfect scope to match your shooting style. Check out our selection of quality optics, and let’s make sure you never miss your mark! Happy shooting, Brink Excursions Team Understanding Your Rifle Scope Adjustments: The Basics and BeyondWhen setting up a rifle scope, precision is key, and knowing how to properly zero and adjust it is essential for any shooter. A recent conversation with one of our customers, brought up some great points that many shooters, especially those newer to scopes, might find useful. Here’s a breakdown of our exchange and an educational dive into the world of scope adjustments. Question: "Should My Dial Be All the Way Down at Zero?"One question the customer asked was about his scope’s elevation dial. He noticed that when his rifle was zeroed, the number 3 appeared under the knob, raising the question: should the dial be cranked all the way down at zero? This is a common query, and understanding how scope adjustments work can clear things up. Answer: Scope Dials Don’t Need to Be Bottomed Out at ZeroWhen setting your scope to "zero" at your chosen distance (often 100 yards), the elevation and windage dials can land at any point within their range. Contrary to what some believe, they don’t need to be turned all the way down. Scopes are designed to offer the best optical performance when adjustments are near the midpoint. Ideally, your scope will be centered on its column of adjustment, not maxed out in one direction. Scope Adjustment RangeScopes are typically designed with ample adjustment range for both elevation and windage: Sample Scope- Athlon Talos BTR 4-14x44 in MIL.
Locking in Your Zero with a Zero StopOnce you've zeroed your rifle, you can add a zero stop - shims under the elevation cap or have a precision zero stop. These zero stops prevent the knob from rotating a full revolution below your zero point, ensuring that you’re always aware when you’ve hit zero or have exceeded your intended adjustment range. This setup is especially helpful in dynamic shooting scenarios or when you need quick adjustments without losing your initial zero. Final Tips for Scope Setup
By understanding these principles, you can maximize your scope's effectiveness and have the confidence to make precise adjustments in the field or at the range. Keep exploring, adjusting, and honing your setup, and remember—BRINK EXCURSIONS is here to support your shooting journey every step of the way!
Recently I got to put the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 30-60x85mm and the Athlon Cronus G2 UHD 20-60x85mm spotting scopes through a side-by-side test. I was very pleased with the quality of both optics. At 850 yards I was almost able to read 1 inch text with the Zeiss Gavia; while the Athlon Cronus was only able to make out the color of the text. Both have amazing clarity and magnification capabilities. When it came to cutting through mirage, the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 had a slight advantage over the Athlon Cronus G2, which provided a more clear and precise picture. However, the difference was just too miniscule to not be incredibly impressed with the Athlon Cronus G2 which is priced at just $999.99, while the Zeiss Conquest Gavia retails at $1999.99. Since the performance was so close together, if you are a budget minded buyer looking for the best bang for your buck, the Athlon Cronus G2 checks all the boxes. If you are looking for that top-tier spotting scope, that gives you that extra edge that most glass can't beat the Zeiss Conquest Gavia is the one for you. Ultimately, what it comes down to is the individual's preference and budget. However, based on the price point and clarity test that I was able to perform on a blue bird sky day, with 60% humidity, and at 85 degrees Fahrenheit, in open terrain conditions. I would highly recommend the Athlon Cronus G2 UHD as a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing quality. Stay tuned for the color test results, as I continue to explore features and capabilities of these amazing spotting scopes -Eric Briggs VS.![]() Everyone wants the easy button and the industry has listened. Scope manufacturers have designed series of scopes known as BDC or Bullet Drop Compensation Reticles to accommodate the easy button request of shooters. The idea is that the reticle inside the scope already has Bullet Drop built in it, so just pick up the rifle and shoot your target at given distance. Rimfire BDC scopes are some of the most common scopes in the world. Everyone has an old 22LR sitting in the closet or in the gun safe and it would be so handy if a scope did all the work for you. Allowing for you to pick up some cheap ammo from the store and hit the range or timber. Pictured is a Rimfire BDC Reticle here is how you are educated on how to use it.
Are Rimfire BDC Reticles a Lie?The short answer is No - They are not a lie, but they are very misleading. Manufacturers have to make products that fit the masses. They can't make one-off scopes for each person with their pick of ammo and gun combo that is out there in the world. So they have compiled data on what is the most common ballistic performance of 22's on the market and developed their reticles to get you in the ball park. Wait... So how does it work for me?There is a high likelihood that your BDC Reticle is lying to you. Here why -
Real World Rimfire BDC Usage![]() Do I need to throw away my Rimfire BDC? NO! It still can be used and used effectively. Here is how the above BDC Rimfire Reticle performed on one of our CZ457 Varmint Rifles, 20.5 inch barrel. Using SK Standard Plus 40gr 22LR Ammo at the factory prescribed scope magnification.
