Hey Freedom Gorillas, today we’re going to discuss an affordable long-distance option with this Arken EP5 Review. We’ll highlight the main specifications, delve deep into the features, and discuss what others are saying about it.
So, let’s get into it:
TLDR
The Arken EP5 series is made up of two budget long-distance scopes, the EP5 Gen I 5-25x56 and the EP5 Gen II 7-35x56. The 7-35x56 version is the second generation of the Arken EP5 and features some upgrades and changes.
Both scopes feature a first focal point (FFP), variable precision reticle (VPR), a zero stop, and a red illuminated reticle. They use Japanese ED (extra-low dispersion) glass with an aircraft-grade aluminum housing, and are assembled in China.
The EP5 7-35x56 has upgraded its magnification from 5-25x magnification to 7-35x magnification; this gives extra length to the scope. The diopter on the EP5 7-35x56 is also larger for easier adjustments and comes with improved screws for its zero stop system to be more reliable.
People who have experience with the Arken EP5 find it to be a great scope for the price, with both coming in at under $1,000. They highlight that the large size of the turrets and clarity of the demarcations make it easy and clear to adjust, especially with audible clicks that you can feel.
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Starts at $472.99 
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Starts at $$689.99 
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Arken EP5 Main Specs
The Arken EP5 5-25x56 and EP5 7-35x56 are budget scopes for long-distance shooting and have these main specifications
Arken EP5 5-25x56: |
Arken EP5 Gen II 7-35x56 |
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Glass Quality
The first feature of the Arken EP5 series to highlight is the Japanese ED glass. ED, or extra-low dispersion, glass minimizes the dispersion as you increase the zoom on your scope. This results in enhanced clarity for long distances. The lenses are also fully multi coated to provide superior light transmission.
The ED glass is helpful since the magnification for the Arken EP5 scopes ranges between 5x-25x and 7x-35x; so the glass helps to avoid dispersion at those higher magnifications. The lens itself has a fast-focus eyepiece, which makes for quick-target acquisition even after adjustments.
Scope Housing
The housing of both Arken EP5 scopes is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is nitrogen purged to prevent any oxidation or condensation. The lens is O-ring sealed to make it completely waterproof and fogproof.
Although the lenses are made in Japan the Arken EP5 scopes are assembled in China using these Japanese made lenses.
Reticle Design
Both Arken EP5 scopes have a variable precision reticle (VPR), a Christmas tree-shaped reticle that allows for enhanced target acquisition and increased accuracy for long range shooting. Detailed markings on this reticle help calculate bullet drop, estimate range, and compensate for wind.
In addition to the VPR, there is an illuminated red reticle you can turn on using the turret on the left side of the scope body. This illuminated reticle has six levels of illumination that can be adjusted with a knob on the left turret as well.
First Focal Plane
The Arken EP5 series also uses first focal plane (FFP) which causes the reticle’s size to change proportionally as you zoom in or out. This keeps your reticle subtensions accurate at all magnification settings.
Turrets
The turret rotation is counter clockwise and adjusts ¼ MOA with each click. The Arken EP5 5-25x56 and 7-35x56 use large turrets with large and clear demarcations so you can feel the adjustments and hear the click.
There are three turrets on the Arken EP5: the top turret is for elevation, the right turret is for windage and the left turret is for parallax adjustment.
Zero Stop
Arken also uses a zero stop system in its EP5. This is for the elevation turret and prevents any over rotation past your zero setting. One of the improvements from the Arken EP5 5-25x56 and the Arken EP5 7-35x56 is that the latter introduced new screws to help improve the reliability of the zero stop feature.
Price and Warranty
One of the main selling points of this rifle scope is its price and warranty. With the EP5 5-25x56 coming in at under $500 and EP5 7-35x56 coming in at under $1,000 with a Lifetime Warranty, this scope stands out with the available features.
Price
- Arken EP5 5-25x56 MIL: $472.99
- Arken EP5 5-25x56 MOA: $472.99
- Arken EP5 7-35x56 MIL: $689.99
- Arken EP5 7-35x56 MOA: $689.99
What People Are Saying
So, that’s what the Arken EP5 series offers, but are these budget rifle scopes the right ones for you? Here are the pros and cons and what people have been saying about the Arken EP5, positive and negative.
Main Considerations
Great Value
Many find that the price makes it worth the purchase since at under $1,000 you have a scope with high quality glass, zero stop, first focal point reticle, and a large adjustment range.
VPR vs. VHR
Since the Arken EP5 series uses a variable precision reticle, it is enjoyed by those who like to see bullet impact for follow up shots, and who like a more detailed and comprehensive reticle. This can lead to a more “cluttered” view for some who would prefer a more streamlined and less distracting VHR scope.
Turrets
People who have tried the Arken EP5 series are impressed with the turrets on the top and sides since they are large and easy to read. When turning and adjusting the turrets, they make an audible and clear click. People find that it makes it easy and clear to make adjustments. The larger diopter on the Gen II also helps with adjustments when looking through the scope.
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Starts at $472.99
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Starts at $$689.99
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Conclusion
The Arken EP5 series is made of two long distance rifle scope options that won’t break the bank. At under $1,000 these scopes offer features like a FFP; a VPR; large, intuitive turrets that adjust parallax, windage, and elevation; an illuminated red reticle; magnification up to 25x or 35xx; Japanese ED glass; and zero stop.
Many say it is a great scope for the price and that the included lifetime warranty is a selling point.
Hopefully, this overview and review of the Arken EP5 has helped you if you were on the fence.
If you have any questions, please contact us and we would be happy to help.
Thanks for reading!
