Imagine lining up a shot at 1,000 yards, the target a mere speck on the horizon. Your scope is your lifeline, transforming that distant speck into a clear, actionable image. For long-range shooters, whether in competitive PRS matches, tactical scenarios, or big-game hunting, the right optic can make or break the shot. Enter the Arken Optics EP5 and DNT Optics The One—two high-performance rifle scopes that promise precision, durability, and value. Built in the same factory with nearly identical specifications, these scopes are close cousins, yet subtle differences set them apart. In this article we dive into their specs, performance, and user feedback to help you decide which scope deserves a place on your rifle.
Background on the Scopes
Arken Optics EP5
Arken Optics has carved out a reputation for delivering high-quality, precision-engineered scopes at competitive prices. The EP5 series, particularly the 7-35×56 Gen 2 model, is designed for long-range shooting, boasting features like ED Japanese glass and robust construction rated for heavy calibers like .50 BMG. It’s a favorite among shooters who demand reliability without breaking the bank.
DNT Optics TheOne
DNT Optics is a newer player, emerging as the factory’s “internal brand” behind Arken’s scopes. TheOne 7-35×56 scope is positioned as a direct competitor to the Arken EP5, using similar materials but with distinct branding and, according to some users, slight enhancements in design or aesthetics. As a fresh face in the optics market, DNT aims to combine cutting-edge technology with affordability.
Shared Roots
Both scopes are manufactured in the same facility, using the same high-quality materials, such as ED glass for superior clarity. This shared lineage means their core specifications are remarkably similar, but differences in reticle design, adjustment range, and branding create a compelling comparison. As one user on Canadian Gun Nutz noted, “I can honestly say I prefer the DNT over the Arken,” hinting at potential improvements in the newer brand’s offering.
Specifications Comparison
The Arken EP5 and DNT The One share many specifications, making them near twins in performance. However, subtle differences could sway your decision. Below is a detailed breakdown.
Common Specifications
Both scopes are engineered for long-range precision, with identical core features that ensure top-tier performance:
| Specification | Arken EP5 7-35×56 Gen 2 | DNT Optics The One 7-35×56 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 7-35x | 7-35x |
| Objective Lens | 56mm | 56mm |
| Tube Diameter | 34mm | 34mm |
| Field of View | ~16.65 ft @ 7x, ~3.30 ft @ 35x (100 yds) | 16.66 ft @ 7x, 3.34 ft @ 35x (100 yds) |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 inches | 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 42 oz | 42 oz |
| Length | 16 inches | 16 inches |
| Reticle Type | FFP, Illuminated | FFP, Illuminated |
| Zero Stop | Yes | Yes |
- Magnification and Objective Lens: Both offer a versatile 7-35x zoom range and a 56mm objective lens, ensuring excellent light transmission for low-light conditions.
- Tube Diameter: The 34mm tube is standard, providing compatibility with most mounts and ample internal adjustment range.
- Field of View: Nearly identical, with DNT having a marginally wider FOV at 35x (3.34 ft vs. Arken’s 3.30 ft at 100 yards), a difference likely imperceptible in practice.
- Eye Relief: Both provide a fixed 3.5-inch eye relief, suitable for heavy-recoil rifles.
- Weight and Length: At 42 oz and 16 inches, both scopes are hefty but manageable for long-range setups.
- Reticle and Zero Stop: Both feature first focal plane (FFP) reticles, which scale with magnification, and zero-stop turrets for quick return to zero.
Key Differences
While the scopes are strikingly similar, a few distinctions could influence your choice:
| Specification | Arken EP5 7-35×56 Gen 2 | DNT Optics The One 7-35×56 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustment Range | Elevation: 32 MRAD (110 MOA) Windage: 16 MRAD (55 MOA) | Elevation: 30 MRAD (108 MOA) Windage: 15 MRAD (54 MOA) |
| Reticle Design | VPR (Variable Precision Reticle), 6 brightness levels, red | TOR (The One Reticle), MPR, TOR 0.2 MIL, illuminated |
| Brand Positioning | Established brand | Newer brand, potential enhancements |
- Adjustment Range: The Arken EP5 offers slightly more adjustment (32 MRAD vs. 30 MRAD for elevation; 16 MRAD vs. 15 MRAD for windage), which could be advantageous for extreme long-range shooting where every mil counts.
- Reticle Design:
- Arken VPR: A Christmas tree-style reticle with detailed holdover and windage marks, ideal for competitive shooters who need precise calculations. It features six red illumination levels with an “off” setting between each.
- DNT TOR: The One Reticle (TOR) and Multi-Purpose Reticle (MPR) are designed for versatility, potentially simpler for general-purpose shooting. The TOR 0.2 MIL variant suggests fine adjustments for precision. Illumination is confirmed but brightness levels are unspecified.
- Brand and Aesthetics: Arken is a well-known name with a proven track record, while DNT is a newer brand with a fresh aesthetic. Some users report preferring DNT’s look, with one noting its “knurling kinda reminds me of Nightforce stuff” for a premium feel.
Performance and User Experience
Optical Quality
Both scopes utilize ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass, ensuring sharp, clear images with minimal chromatic aberration. User reviews praise both for clarity at long distances (e.g., 880 yards for Arken, per a Reddit user). DNT claims slight enhancements, possibly in glass coatings or image processing, but without detailed data, this remains speculative. Both perform well in low-light conditions, though Arken’s eye box is noted as somewhat unforgiving at higher magnifications.
