Cabelas Covenant 7 vs Arken Ep5

C

CHOMPS

Private
Minuteman
Oct 20, 2024
16
1
Nova Scotia, Canada
#1
Hey there!

I've got a cabelas covenant 7 currently living on my 308 and I'm thinking about possibly upgrading to an Arken EP-5....


HOWEVER, the more I read about the Arken, the more I second guess this move.


Has anyone on here compared the two? I don't really have any complaint with the Cabela's scope, especially being that I got it for a steal (I work PT behind the fun counter).


Anyone care to chime in on this? I could always wait and get something like a vortex pst or a razor next year - just dont want this to be a waste.


Thanks!
-Chomps
 
#2
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#3
FuhQ said:
Coming from someone who owned Arkens, including 2 EP5's... Neither... Buy this... It has better glass than the Arkens, and is built just as tough and durable, but more refined. It will definitely be an upgrade optically.

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OK, That's the one that is all over the website? I'll try to find some reviews
 
#4
Well, I have a problem:

1737334540834.png



I live in Canada, land of the libtard and polar bear
 
#6
The Arken EP5 is a great scope for the money. I’ve owned 7 and only one issue with parallax knob numbers not matching distance. They sent out a new one quickly and paid shipping both ways. That being said, the DNT is better but if it’s not an option on you will really like the Arken I suspect.
 
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#9
CHOMPS said:
How do either of them stack up against a viper pst 2? That's what I've got on my other rifle, I do like it - It's just a bit more expensive
Click to expand...
I would go DNT over a Viper PST 2. I have one of the new Viper HD 5-25x50 FFP's also, and I'd say it's even better than the Viper PST 2, as well.

If you want to do some really good reviews and reading and comparisons of the DNT scopes with other popular scopes, I'd scroll through this whole thread...

www.snipershide.com

Rifle Scopes - DNT 7-35x56 FFP Riflescopes

The New - The One - DNT 7-35x56 FFP Riflescope only $599.99 A little while ago we informed you about the The New DNT Zulus Nightvisions. Arken is no longer handling the distribution for these. They are now being handled by DNT. Same great unit, still great pricing. DNT not only offers the 5-20...
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
 
#10
FuhQ said:
Coming from someone who owned Arkens, including 2 EP5's... Neither... Buy this... It has better glass than the Arkens, and is built just as tough and durable, but more refined. It will definitely be an upgrade optically.

Click to expand...
If I’m not mistaken I think DNT is the same company as Arken.
 
#11
Matches Malone said:
If I’m not mistaken I think DNT is the same company as Arken.
Click to expand...

No, it's not. They were previously a sister-company that Arken was partnering with for Arkens Zulus NV scope, but are now no longer associated with each other, after DNT went under complete new ownership and management (smart move for DNT, honestly, I've heard Arken's CS and stuff is starting to go downhill). However, because of that previous connection, they are still made by the same OEM in China, which is why their products look very similar. However, the company who owns DNT now, has purposely spec'd the glass and scope mechanicals to higher quality specifications than the Arkens, on purpose, to put their product on a higher tier than the Arkens. They succeeded.

Screenshot 2025-01-20 at 2.56.07 PM.png
 
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#12
FuhQ said:
However, the company who owns DNT now, has purposely spec'd the glass to higher quality than the Arkens on purpose to put their product on a higher tier than the Arkens. They succeeded.
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Do you have evidence of this? I’ve seen it repeated several times, but it does not align with what I was told by representatives of both Arken and DNT.
 
#13
0724/1030 said:
Do you have evidence of this? I’ve seen it repeated several times, but it does not align with what I was told by representatives of both Arken and DNT.
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Funny, the people who affirmed this were the DNT representatives. They stated this in an email to one of the members here who asked about it, and he posted the emails in one of the Arken or DNT threads.
 
#15
0724/1030 said:
Do you have evidence of this? I’ve seen it repeated several times, but it does not align with what I was told by representatives of both Arken and DNT.
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There is no difference in glass between either’s 7-35 models. None at all. @FuhQ is doing exactly what he constantly complains that others do which is talking about things in which they have no personal experience.

I have (had) 3 DNT and have 2 Arken 7-35 scopes. The reason to pick one over the other is the reticle. I sold all three DNT scopes because I do not like .2 mil reticles. Many prefer them.
 
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#17
CHOMPS said:
So given that they are essentially quite similar, how would they stack up against the Cabela's scope (599 CAD) or a Viper Pst 2 (1599 CAD)?
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I’ve didn’t know Cabela’s branded their own line of scopes so I can’t help you there. I do have a few PST Gen 2 scopes and like them at the $650 they sold for when Vortex discontinued the EBR-2C and 2D reticles. They aren’t worth any more than that.
 
