AST Ballistics supplies Arken Optics rifle scopes in South Africa for hunters, sport shooters and precision shooting enthusiasts looking for reliable, feature-rich optics. Arken Optics offers a range of FFP and SFP rifle scopes and LPVOs designed for hunting, precision shooting and long-range applications. Arken Optics offers a range of FFP and SFP rifle scopes and LPVOs designed for hunting, precision shooting and long-range applications. The range includes the EP-5, SH-4, EPL-4, LH-4, EP-8, LH-6 and the new OUTRIDER series.
Whether you are looking for an Arken scope for long-range shooting, PRS-style competition, hunting or a versatile LPVO setup, the range offers different magnification levels, reticle options, tube sizes and configurations to suit different rifles and applications.
Explore the Arken Optics range below and compare the available magnification, reticle, tube and feature options before choosing the scope that best matches your shooting requirements.

Arken Optics offers a range of precision rifle scopes designed around practical features such as first focal plane reticles, zero-stop systems, illuminated reticles on selected models and different magnification ranges for hunting and precision shooting.
The Arken range at AST Ballistics includes high-magnification long-range scopes such as the EP-5, versatile precision scopes such as the SH-4 and EPL-4, hunting-focused LH-4 models and LPVO options including the EP-8 and LH-6.
Choose an Arken scope by application:
Long-range & precision shooting:
The Arken EP-5 and SH-4 ranges provide higher magnification options for shooters who need detailed target observation and precision aiming at extended distances.
Hunting:
The EPL-4 and LH-4 ranges provide practical magnification options for hunting applications, including lighter configurations and capped turret designs on selected models.
LPVO shooting:
The Arken EP-8 and LH-6 are low-power variable optics designed for applications where a wide field of view and lower magnification are important, while still providing additional magnification when required.
Competition & precision shooting:
FFP Arken models allow the reticle to remain proportional to the target throughout the magnification range, making them suitable for applications where holdovers and ranging references are used across different magnification settings.
Arken Optics are precision-engineered rifle scopes designed for long-range shooting, PRS competition, and demanding hunting applications. All Arken scopes feature first focal plane (FFP) reticles, zero stop turrets, a Precision Tracking Guarantee, and a lifetime warranty. Available in South Africa through AST Ballistics with fast nationwide delivery.
Arken EP-5 — Long-Range Precision
The Arken EP-5 is the high-magnification precision range for shooters looking for additional magnification for long-range applications. Available configurations include 5-25×56 and 7-35×56 models, with FFP reticles, 34mm tubes and zero-stop systems.
The EP-5 is suited to long-range precision shooting, competition applications and situations where higher magnification is useful for target identification and aiming.
Available EP-5 models:
Arken EP-5 5-25
Arken EP-5 GENII 5-25
Arken EP-5 GENII 7-35
Arken SH-4 — Precision & Versatility
The Arken SH-4 range provides a balance between magnification, precision features and practical versatility. The SH-4 Gen 2 4-16×50 combines a 34mm tube, FFP reticle, illuminated reticle and zero-stop system.
The SH-4J 6-24×50 provides additional magnification for shooters who want a higher-power configuration.
Available SH-4 models:
Arken SH-4 Gen 2 4-16×50
Arken SH-4J 6-24×50
Arken EPL-4 — Lightweight Precision
The Arken EPL-4 range is designed for shooters who want FFP precision in a more streamlined 30mm tube configuration. Available in 4-16×44 and 6-24×50 configurations, the EPL-4 provides a useful combination of magnification and practical field use.
Available EPL-4 models:
Arken EPL-4 4-16×44
Arken EPL-4 6-24×50
Arken LH-4 — Hunting Rifle Scopes
The Arken LH-4 range is aimed at hunters looking for practical FFP rifle scopes with capped, tool-less turrets. The 4-16×44 and 6-24×50 configurations provide different magnification options depending on the rifle and intended application.
Available LH-4 models:
Arken LH-4 4-16×44
Arken LH-4 6-24×50
Arken EP-8 — 1-8×28 FFP LPVO
The Arken EP-8 is a 1-8×28 FFP LPVO designed for applications where a wide field of view at low magnification and additional magnification at distance are both useful.
The 34mm tube and FFP reticle make the EP-8 a versatile option for sport shooting and hunting applications where rapid target acquisition and magnification flexibility are important.
Scope
Scope + mount bundle
Arken LH-6 — 1-6×24 LPVO
The Arken LH-6 is a lightweight 1-6×24 SFP LPVO with an illuminated KLBOX reticle and 30mm tube. Its lower magnification range makes it suitable for applications where fast target acquisition and a wide field of view are priorities.
