Arken took their EP-5 5-25×56 scope and bumped up the power for those that require the 35x to really reach out. This new scope shares the same Japanese ED glass, turret, zero-stop, and reticle of the previous EP-5 models. The only thing it doesn’t have more of is eye-box. Arkens are somewhat known for an unforgiving eye box and this scope is more so, even at its lowest magnification.
The scope has Arken’s VPR Christmas tree reticle which is quite information rich without being too cluttered. The scope offers 6 levels of illumination with an off in between each setting. Only the very center cross is fully illuminated so the overall look is somewhat muted and only twilight bright.
The turrets are high profile with large easy to read numbers. The turrets are non-locking but have a cog and tooth style zero-stop which is very solid and repeatable. Arken is known for their loud, precise, and tactile adjustment clicks. These turrets did not disappoint in that regard.
This scope seems to be a good value in its tier. While there is now more competition in the Arken price-range (eg. Discovery and DNT), but you'll have to jump up quite a bit in price to get similar offerings from Athlon, Vortex, Leupold, etc. If you're an Arken fanboy this scope has everything you love in the EP-5, just more of it. If you think Arkens are overrated, this new scope won't change your mind.
RETAIL LINK
Arken: https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/ep-5-7-35×56-gen-2-ffp-illuminated-vpr-zero-stop-34mm-tube/EP-5-5-25X56-FFP-Illuminated-VPR-Zero-Stop-34mm-Tube-p559097166SPECS
Magnification: 7-35xObjective Diameter: 56mm
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Field of View: 16.66-3.34 ft @100 Yards
Tube Size: 34 mm
Turret Adjustment: 0.1 MRAD | 0.25 MOA
Reticle Position: First Focal Plane
Reticle Details: VPR MIL | VPR MOA
Elevation Adj.: 32 MRAD | 110 MOA
Windage Adj.: 16 MRAD | 55 MOA
Per Revolution: 10 MRAD | 25 MOA
Per Revolution: 10 MRAD | 25 MOA
Parallax: 25Yds – Infinity
Length: 16 inches
Color: Matte Black
Weight: 42 oz
Battery: CR2032
