What a sunshade does
A sunshade is a tube that threads onto the front of the objective bell and extends it by a few inches. It blocks stray light from striking the objective lens at an angle, which causes glare, lost contrast and lens flare, so it helps most with the sun low in front of you and over snow. It also cuts the glint of sunlight off the objective that can give your position away.
Finding the right fit
A sunshade must match both the objective diameter and the thread of the scope it fits, so buy by scope line as well as size. Ours are Athlon sunshades for 44 mm, 50 mm and 56 mm objectives, and each title lists the Athlon riflescope lines it fits.
- 44 mm: the Talos BTR and the Midas TAC.
- 50 mm: the Ares ETR, Ares BTR, Midas BTR, Midas HMR, Midas TAC and Helos BTR GEN2, and the Helos BTR and Argos BTR.
- 56 mm: the Cronus BTR, in black or brown, the Ares ETR, Midas TAC and Helos BTR GEN2, and the Helos BTR and Argos BTR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sunshade?
Not always. It earns its place in bright, low sun and over snow; on a compact, low-power scope it mostly adds length.
Will an Athlon sunshade fit another brand's scope?
Only if the objective diameter and thread match. Each of ours lists the Athlon lines it is made for, so check your scope's objective before ordering.
Does a sunshade protect the lens?
Partly. It shields the front glass from rain and dust as well as glare, but the coatings are thin and expensive to replace, so a lens cover still protects it best in transport.
For the scopes these fit, read Athlon Riflescopes Explained.