Arken OUTRIDER – Hunting Scopes
Arken Outrider 2-12×42
Arken Outrider 3-18×50
Best for: Long-range & precision shooting
Magnification: 5-25×
Objective: 56mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Arken Zero Stop
SKU: EP5-525*
R11,300.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Long-range & precision shooting
Magnification: 5-25×
Objective: 56mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR / TOR
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Japanese J-XED glass & Arken Zero Stop
SKU: EP5GII-525*
R12,300.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Long-range precision shooting
Magnification: 7-35×
Objective: 56mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR/TOR
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Japanese J-XED glass & Zero Stop
SKU: EP5GII-735*
R14,900.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Hunting & precision shooting
Magnification: 4-16×
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR / VHR
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Arken Zero Stop
SKU: SH4GENII-416*
R7,400.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Precision & long-range shooting
Magnification: 6-24×
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR / VHR
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Japanese ED glass & Zero Stop
SKU: SH4J-624*
R8,100.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Hunting & precision shooting
Magnification: 4-16×
Objective: 44mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR / VHR
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Lightweight design & Zero Stop
SKU: EPL4-416*
R6,800.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Hunting & precision shooting
Magnification: 6-24×
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR / VHR
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Lightweight design & Zero Stop
SKU: EPL4-624*
R7,600.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Hunting
Magnification: 4-16×
Objective: 44mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR / VHR
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Capped, tool-less turrets
SKU: LH4-416*
R5,400.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Hunting & precision shooting
Magnification: 6-24×
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated VPR / VHR
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: Capped, tool-less turrets
SKU: LH4-624*
R5,600.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Close to mid-range shooting
Magnification: 1-8×
Objective: 28mm
Reticle: Illuminated KLGRID / KLBOX
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: True 1× low magnification
SKU: EP8-18KLB
R6,800.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Close to mid-range shooting
Magnification: 1-8×
Objective: 28mm
Reticle: Illuminated MOA KLBOX / MIL KLGRID
Tube: 34mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Key feature: LPVO with scope mount included
SKU: EP8-18KLB-B
R7,400.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Close to mid-range shooting
Magnification: 1-6×
Objective: 24mm
Reticle: Illuminated KLBOX
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: SFP
Key feature: Lightweight LPVO design
SKU: LH6-16KLB
R4,550.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Bushveld & general hunting
Magnification: 2-12×
Objective: 42mm
Reticle: DLR Duplex
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: SFP
Key feature: Japanese HD glass & wide field of view
SKU: OR-2120DLR
R5,450.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: Bushveld & general hunting
Magnification: 2-12×
Objective: 42mm
Reticle: Illuminated FDR
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: SFP
Key feature: Daylight-bright illuminated centre aiming point
SKU: OR-2120FDR
R6,450.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: General & longer-range hunting
Magnification: 3-18×
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: DLR Duplex
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: SFP
Key feature: Japanese HD glass & adjustable parallax
SKU: OR-3180DLR
R6,700.00 (incl. VAT)
Best for: General & longer-range hunting
Magnification: 3-18×
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated FDR
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: SFP
Key feature: Japanese HD glass & daylight-bright illumination
SKU: OR-2120FDR
R7,500.00 (incl. VAT)
DNT Optics share the precision engineering DNA of Arken Optics, offering advanced FFP rifle scope technology designed for long-range accuracy, clarity, and consistent performance. Available in South Africa through AST Ballistics, DNT scopes are backed by a lifetime warranty and Precision Tracking Guarantee.
DNT Optics TheOne 7-35x56 FFP
The DNT TheOne 7-35×56 FFP is a top-tier long-range precision scope designed for extreme accuracy at maximum distances. Featuring the TOR reticle on a first focal plane, it delivers precise holdover and windage compensation at any magnification setting — making it a serious choice for ELR, F-Class, and long-range benchrest shooters in South Africa.
SKU: TO735*
R14,900.00 (incl. VAT)
VPR (Variable Precision Reticle) is a reticle system designed for precision shooting that allows shooters to hold for windage and elevation with improved clarity and fast target engagement. It is commonly used in first focal plane (FFP) optics for long-range shooting.
VHR (Variable Hold Reticle) is a reticle system designed for holdover shooting, allowing the shooter to quickly compensate for distance and wind without dialing turrets. It is used for faster target engagement in field and hunting scenarios.
MIL (milliradian) and MOA (minute of angle) are two measurement systems used in rifle scopes to adjust elevation and windage.
MIL is based on the metric system and is commonly preferred for long-range precision shooting.
MOA is based on inches and yards and is often used in hunting and traditional shooting applications.
Both systems achieve the same result — precise point-of-impact adjustment — but use different measurement scales.
KLBOX is a reticle reference system used in illuminated LPVO optics that provides a simplified aiming structure for fast target acquisition. It is designed to improve speed, clarity, and usability in close to mid-range shooting scenarios.
The best rifle scope depends on your shooting distance, purpose, and experience level. Long-range shooters typically benefit from higher magnification and first focal plane (FFP) optics, while hunters often prefer lighter scopes with lower magnification for faster target acquisition.
For long-range shooting, most shooters use scopes in the 5-25x or 7-35x magnification range. Higher magnification allows for better precision at distance, but requires more stable shooting platforms and proper technique.
For hunting in South Africa, many shooters prefer 3-15x, 4-16x, or LPVO scopes (1-6x or 1-8x) because they offer faster target acquisition, wider field of view, and better performance in variable terrain.
FFP (First Focal Plane) scopes are preferred for long-range and precision shooting because the reticle scales with magnification. SFP (Second Focal Plane) scopes are often used for hunting because the reticle remains the same size and is simpler to use at lower magnification.
Tactical or precision scopes are designed for dialing and holdover accuracy at long distances, often featuring exposed turrets and FFP reticles. Hunting scopes prioritise speed, simplicity, and lightweight design for quick target acquisition.
AST Ballistics is a South African supplier of Arken and DNT precision rifle scopes for hunters, PRS competitors, IPSC shooters, and long-range precision rifle enthusiasts across South Africa.
For advice on choosing the right scope for your rifle and application, contact us at +27 (0)81 479 1010 or browse our full range of precision shooting equipment.

Phone: +27 (0)81 479 1010
Email: [email protected]
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Serving customers throughout South Africa.
© 2026 AST Ballistics (Dreyer Trading (Pty) Ltd). All rights reserved.