Alpen Optics Apex XP 2.5-16x42

• Wide 2.5-16x magnification range: covers close woodland shots and longer cross-field holds in one riflescope, so the same setup remains useful for stalking, stand hunting, and more deliberate distance work.
• 42 mm objective with 95 % light transmission: helps preserve image brightness and contrast in the low-light periods when game is most active, while keeping the scope slimmer than larger objective designs.
• Second focal plane illuminated reticle: keeps the reticle visually consistent through the zoom range, making the sight picture easy to read at both low and high magnification and helping with fast target acquisition in fading light.
• Capped turrets with Zero Stop: protect settings from accidental movement during transport or field carry, while still allowing confident return to a known zero after adjustments.
• Compact 30 mm tube construction: combines a practical mounting format with a relatively short, 615.00 g body that suits hunting rifles well and leaves room for accessories or clip-on use.

About the Alpen Optics Apex XP Series

The Alpen Optics Apex XP series sits at the top of the company’s Apex riflescope lineup and is built for shooters who need a scope that can move between hunting, competition, and longer-range use without feeling specialized to only one task. The current series includes a 1-6x24 Duplex model and a 2.5-16x42 A4 model, showing the family’s focus on practical versatility rather than a single magnification format.

Apex XP riflescopes are described for precision shooting and demanding conditions, with fully multi-coated optics used across the series to support image clarity and useful light transmission in changing weather and light. Another defining feature is SmartDot technology, which appears across the current riflescope range and reflects the series’ emphasis on practical field handling rather than purely mechanical specification. Different reticle layouts within the family, including Duplex and A4, allow the series to cover both fast, intuitive aiming and more deliberate shot placement. In overall character, Apex XP models are premium hunting optics with the mechanical control, optical quality, and reticle options needed for shooters who expect one riflescope to handle varied distances and conditions.

About the Alpen Optics Apex XP 2.5-16x42

The Alpen Optics Apex XP 2.5-16x42 is a versatile hunting riflescope that bridges the gap between a fast general-purpose optic and a more deliberate precision setup. Its 2.5-16x magnification range gives a broad enough low end for short- to medium-range opportunities, while the higher top end helps with careful shot placement when distance increases or when small target details matter. Paired with a 42.00 mm objective lens and 95 % light transmission, the scope is well suited to day and twilight hunting, where contrast and image brightness are often more useful than sheer size.

This model uses a second focal plane reticle with red illumination, so the reticle keeps the same apparent size as magnification changes. In practice, that makes the aiming point easier to read quickly at lower power and less visually intrusive at higher power. The illuminated center also helps the reticle stand out against dark game or shaded backgrounds. SmartDot automatic shut-off adds a practical benefit by reducing unnecessary battery drain when the rifle is not in a shooting position.

Mechanically, the scope is configured for field use rather than exposed-dial shooting. Capped turrets help prevent accidental adjustment, while the 0.10 MIL click value still gives precise correction when zeroing. The inclusion of a Zero Stop makes it easier to return to the original zero after elevation changes. Side parallax adjustment from 10 m to infinity improves image sharpness and aiming consistency across a wide range of distances. With its 30 mm tube, 345.00 mm length, and 615.00 g weight, the scope remains compact enough for practical hunting rifle builds while still offering the adjustment range and optical reach expected from a 6x zoom riflescope.

About Alpen Optics

Alpen Optics was founded by Tim Gardner in December 1996, and the company’s history identifies Rancho Cucamonga, California as its headquarters. It introduced its first products in 1997 and has focused on field optics across several categories, including binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes, and thermal optics. That broad product mix is relevant to its riflescope range because it shows a company built around practical observation and aiming equipment rather than a single niche.

The brand’s later history also matters. Explore Scientific acquired Alpen Optics’ trademarks and designs in 2018, helping continue the product line under the Alpen name. Across its catalog, Alpen Optics has developed recognizable series such as Apex XP, Teton, and Rainier, with technologies like phase coatings, metallic coatings, and ED glass appearing in different parts of the range. In the riflescope segment, Alpen Optics is known for combining hunting-oriented configurations with modern optical coatings and practical reticle systems intended for real field use.

Main Features

• Magnification: 2.50 x - 16.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 42.00 mm
• Main tube diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle position: 2. focal plane - SFP
• Adjustment per click: 10mm/100m - 0.10MIL
• Elevation adjustment range: 17.00 mrad / 58.44 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 17.00 mrad / 58.44 MOA
• Eye relief: 86.00 mm - 100.00 mm
• Field of view: 14.10 m/100m - 2.25 m/100m
• Parallax adjustment: Yes - side focus
• Parallax adjustment range: 10 m to infinity
• Illumination: Yes, red
• Zero Stop: Yes
• Turret type: Capped
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Light transmission: 95 %
• Length: 345.00 mm
• Weight: 615.00 g
• Housing fill: Nitrogen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Working temperature range: - 20 / + 70 °C
• Made in: Japan

Warranty

Alpen Optics covers this riflescope for 2 years. This stated warranty period suits buyers who want a clearly defined term rather than a general policy description.

In the Box

• Flip-up lens covers