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#18
wade2big said:
I’ve didn’t know Cabela’s branded their own line of scopes so I can’t help you there. I do have a few PST Gen 2 scopes and like them at the $650 they sold for when Vortex discontinued the EBR-2C and 2D reticles. They aren’t worth any more than that.
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It's an okay model that i paid the equivalent of $160USD for to get me by until i spend a bit more. It's not as clear and doesn't have as forgiving an eyebox as my viper.

If people agree that the DNT or Arken as basically just as good as the viper, I don't see reason to spend the extra on a second one.....That being said, I'm not totally against buying something a little nicer, but there doesn't seem to be any midrange here - Just from here straight to the expensive scopes in the Kahles, NF, Razor, Steiner ranges.


If I'm wrong please don't be shy.
 
#19
wade2big said:
There is no difference in glass between either’s 7-35 models. None at all. @FuhQ is doing exactly what he constantly complains that others do which is talking about things in which they have no personal experience.

I have (had) 3 DNT and have 2 Arken 7-35 scopes. The reason to pick one over the other is the reticle. I sold all three DNT scopes because I do not like .2 mil reticles. Many prefer them.
Click to expand...
You're right, no personal experience, just owned 5 Arkens, and 2 DNT's... 🤣😂🤣

You're welcome to keep blowing Arken if you want, but the fact is, through my eyes, and several others, the DNT is superior optically. DNT even told @gr8fuldoug that their scope had higher spec'd lenses.
 
#20
FuhQ said:
You're right, no personal experience, just owned 5 Arkens, and 2 DNT's... 🤣😂🤣

You're welcome to keep blowing Arken if you want, but the fact is, through my eyes, and several others, the DNT is superior optically. DNT even told @gr8fuldoug that their scope had higher spec'd lenses.
Click to expand...
You’ve never had an Arken 7-35. The DNT is optically better than the other Arken models for sure. I’m not blowing Arken by telling someone to pick between the DNT or Arken depending on the reticle they prefer. You are blowing DNT and being dishonest by using 2nd and 3rd hand information as if it is your own when you have experience yourself. There lies the difference.
 
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#21
Don’t really care which anyone buys but I have two DNTs and one Arken and the glass is better in both of the DNT than the Arken. Not earth shaking better but you can see a difference. The Arken 7-35 is definitely better than the other Arken lines as well. The Arken is a good scope and controls on both feel the same. I like the more illumination in the DNT reticle.
 
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#22
I have an EP5 & a Viper PST GII 5-25. My eyes say the Viper has better glass. I like the reticle better in the Viper but I see the center dot better in the EP5. I also prefer the illumination in the Viper as well as the lighter weight. The Viper is on a CZ457 & the size and weight are better suited for that rifle than the EP5 which is mounted on a heavy barreled Model 70.
 
#23
If i knew i had a chance to grab a vortex razor gen 3 at half price, would you say it would be better to just wait and see about that? I honestly don't have any issue with my current cabelas scope and I'm thinking maybe if the viper is better it may not be worth the tiny increase (if any) to an arken or DNT.....
 
#24
CHOMPS said:
If i knew i had a chance to grab a vortex razor gen 3 at half price, would you say it would be better to just wait and see about that? I honestly don't have any issue with my current cabelas scope and I'm thinking maybe if the viper is better it may not be worth the tiny increase (if any) to an arken or DNT.....
Click to expand...
Half of what price? Half of MSRP? Half of MAP? The Gen 3 razor is a fantastic scope if you can live with the weight. The other scopes you’re discussing are not in the same league. Honestly, if you’re happy with a super cheap scope, the performance of the razor may be lost on you.
 
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#27
CHOMPS said:
If i knew i had a chance to grab a vortex razor gen 3 at half price, would you say it would be better to just wait and see about that? I honestly don't have any issue with my current cabelas scope and I'm thinking maybe if the viper is better it may not be worth the tiny increase (if any) to an arken or DNT.....
Click to expand...
Like was mentioned... Half of what price? If you're talking half of MSRP, then that's what most of us have been buying G3's for from EuroOptic... LOL But if you're talking like $1,500 for a brand new Razor G3, then hell yeah, I'd go for the Razor.

But if you're talking like $2,500-3,000 for a Razor, that's going street price at most places. And if you can swing that, then sure, go for it.

I have a Razor Gen3, and it's a great scope. But, if you want to keep things budget-friendly, the DNT will be a great option.
 
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#28
FuhQ said:
Like was mentioned... Half of what price? If you're talking half of MSRP, then that's what most of us have been buying G3's for from EuroOptic... LOL But if you're talking like $1,500 for a brand new Razor G3, then hell yeah, I'd go for the Razor.

But if you're talking like $2,500-3,000 for a Razor, that's going street price at most places. And if you can swing that, then sure, go for it.

I have a Razor Gen3, and it's a great scope. But, if you want to keep things budget-friendly, the DNT will be a great option.
Click to expand...
Half of shelf price. It would come to roughly 2500 CAD, down from 4700.