As you can see if we would have just take the values given to us from the manual we would would never be able to properly engage the target with our Gun and Ammo combo if we wouldn't have tested out real life performance. Conclusion
In the world of shooting nothing is more difficult when you get started than figuring out what scope is best for you. When it comes to Base Class shooting we have selected some of the top Titan's in the shooting world that you will see out there at matches to put side by side and see how they stack. To start lets lay down the criteria of why we picked these scopes.
Now that's out of the way lets jump into the weeds. MSRP and ReticleHelos BTR 6-24×50 APLR2 FFP IR MOA - $683.99Diamondback® Tactical 6-24x50 FFP EBR-2C MOA - $499.99Argos BTR 6-24×50 APMR FFP IR MIL - $444.99Best Reticle Design -The Helos really steps up with the Best Reticle Design of the three with it's Floating Crosshairs design. Below 10x The Helos and Argos are a superior reticle, as they are easy to read from minimum to maximum magnification. Once the Diamondback Tactical (DB TAC) gets to about 12x it's fine reticle starts to hold it's own. As we reach the 20x plus mark the DB TAC really starts to shine and be the best. The Helos and Argos get too bold/thick to use efficiently. The Argos's sweet spot is at 18x and the Helos is 20x. When competing in PRS or Hunting I find myself moving my magnification from 8-20x range. I rarely use full magnification unless spotting something for a visual. Turret DesignHelos - Had the best Turret Design with locking beefy over sized turrets. I was just at a match last month where the rifle had to be grounded to start. When the buzzer started I reached down to grab my rifle and hit my windage turret unknowingly. Causing for a very bad start to that stage. If I would have had locking turrets on that rifle it would have saved me some points. The Helos also had the most tactile feel for it's clicks and also the loudest audible click sound. Making it hands down the winner in this category. DB TAC - The machining of these turrets as my favorite. Short and Fact tactical turrets. awesome feel. The Audible click was great, right off a scope that I would expect to be well over $750.00. The Tactile feel of the turrets was lack luster. It has a mushy front and rear to it's position change. But! When you get the wall for it to click over to the next position it did have a very positive "click" feel when you made the position change. Very good for it's price point bracket. Argos BTR - Seems to be a great fit for it's price point. The Turrets are easy to use. The thin Base with the over-sized tops makes these turrets the easiest to use while wearing gloves. Something to think about if this will also be used for hunting. The Turrets tactile file was better than the DB TAC. Very Crisp in comparison. Something similar to what you would expect from a $750.00 Scope. While the audible click, it was the worst. Hollow and shallow in sound. What I would expect from a $300.00 Scope. Magnification and Glass QualityWhen staring this section of testing I thought for sure we had a clear winner. The DB TAC had the best clarity when testing from 6x to 12x out to about 100 yards. The Parallax adjustment was smoother and easier to get things into focus. When testing the Helos and Argos they did fine but just not as good as the Vortex did. At this point in time we had our mind settled. The DB TAC was going to walk away with the show. Next we changed to testing out to 100 yards with 12x plus magnification. The Higher the magnification the more drastically unforgiving the eyebox became on the DB TAC. Making it very difficult to hit the sweet spot on the scope. Also as we adjusted the magnification higher the harder it was to adjust the parallax to get a crisp image. As in all scopes the higher the magnification the less forgiving the eyebox is, but both the Athlon Scopes were more forgiving than the DB TAC. Past the 12x Point the Argos and Helos stayed about the same as with ease of use of the parallax adjustment to crisp up the image. No drastic change positive or negative. At the max magnification the Athlon scopes did perform better with parallax adjustment. Moving out to 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 Yards everything stayed about the same when comparing the scopes. 600 to 875 yards The Athlon scopes held slightly sharper images. Looking out to 1000 and 1400 yards they looked about the same between all three scopes. You could see the target but very difficult to try to call any impacts. We have shot out with all three scopes to 1000 yards plus and can make it happen no problem. Just make sure you have a good spotting partner. On a side note on the magnification rings. Both the Athlon scopes came with built in Throw levers. The DB TAC had a very nice standard style ring. ConclusionIn conclusion these are all three great scopes! Each one earns it's right to be a Titan in the base shooting world. Here are our final thoughts.
We hope this helps ~ Happy Shooting! BRINK EXCURSIONS Team |
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