Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 Review: A Budget-Friendly Prism Optic with Surprising Brilliance

by Dave Chesson

November 27, 2023

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As a seasoned shooter always on the lookout for quality optics that won’t break the bank, the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 caught my eye. In a world where high-performance optics often come with a hefty price tag, the TSP3 promised an enticing combination of affordability and functionality. Intrigued by the positive buzz surrounding this optic, I decided to put it to the test and share my first-hand experience.

Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 Specs

  • Magnification 3x
  • Objective Lens 30 mm
  • Tube Diameter N/A
  • Eye Relief 3.2 in
  • Weight 16 oz

Specifications of Athlon Optics Midas TSP3

Before delving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s set the stage with a quick overview. The Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 is a prism optic that stands out in the budget-friendly category. Boasting shock, water, and fog-proof features, they constructed this optic with a tough, one-piece aluminum chassis, ensuring durability for long-term use. Equipped with a fixed 3X magnification, the TSP3 strikes a balance between short-distance precision and medium-range effectiveness. 

The specialized TSP3 Prism Reticle is a key feature, featuring a 1MOA dot and a 20MOA circle for quick target acquisition. The selectable red/green illuminated reticle with multiple intensity levels enhances visibility in various lighting conditions, ensuring adaptability to different environments.

Okay, now that’s done, let’s jump straight into my review. 

Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 Features

Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 Features
1 Reticle

MOA reticle for longer range shooting.

2 Picatinny mount

Built in picatinny mount.

3 Battery

Top mounted battery is easy to access.

4 Brightness adjustment

Low profile, side mounted brightness adjustment buttons.

My Review of Athlon Optics Midas TSP3

Now, I want you to keep in mind that I’m evaluating this optic from a budget standpoint. That’s because, as a general rule, you usually get what you pay for and while I’m going to hold it to my standards, I’m not going to expect a budget optic to match the performance of something like Vortex or Trijicon. That said, TSP3 is a pretty impressive optic, especially considering its low price point. 

One of the standout features of the TSP3 is its crystal-clear glass. Having used various optics throughout my shooting endeavors, the clarity offered by this budget-friendly optic pleasantly surprised me. The glass clarity holds up well even in challenging conditions, providing a crisp and vivid image.

The TSP3’s fully multi-coated optics contribute to a brighter image, making target acquisition smoother in various environments. Whether you’re in bright daylight or low-light conditions, the TSP3’s optical quality doesn’t disappoint. The etched glass reticle adds to the overall clarity, ensuring that the aiming point remains visible and precise.

The TSP3’s shootability is where it truly shines. I had the opportunity to test it in a tactical response rifle class, and it performed flawlessly. With a quick target acquisition feature and the TSP3 reticle’s 1MOA dot, hitting targets at different distances became a breeze. The 20MOA circle facilitates fast target acquisition, allowing for effective performance in dynamic shooting scenarios.

The inward sloped body design is a thoughtful touch, enabling a close mount to iron backup sights. This feature enhances shootability, especially for those who prefer a streamlined and ergonomic setup. The 3X magnification strikes a perfect balance, offering versatility for both short distances and medium ranges up to 300 yards.

Reliability is a non-negotiable factor when it comes to optics, and the TSP3 is well-built for a budget optic. The TSP3’s performance reaffirms Athlon’s reputation for producing reliable optics, holding zero even after thousands of rounds. During a range session, I intentionally pushed the TSP3 to its limits, engaging targets at varying distances. The optic’s performance at longer ranges, coupled with its quick target acquisition capabilities in close quarters, showcased its versatility. The TSP3’s reliability was further underscored by its ability to withstand adverse conditions and still deliver consistent results.

The prism-based design, although slightly on the heavier side, contributes to the TSP3’s robust build and reliable use. Athlon’s commitment to durability, with features like shockproof and nitrogen-filled fog-proof construction, instills confidence in the optic’s performance, even in challenging environments.

The TSP3 impresses with a host of features that add value to its budget-friendly price tag. The selectable red/green illuminated reticle with multiple intensity levels provides flexibility for different lighting conditions. This feature proved especially handy during low-light situations, ensuring a clear and visible reticle.

The optic’s compact design, along with a one-piece chassis, adds to its overall durability and ease of handling. While the adjustment turrets could benefit from more distinguishable clicks, the TSP3 compensates with its reliable zero-holding performance. The absence of a “go back to zero” feature is a minor drawback, but with practice, users can adapt to the optic’s adjustments effectively.

Final thoughts on Athlon Optics Midas TSP3

In a market flooded with optics claiming to offer the perfect balance of performance and affordability, the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 stands out as a commendable contender. I’m going to be real with you; you are not going to get the same level of performance or lifetime from the Midas TSP3 you would get from pro grade optic but if you are under a tight budget, the TSP3 can get the job. That’s why I ranked it 2nd in the best budget category in my article for best AR 15 optics–you can read it here

If you’re in search of a prism optic that doesn’t compromise on quality while being light on the wallet, the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 deserves serious consideration. As someone who values a trustworthy optic without breaking the bank, I can confidently say that the TSP3 has earned its place in my arsenal.

Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 Pros and Cons 

  • BDC reticle
  • Built in picatinny mount
  • Red or green illuminated reticle
  • No magnification adjustment
  • Field of view

Report Card

Clarity

B+
Shootability

A
Reliability

A
Features

B+
Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 Features

Our Grade

A-

Reviewed by Dave Chesson

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FAQs on Midas TSP3

How does the TSP3 prism reticle enhance quick target acquisition?

The TSP3 prism reticle features a 1MOA dot and a 20MOA circle, allowing for fast and precise target acquisition. This design, coupled with the optic’s 3X magnification, makes it suitable for both short-distance and medium-range shooting.

Is the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 suitable for use as a red dot scope?

Yes, the TSP3 is not just a rifle scope; it also functions effectively as a red dot scope. Its selectable red/green illuminated reticle with multiple intensity levels ensures visibility in various lighting conditions.

Can the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 be used in longer ranges?

Yes, the TSP3 is designed for versatility, making it suitable for longer ranges. The prism-based design and the TSP3 reticle contribute to its performance, allowing shooters to engage targets effectively beyond 300 yards.

Is the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 shockproof and durable?

Absolutely. The TSP3 is shockproof with a one-piece chassis, ensuring durability for long-term use. Athlon’s commitment to great durability is reflected in the TSP3’s construction, making it a reliable choice for shooters in various environments.

Does the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 come with additional accessories?

Athlon Optics provides excellent backing support, including a lifetime warranty. The TSP3 package typically includes a CR2032 battery, an instruction manual, and essential tools for adjustments.

Is the Athlon Optics Midas TSP3 fog proof?

The TSP3 is nitrogen-filled, ensuring fog proof performance. This feature, combined with its shockproof construction, makes the optic reliable in different environments, providing clear visibility even in challenging weather conditions.

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About Dave Chesson

Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use.

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