Opinions of Arken LH-4 and EPL-4

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Vanderdootch

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Looking at buying one of these models. Alot of YouTube reviews, but they are all purchased reviews. Looking for the opinion of someone actually using them. The price is fantastic. I just want to know if it’s too good to be true.

If there is another 30mm tube scope I should be looking at, I’m very open to suggestions!

Thanks in advance for any commentary!
 
Had an EPL4 that the illumination feature died on immediately. Getting a replacement thru the Arken Canada warranty center took many months. The replacement scope works ok so far.
 
JJ-65 said:
Had an EPL4 that the illumination feature died on immediately. Getting a replacement thru the Arken Canada warranty center took many months. The replacement scope works ok so far.
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Would you say that it’s worth the lack support in Canada? Or would it be beneficial to shop for something like a Vortex diamondback tactical instead?
 
Vanderdootch said:
Looking at buying one of these models. Alot of YouTube reviews, but they are all purchased reviews. Looking for the opinion of someone actually using them. The price is fantastic. I just want to know if it’s too good to be true.

If there is another 30mm tube scope I should be looking at, I’m very open to suggestions!

Thanks in advance for any commentary!
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I have 2 epl 4-16’s, one on my Mach 2 and another on my 17hmr. Both gopher guns and I’ve had really good luck with them over the past 3-4 years and I use them a lot, about 2500rds each give or take. I never use the illumination myself. I also have 2 sh-4’s with 5-25x. Which have been good so far
Also not sure what magnification your looking for but I just chatted with Robbie at the shooting Warehouse in Calgary and he informed me of some new DNT hunting oriented scopes coming out soon and they are 2-12x. Sub $400 and more basic reticles in them. I have some photos if you pm me I’ll send them if you’re interested.
 
wesson357 said:
Got 2x EPL4 and 1x EP5.
I love them!
Really like the reticule. Great scopes. The glass on the EP5 is a bit superior but,
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306carpenter said:
I have 2 epl 4-16’s, one on my Mach 2 and another on my 17hmr. Both gopher guns and I’ve had really good luck with them over the past 3-4 years and I use them a lot, about 2500rds each give or take. I never use the illumination myself. I also have 2 sh-4’s with 5-25x. Which have been good so far
Also not sure what magnification your looking for but I just chatted with Robbie at the shooting Warehouse in Calgary and he informed me of some new DNT hunting oriented scopes coming out soon and they are 2-12x. Sub $400 and more basic reticles in them. I have some photos if you pm me I’ll send them if you’re interested.
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I have been trying to decide what mag range would be most appropriate. I plan to put it on a 22.250 for coyotes and varmint hunting. 16x is plenty for coyotes but may not be adequate for smaller targets like groundhogs. My concern is the eye box getting tight and the clarity being less than desirable at 24x in a “lower budget” optic.

I think 2-12 may be a lower mag range than I would be looking for. I’m leaning towards 4-16 but could be convinced to get a 6-24 if the optical qualities are maintained at high magnification.
 
Vanderdootch said:
I have been trying to decide what mag range would be most appropriate. I plan to put it on a 22.250 for coyotes and varmint hunting. 16x is plenty for coyotes but may not be adequate for smaller targets like groundhogs. My concern is the eye box getting tight and the clarity being less than desirable at 24x in a “lower budget” optic.

I think 2-12 may be a lower mag range than I would be looking for. I’m leaning towards 4-16 but could be convinced to get a 6-24 if the optical qualities are maintained at high magnification.
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I have put the epl 4-16 on my 204 for coyotes and personally a second focal plane is better for that application imo but everyone is different. I find the reticle on a ffp to be too small when zoomed out when trying to acquire targets on the move (like coyotes) and then fumble zooming in and coming off target in the process. Just something to consider.
 
306carpenter said:
I have put the epl 4-16 on my 204 for coyotes and personally a second focal plane is better for that application imo but everyone is different. I find the reticle on a ffp to be too small when zoomed out when trying to acquire targets on the move (like coyotes) and then fumble zooming in and coming off target in the process. Just something to consider.
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I think this is valuable input. And something I haven’t considered. I wouldn’t anticipate taking shots further out than 400 yards (and that is the absolute maximum in the places I hunt) which could diminish the value a FFP reticle.

I will need to do some looking into a SFP scope that also has a 30mm tube. I’m pretty set on the 30mm tube. I have too many sets of unused, high quality rings I don’t want sitting in my cabinets anymore.
 
I have an EPL 4-16x and I really like it for the price and specs. I haven't tested it a ton but plan to use it through the winter.

I've heard the the 24x versions is kind of pushing it for the quality of glass.

Since you mentioned the DiamondBack tactical, I would much prefer the Arken. I really didn't like the eye box of the Vortex.
 
Vanderdootch said:
Would you say that it’s worth the lack support in Canada? Or would it be beneficial to shop for something like a Vortex diamondback tactical instead?
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DO NOT get the diamondback tactical, absolutely garbage glass. I had the 6-24x50 and sold it because of how glassy the glass was, almost like looking through the bottom of a glass jar at higher magnification.
 
I have both the Arken epl 4-16 and the Diamondback tactical in the same. The Arken is much bulkier but has a lighted reticle and an awesome zero stop as well as better glass. I personally don't put that much importance in absolutely the best glass on a hunting scope as long as it is decent enough. Holding zero is number one along with durability wich the diamondback has certainly passed, the Arken is newer to me.
 
LeoSky said:
DO NOT get the diamondback tactical, absolutely garbage glass. I had the 6-24x50 and sold it because of how glassy the glass was, almost like looking through the bottom of a glass jar at higher magnification.
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This seems to be the common issues people have with the Diamondback Tactical. The higher mag range are al pat unable because of the super tight eye box and the diminishing optical quality. It’s why I’m considering a lower mag scope in general, because I’m not looking to spend the higher amounts of money to get the higher optical quality required for high magnification.
 
Have two like the them both, have had them for 1.5 yrs or so and never had an issue so far. 1 is on a 3006 for about 520 rounds and the other is on .308 for 450 rounds. Have scopes that cost 6x the price of the Arken, not saying there in the same ballpark but I still enjoy my Arken’s and shoot them all the time.
 
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