Hunting steep timber and high-country basins means carrying a scope that can handle close shots through brush at 2.5x and still reach across a canyon at 15x — without adding weight that slows your climb. The Athlon Ares HLR 2.5-15x42 delivers that range in an 18.9-ounce package with advanced fully multi-coated optics, making it one of the lightest full-range hunting scopes in its class.

The APRS H2 reticle puts a full MIL holdover system in the field of view — numbered hash marks extend to 6 MIL on each side for wind calls and 10 MIL below center for elevation holds, with fine sub-MIL graduations between the numbered marks. The illuminated center dot keeps the aiming point visible in low light, while the clean upper crosshair stays out of the way at lower magnification. For hunters who prefer to hold rather than dial, the APRS H2 puts the correction data where you can use it without lifting off the turrets.

Key Features

• APRS H2 Illuminated Reticle (SFP, MIL) — Full holdover reticle with numbered MIL hash marks for elevation and wind corrections directly in the field of view. The illuminated center dot stands out in low light without washing out the fine hash marks. Second focal plane keeps the reticle size consistent across the zoom range.
• 18.9 oz on a 30mm Tube — One-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction keeps weight competitive with scopes costing $300-700 more. Light enough for a mountain rifle build without sacrificing the light-gathering advantage of a 30mm tube.
• 2.5-15x Magnification Range — The 2.5x low end beats most competitors in this class (typically 3x), giving you a wider field of view for close encounters in timber or brush. At 15x, you have enough magnification for confident shots well beyond 400 yards.
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics — Enhanced light transmission with accurate color reproduction. The 42mm objective balances light gathering against mounting height and weight.
• Argon Purged — Premium gas purging provides superior fog-proof performance compared to nitrogen, maintaining a clear image through rapid temperature swings common in mountain and early-morning hunting.
• Side-Focus Parallax (10 yds to Infinity) — Eliminates parallax error at any distance without breaking cheek weld. The 10-yard minimum makes this scope versatile enough for close-range varmint work.

Ideal For

• MIL-system shooters who want their turrets and reticle speaking the same language — 0.1 MIL clicks paired with a MIL holdover reticle means no mental conversion between what you see and what you dial.
• Western hunters who want holdover data built into the reticle for quick follow-up shots and ranging holds across steep canyons and open basins — the APRS H2 gives you the MIL references to hold and shoot without dialing.
• Predator and varmint hunters who benefit from the 10-yard parallax minimum and 2.5x low end for fast close shots, plus the holdover hash marks and 15x top end for engaging targets at distance.