If i'm not going to see a real big difference over the Cabelas, i think i can wait the 6-9 months and shoot for the razor. Hell i might even sell off a lever gun to finance it
 
#29
CHOMPS said:
Half of shelf price. It would come to roughly 2500 CAD, down from 4700.

If i'm not going to see a real big difference over the Cabelas, i think i can wait the 6-9 months and shoot for the razor. Hell i might even sell off a lever gun to finance it
Click to expand...
You would probably notice a huge difference in the DNT over the Cabelas scope. The good thing about that is, get the DNT now, shoot it, get the Razor down the road 6-9 months, move the DNT over to something else, and the Razor on your main gun...That way you still have and use both scopes and now have 2 functional precision rifles. Simple as that.
 
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#31
FuhQ said:
No, it's not. They were previously a sister-company that Arken was partnering with for Arkens Zulus NV scope, but are now no longer associated with each other, after DNT went under complete new ownership and management (smart move for DNT, honestly, I've heard Arken's CS and stuff is starting to go downhill). However, because of that previous connection, they are still made by the same OEM in China, which is why their products look very similar. However, the company who owns DNT now, has purposely spec'd the glass and scope mechanicals to higher quality specifications than the Arkens, on purpose, to put their product on a higher tier than the Arkens. They succeeded.

View attachment 8596871
Click to expand...
Is Arken going to shit now?
 
#32
db2000 said:
The Arken EP5 is a great scope for the money. I’ve owned 7 and only one issue with parallax knob numbers not matching distance. They sent out a new one quickly and paid shipping both ways. That being said, the DNT is better but if it’s not an option on you will really like the Arken I suspect.
Click to expand...
+1 on this I’d get the Arken EP-5
 
#33
232593 said:
Is Arken going to shit now?
Click to expand...
The last 2 "EP" series releases I got lemons right out of the box in the very first run, and had to send them back. The replacements were better, but the EPL4 replacement was still garbage. I'm glad I've sold almost all my Arken scopes. I might keep 1 or 2 as backups for doing load development on random rifles as a place-setter until I can order a proper scope for a rifle, but they won't be used as a main scope for anything, except on my 6.5 Grendel DMR, just because I don't shoot that rifle much, and it's already zero'd, so it's going to stay like it is for now.
 
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#35
FuhQ said:
The last 2 "EP" series releases I got lemons right out of the box in the very first run, and had to send them back. The replacements were better, but the EPL4 replacement was still garbage. I'm glad I've sold almost all my Arken scopes. I might keep 1 or 2 as backups for doing load development on random rifles as a place-setter until I can order a proper scope for a rifle, but they won't be used as a main scope for anything, except on my 6.5 Grendel DMR, just because I don't shoot that rifle much, and it's already zero'd, so it's going to stay like it is for now.
Click to expand...
I have some older SH-4 6-24 x 50s on a few 5.56 uppers that have ran fine over the years. My use case distance was only 600 meters and they worked for that.

That said, I appreciate your info. I have two new 5.56 uppers & a 22 ARC being built with Bartlein 400MODBB and I was contemplating getting the EP with the higher magnification. So now I’ll probably just end up getting several of the Vortex strike Eagle instead.

I like the eyebox on my Vortex Razor that’s on my DT HTI. It’s survived over 1000 rounds of .408 & .375 and a few .50 BMG rounds as well.
 
#36
232593 said:
I have some older SH-4 6-24 x 50s on a few 5.56 uppers that have ran fine over the years. My use case distance was only 600 meters and they worked for that.

That said, I appreciate your info. I have two new 5.56 uppers & a 22 ARC being built with Bartlein 400MODBB and I was contemplating getting the EP with the higher magnification. So now I’ll probably just end up getting several of the Vortex strike Eagle instead.

I like the eyebox on my Vortex Razor that’s on my DT HTI. It’s survived over 1000 rounds of .408 & .375 and a few .50 BMG rounds as well.
Click to expand...

Good choice. The Strike Eagle 5-25 is a nice set up on the ARs. Got one on my 6 ARC rifle.
 
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#37
232593 said:
I have some older SH-4 6-24 x 50s on a few 5.56 uppers that have ran fine over the years. My use case distance was only 600 meters and they worked for that.

That said, I appreciate your info. I have two new 5.56 uppers & a 22 ARC being built with Bartlein 400MODBB and I was contemplating getting the EP with the higher magnification. So now I’ll probably just end up getting several of the Vortex strike Eagle instead.

I like the eyebox on my Vortex Razor that’s on my DT HTI. It’s survived over 1000 rounds of .408 & .375 and a few .50 BMG rounds as well.
Click to expand...
The ones I'm keeping are a couple of older SH-4 Gen2 6-24x50 VPR MIL scopes. They actually have glass as good as my EP series scopes did. Which is why I scrapped the EP's while there's still a decently hot market for Arkens.

Get the DNT's... They are better than the Strike Eagles. I had one of those as well in the 5-25x56 model. The DNT glass still runs circles around the Vortex SE through my eyes.
 
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