We’re going to continue with our reviews on new scope alternatives and the one we hit today is a sight I was interested in a few months ago, the Vector Optics Paragon 5-25×56 SFP GEN2.
It is a Chinese scope with wide magnifications, good lens diameter and very nice design. It interested me at the time because of the good price , but in the end I ended up opting for another alternative.
Today we have to thoroughly analyze this product. We will see main features, pros and cons and give our opinion on whether it is worth the purchase or not . Let’s go!
Features Vector Optics Paragon 5-25×56 SFP GENII
Let’s first look at the main attributes of the product to understand what it offers us and what it does not offer.
Magnification and lens diameter
When it comes to zoom, this piece has us covered. It has a minimum magnification of 5X and a maximum of 25X . It is a scope that gives us a wide capacity to configure the zoom, covering short, medium and long distances.
The lens diameter is also not far behind. 56 millimeters is quite wide, which allows us a greater entry of light (up to 90% according to the manufacturer) . This translates into greater clarity and, therefore, higher image quality.
Turrets
We have very nice turrets expressed in MILs, with clicks of 1/10 MILs . In total, we have 18.5 MILs of elevation adjustment and 18.5 MILs of windage adjustment . Notably, the clicks feel great to the touch and to the ear , which is always desirable.
In addition, both turrets are lockable , which means that when defining a position it will not be changed by accident, and they can be reset to zero , which means that we can easily recalibrate the zero of the turret. To reset the turrets, follow these steps :
- Place the turrets in the position that we want our new zero to be. Let’s assume 3 MILs.
- Unscrew the top cap from the turret to release the turret casing.
- We present again the casing of our turret to screw it back on, but this time, instead of the mark pointing to 3 MILs, it should point to 0 MILs.
- We screw the top cap of the turret again.
- Done, we have reset the zero of the scope.
Reticle VPA-2
We have a reticle referenced in MILs of the Christmas tree type , which allows us to make elevation and windage adjustments . It’s a nice style of reticle called VPA-2 and designed by Vector Optics.
It should be noted that the scope only comes in MILs (NOT in MOAs) and that the reticle is illuminable at the point of impact , with 6 intensity levels, configurable from the left side including the OFF mode.
Purpose of the scope
We have a sight for precision and long range shooting . Although the second focal plane allows us to make more instinctive shots at short and medium distances, this does not confuse us. The scope is intended to be used primarily at high levels of magnification or zoom , which are best used at long and very long distances .
Can it be used for precision shooting? Yes, especially in long and very long distances.
Can it be used to compete? Yes, mainly in disciplines of precision shots at speed, with mobility and in different shooting stations.
Can it be used for hunting? It is not recommended for short distances. It is not a very close range scope and the reticle posts are too thin, complicating instinctive shoots.
Regarding the platforms on which the scope can be mounted, it really suits everything. Both air rifles and low and heavy caliber rifles (Up to .338 Lapua Magnum).
Other features
As additional data for retailers, this optics also has the following attributes:
- Eye relief: 100 mm.
- Length: 365 mm.
- Weight: 670 gr.
- Tube diameter: 30 mm.
- Clicks value: 1/10 MILs.
- Elevation: 18.5 MILs.
- Windage: 18.5 MILs.
- Shock, fog and water proof (submersible up to 1 meter).
- Turrets are lockable and resettable.
- Parallax Adjustment: 15 yards to infinity.
Comparison with other riflescopes in the Paragon series
Let’s compare it with 2 other similar models from Vector Optics’ Paragon series. Any characteristic that does not appear in this table is because it is the same in the 3 models.
| Image |  |  |  |
| Model | 3-15×50 | 5-25×56 | 6-30×56 |
| Reticle | VPA-2 | VPA-2 | VPA-2 |
| illumination | 6 levels | 6 levels | 6 levels |
| Clicks value | 1/10 MIL | 1/10 MIL | 1/10 MIL |
| Elevation | 26 MIL | 18.5 MIL | 17.5 MIL |
| Windage | 26 MIL | 18.5 MIL | 17.5 MIL |
| Parallax | 10 yd – ∞ | 15 yd – ∞ | 15 yd – ∞ |
| Weight | 625 gr | 670 gr | 700 gr |
| Length | 335 mm | 365 mm | 400 mm |
| Price | |||
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 3-15×50 |
| Reticle | VPA-2 |
| Ilumination | 6 levels |
| Clicks value | 1/10 MIL |
| Elevation | 26 MIL |
| Windage | 26 MIL |
| Parallax | 10 yd – ∞ |
| Weight | 625 gr |
| Length | 335 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 5-25×56 |
| Reticle | VPA-2 |
| Ilumination | 6 levels |
| Clicks value | 1/10 MIL |
| Elevation | 18.5 MIL |
| Windage | 18.5 MIL |
| Parallax | 15 yd – ∞ |
| Weight | 670 gr |
| Length | 365 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 6-30×56 |
| Reticle | VPA-2 |
| Ilumination | 6 levels |
| Clicks value | 1/10 MIL |
| Elevation | 17.5 MIL |
| Windage | 17.5 MIL |
| Parallax | 15 yd – ∞ |
| Weight | 700 gr |
| Lenght | 400 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
In general, they are very similar models, the biggest difference is found in levels of magnification and price. The higher the level of magnification, the higher the price.
Is it worth buying? Pros and cons
Having seen the attributes of the scope, let’s now move on to the positives and negatives.
Advantages
✅ Price-quality ratio.
✅ Quality of turrets.
✅ Additional accessories included.
Disadvantages
⛔ Not available in MOAs.
⛔ Not recommended for hunting.
⛔ Warranty of only 5 years.
Advantages in detail
This is a product that on Aliexpress sells for approximately 315 dollars, which is a very good price for this scope. It is a very complete, effective and very cheap sight compared to other models with similar characteristics.
I really like the quality of the turrets. The clicks are perfectly felt, we have extensive adjustability and are lockable and resettable. I consider that they are an important factor when choosing a scope of these characteristics.
Finally, I think the entire product presentation is very good . I mean the aesthetics of the product itself, and the extras in the package. We have honeycomb sunshade, rings and parallax adjustment wheel (temporary promotion) included.
Disadvantages in detail
It is a scope that is only available in MILs . This can be a nuisance for all shooters used to working on MOAs.
Don’t get me wrong. I know that the scope can work well for hunting long distances (plains and mountains). However, we have scenarios where we have to take instinctive shots at shorter distances and this scope is not very comfortable for those types of shots.
It seems to me that the minimum warranty for a scope of these characteristics is 10 years . As Vector offers only 5 , I think this is a downside .
Unboxing the Vector Optics Paragon 5-25×56 SFP GENII
So you can see what is included in the box, we bring you a video courtesy of Vector Optics:
General opinions Paragon 5-25×56 SFP GENII
The general acceptance level of this scope by users is very good. The most repeated positive arguments are:
- Good price
- Good quality of materials
- Good image quality
At the brand level, Vector Optics has been hitting the American and European markets for few years now. They are reliable, effective and inexpensive scopes.
Personal opinion Vector Optics Paragon 5-25×56 SFP GENII
Personally this is a scope that I like and that I will probably acquire in the future. I like second focal plane scopes, as I prefer to see clear at any zoom level, and I also really like the quality of the turrets.
I think that it is not a scope for everyone, but that anyone can buy it, since the price is quite accessible, especially when considering how complete it is.
In short, I quite like it and I feel safe recommending it.
Good shots!
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