First Thoughts on the Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Blue / Red Engraved 30 / 30 Floating Cross Reticle Rifle Scope – 2.85″ Eye Relief, 9.43 – 31.53 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-12x Adjustable Magnification, 13.10″ Length
In the world of optics, finding a scope that balances performance and affordability can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Rifle Scope, a contender promising a versatile magnification range, illuminated reticle, and robust build, all without breaking the bank. The KonusPro EVO series is Konus’s attempt to offer a feature-rich optic for hunters and recreational shooters alike.
I needed a scope that could transition between dense woodland hunting and longer-range target practice. My older scope lacked clarity at higher magnifications, particularly in low light, a common issue during dawn and dusk hunts. The KonusPro EVO’s promise of a 50mm objective lens and illuminated reticle sparked my interest.
Unboxing the Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The finish was clean and even, and the adjustments clicked with reassuring precision. It felt surprisingly hefty for its price point, suggesting a durable internal construction.
I was considering the Vortex Crossfire II and the Bushnell Banner as alternatives. Ultimately, the KonusPro EVO stood out due to its unique dual-illuminated reticle (red/blue) and what appeared to be a slightly more robust build for the price. I was hoping for a noticeable upgrade in low-light performance compared to my previous optic.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed decent, and the features were appealing, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was eager to mount it, sight it in, and see if it lived up to the hype, or if it was another case of getting what you pay for in the budget optics market.
Real-World Testing: Putting Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Blue / Red Engraved 30 / 30 Floating Cross Reticle Rifle Scope – 2.85″ Eye Relief, 9.43 – 31.53 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-12x Adjustable Magnification, 13.10″ Length to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, under bright, sunny conditions. I mounted the KonusPro EVO on my trusted .308 bolt-action rifle. I wanted to assess its clarity and accuracy at various magnifications.
The conditions were ideal, but even then, I immediately noticed the scope struggled with clarity at the highest magnification (12x), particularly beyond 200 yards. Adjusting the parallax helped, but it never quite reached the crispness I was hoping for. The red illumination was helpful, but the blue wash out the target in daylight.
Zeroing the scope was straightforward using the .25″ @ 100 yds adjustment turrets. The clicks were audible and tactile, making precise adjustments easy. However, I noted the turret caps felt somewhat flimsy and might not withstand heavy abuse.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use and a few hunting trips, the KonusPro EVO has held up reasonably well. There are no obvious signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to some light rain and brush. The waterproof and fogproof claims seem to hold true so far.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a lens cloth keeps the glass clean. However, the objective lens cap provided feels cheap and ill-fitting. It’s a minor gripe, but speaks to the areas where Konus cut costs.
Compared to my previous budget scope, the KonusPro EVO offers a slightly brighter image and the added benefit of illumination. However, the edge-to-edge clarity isn’t significantly better, and the higher magnification remains a weak point. I’d say it performs adequately for its price range, but it won’t compete with higher-end optics.
Breaking Down the Features of Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Blue / Red Engraved 30 / 30 Floating Cross Reticle Rifle Scope – 2.85″ Eye Relief, 9.43 – 31.53 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-12x Adjustable Magnification, 13.10″ Length
Specifications
The Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Rifle Scope boasts several notable specifications. It features an adjustable magnification ranging from 3x to 12x. The large 50mm objective lens is designed to gather ample light for improved visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
The scope utilizes a dual-illuminated red/blue 30/30 reticle. This reticle is engraved directly onto the glass. It offers users the flexibility to choose their preferred illumination color depending on the environment. The scope has a 1-inch tube diameter, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting options.
Its field of view ranges from 31.53 ft at 3x to 9.43 ft at 12x at 100 yards. The eye relief is listed at 2.85 inches. The scope is 13.10 inches in length.
These specifications are crucial for achieving a comfortable and accurate shooting experience. A wider field of view at lower magnification aids in target acquisition. While the adjustable magnification and illumination provide versatility in various shooting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The KonusPro EVO’s primary function is to enhance target visibility and improve accuracy at varying distances. At lower magnifications (3-6x), the scope performs admirably. The image is clear and bright enough for most hunting scenarios.
However, as you increase the magnification towards 12x, the image quality degrades noticeably. The edges become blurry, and the overall clarity suffers. The illumination is useful in very low light, but the blue is generally less effective than the red.
The scope’s strengths lie in its versatility and affordability. Its weaknesses are the image quality at high magnification and somewhat cheap feel of certain components. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly scope, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The KonusPro EVO has a straightforward, functional design. The build quality is decent for its price point, with a solid feel and a clean black finish. The weight is reasonable, although it could be lighter.
The scope is relatively user-friendly, with easy-to-adjust magnification and illumination settings. The parallax adjustment is also straightforward, although somewhat stiff. However, the eye relief is a bit short. This could be problematic for some shooters, especially on rifles with heavier recoil.
Durability & Maintenance
The KonusPro EVO appears reasonably durable for its intended use. The waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design inspires confidence. However, the long-term durability remains to be seen.
Maintenance is simple. Just regular cleaning of the lenses with a microfiber cloth. The turret caps, as mentioned earlier, are a potential weak point and may require extra care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm comes with a basic sunshade. This helps reduce glare in bright conditions. It also includes lens covers, although they are of low quality.
There are no significant customization options beyond choosing the appropriate mounting rings for your rifle. The 1-inch tube diameter ensures compatibility with a wide variety of rings from different brands.
Pros and Cons of Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Blue / Red Engraved 30 / 30 Floating Cross Reticle Rifle Scope – 2.85″ Eye Relief, 9.43 – 31.53 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-12x Adjustable Magnification, 13.10″ Length
Pros
- Affordable price point: This scope provides a lot of features for the money.
- Versatile 3-12x magnification range: Suitable for a wide range of shooting distances.
- Dual-illuminated reticle (red/blue): Offers flexibility in different lighting conditions.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction: Provides durability in various weather conditions.
- 50mm objective lens: Gathers ample light for improved visibility.
Cons
- Image quality degrades at higher magnifications.
- Short eye relief may be problematic for some shooters.
Who Should Buy Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Blue / Red Engraved 30 / 30 Floating Cross Reticle Rifle Scope – 2.85″ Eye Relief, 9.43 – 31.53 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-12x Adjustable Magnification, 13.10″ Length?
The Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Rifle Scope is perfect for budget-conscious hunters and recreational shooters. Those looking for a versatile scope for various shooting distances will also benefit. It is a good choice for those who need an illuminated reticle for low-light hunting.
This product is not ideal for serious long-range shooters or those who demand the highest level of optical clarity. If you are sensitive to short eye relief, you should also skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a good set of quality scope rings that match your rifle. Consider upgrading the lens covers for better protection.
Conclusion on Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Blue / Red Engraved 30 / 30 Floating Cross Reticle Rifle Scope – 2.85″ Eye Relief, 9.43 – 31.53 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-12x Adjustable Magnification, 13.10″ Length
The Konus KonusPro EVO 3-12x 50mm Rifle Scope offers a decent set of features and reasonable performance for its price. It’s a versatile option for hunters and recreational shooters on a budget.
The value proposition is strong if you understand its limitations. It won’t compete with high-end optics, but it provides a significant upgrade over basic, non-illuminated scopes.
I would cautiously recommend it to those who prioritize affordability and versatility over ultimate image quality. Just be aware of the image degradation at higher magnifications and the somewhat short eye relief. If those aren’t deal-breakers, the KonusPro EVO could be a worthwhile addition to your rifle. So, if you’re looking for an affordable and versatile scope, give the Konus KonusPro EVO a shot; you might be pleasantly surprised.