Turret and Adjustment Feel
Both scopes feature tactile, audible turrets with zero-stop functionality, ensuring reliable adjustments under stress. Arken’s turrets are described as “crisp” and “repeatable,” while DNT’s are similarly praised for precision. No significant differences in turret feel are reported, but real-world testing could reveal nuances.
Reticle Comparison
- Arken VPR: The Variable Precision Reticle is information-rich yet uncluttered, with a fully illuminated center cross for twilight use. It’s tailored for long-range holdovers, making it a favorite for PRS and tactical shooters.
- DNT TOR: The One Reticle and MPR aim for versatility, potentially simpler for hunters or multi-purpose shooters. The TOR 0.2 MIL variant suggests fine granularity for precision shooting. Without detailed reticle images, it’s unclear how they compare visually, but user feedback suggests TOR is user-friendly.
Durability
Both scopes are rated for heavy recoil, up to .50 BMG, ensuring durability on powerful rifles. Arken’s robust housing and premium internals are well-documented, while DNT’s shared manufacturing suggests comparable resilience.
Eye Relief Comparison Between Arken Optics EP5 and DNT Optics The One
When comparing the Arken Optics EP5 7-35×56 Gen 2 and the DNT Optics The One 7-35×56, one of the key specifications to consider is eye relief, as it directly impacts the shooter’s comfort and safety, particularly with high-recoil rifles. Both scopes share identical eye relief measurements, offering 3.5 inches of eye relief.
When zooming into the target, the eye relief did decrease slightly with both scopes but remained very usable.
Why Eye Relief Matters
Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece of the scope to the shooter’s eye where the full field of view remains visible. For long-range shooting, where precision and comfort are paramount, adequate eye relief is essential. It ensures that the shooter can maintain a consistent cheek weld while still seeing the entire field of view, even under recoil. A 3.5-inch eye relief is considered standard for high-performance scopes designed for long-range applications, as it accommodates a wide range of rifle calibers, including heavy-recoil options like .300 Win Mag or even .50 BMG.
Detailed Comparison of Eye Relief
Both the Arken Optics EP5 and DNT Optics The One are specified with a 3.5-inch eye relief, which was confirmed through official product pages and supporting documentation. This measurement is consistent across their magnification range of 7-35x, ensuring that shooters can maintain a clear sight picture without adjusting their head position, even at high magnification.
- Arken Optics EP5 7-35×56 Gen 2: The official product page (Arken Optics USA) lists the eye relief as 3.5 inches, aligning with the article outline and user discussions on forums like Snipers Hide and Reddit.
- DNT Optics The One 7-35×56: Similarly, the DNT Optics Store (DNT Optics Store) and other retailers like myhighpressureair.com (myhighpressureair.com) confirm a 3.5-inch eye relief, matching the Arken EP5 exactly. This shared specification reflects their common manufacturing origin, as both scopes are produced in the same facility with similar design principles.
Implications for Shooters
The identical eye relief of 3.5 inches between the two scopes offers several advantages:
- Consistency: Shooters who own or switch between these scopes can expect a familiar shooting experience without needing to adjust their cheek weld or head position. This is particularly beneficial for competitive shooters or hunters who may use multiple setups.
- Versatility: The 3.5-inch eye relief is suitable for a wide range of rifle types and calibers, making both scopes versatile for competitive shooting, hunting, or tactical use. It provides enough distance to prevent scope eye (brow strike) even with heavy-recoil cartridges, enhancing safety.
- Safety and Comfort: With high-recoil rifles, a longer eye relief reduces the risk of injury from the scope striking the shooter’s brow during firing. The 3.5-inch distance provides a safe and comfortable shooting experience, even under demanding conditions, such as extended range sessions or adverse weather.
Comparative Table of Eye Relief Specifications
| Scope | Eye Relief | Magnification Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arken Optics EP5 7-35×56 Gen 2 | 3.5 inches | 7-35x | Confirmed via official product page and user reviews. |
| DNT Optics The One 7-35×56 | 3.5 inches | 7-35x | Matches Arken, confirmed by multiple retailers and forums. |
This table summarizes the eye relief specifications, highlighting their identical nature and reinforcing the consistency between the two scopes.
User Opinions and Community Insights
User feedback highlights the strengths of both scopes:
- A Canadian Gun Nutz user stated, “I have been very fortunate to have had the Arken EP5 Gen II 7-35×56 here together with the new DNT Optics 7-35×56 for the past 2 weeks, and I can honestly say I prefer the DNT over the Arken” (Canadian Gun Nutz).
- On Reddit, a user with an Arken EP5 reported “no problems with clarity at 880 yards,” while DNT users praised its performance out to 1 mile (Reddit).
- For shooters like @BoomStickTact, engaging with communities on platforms like X or forums like Snipers Hide can provide real-world insights into these scopes’ performance.
Conclusion
The Arken Optics EP5 and DNT Optics The One are remarkably similar, sharing identical magnification, objective lens, weight, length, and eye relief. The Arken edges out with a slightly larger adjustment range (32 MRAD vs. 30 MRAD), potentially benefiting extreme long-range shooters. The reticle is the primary differentiator: Arken’s VPR suits precision-driven competitive shooting, while DNT’s TOR offers versatility for varied applications. As products of the same factory, both deliver exceptional value, with DNT’s newer branding possibly offering a fresh aesthetic or minor enhancements.
For shooters prioritizing a proven brand, the Arken EP5 is a safe bet. For those intrigued by a new contender with a unique reticle, DNT’s The One is worth considering. Ultimately, your choice may depend on reticle preference or specific shooting needs. Check out user reviews on platforms like Snipers Hide or Reddit to dive deeper into real-world performance, and share your experiences to join the conversation!