The optics brand Vector Optics seems to be the only alternative that users really trust when it comes to Chinese riflescopes . The scopes of the Continental line of Vector Optics, have not only demonstrated quality and efficiency, but in terms of price they are much cheaper than the similar models offered by the big brands.
Looking for options for big game I found an alternative that seemed quite interesting. As you may have already deduced, I am talking about the VO Continental 2-12×50.
According to what I had read in forums, it was a model that seemed to work well to mount on hunting rifles and that for the asking price the quality was impressive. I decided then to study this scope in depth before making a decision.
In this review we propose to analyze the main characteristics of the Continental 2-12×50 , what are its pros and cons , and we will analyze whether it is worth buying or not. Let’s go!
Índice del artículo
Main features of the Continental 2-12×50
Let’s go first with the product attributes analyzed from a hunting perspective.
Versatile magnification
This optic has a minimum zoom level of 2 and a maximum level of 12 . This implies that we are talking about a scope with variable magnification of 6X . The versatility we get from this combination is quite good since we have a wide range of play that can help us in different hunting situations.
The X2 zoom is quite suitable for short-range hunting such as driven hunts and dangerous game . It may be that for positions that are too tight or zero distance, a minimum of X1 (no magnification) is ideal, but X2 is quite acceptable.
In regards to the maximum X12 magnification, it really has us covered for a lot of hunting scenarios at medium and even long distances. Anything that is normal hunting shooting ranges (between 150 and 350 meters ) is fully covered. I would dare to say that 600 meters could be the maximum range of this type of magnification, which is more than enough for hunting.
Second focal plane
The fact that this scope is a second focal plane is spot on from a hunting point of view. As a general rule, the first focal plane is more expensive and is used more in precision shooting disciplines. In contrast, the second focal plane is used more for hunting and is cheaper.
Second focal plane means that the size of the reticle does not change with zooming in or out . Hunting reticles have almost no references since we are talking about more instinctive shots and with a time limit where we cannot stop to perform calculations. Therefore, we are interested in keeping the reticle design simple and allowing us to see the center of view fast . Our priority is to locate the center of the reticle on the target and shoot , without further ado.
4A reticle with 6 intensity levels
The 4A reticle is one of the most commonly used hunting reticles today. It consists of 3 thick posts, a thin one at the top and an illuminated point in the center:
It is an illuminable reticle with 6 levels of intensity adjustable from the turret on the left. This is convenient since, In low-light settings, this reticle has us covered. It is simple and without major references , which is what we are looking for.
Other features
As additional data for retailers, this optics also has the following attributes:
- Objective lens diameter: 50 mm. This enables a good light ingress of up to 90%.
- Eye relief: 100 mm.
- Length: 335 mm.
- Weight: 605 gr. Quite light, which is convenient for hunting.
- Tube diameter: 30 mm.
- Clicks value: 1/4 MOA.
- Elevation: 140 MOA.
- Windage: 140 MOA.
- Shock, fog and water proof (submersible up to 1 meter).
Comparison Continental series for Hunting
Let’s now see the differences between the various models that the Continental line for hunting offers. Any characteristic that does not appear in this table is because it is the same in the 6 models.
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Model | 1-6×24 | 1.5-9×42 | 2-12×50 | 2.5-15×56 | 3-18×50 | 5-30×56 |
| Parallax adjustment | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clicks value | 1/2 MOA | 1/4 MOA | 1/4 MOA | 1/4 MOA | 1/4 MOA | 1/4 MOA |
| Elevation | 140 MOA | 140 MOA | 140 MOA | 75 MOA | 60 MOA | |
| Windage | 140 MOA | 140 MOA | 140 MOA | 110 MOA | 75 MOA | 60 MOA |
| Weight | 480 grams | 580 grams | 605 grams | 670 grams | 630 grams | 630 grams |
| Length | 283 mm | 335 mm | 335 mm | 370 mm | 383 mm | 400 mm |
| Price | ||||||
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 1-6×24 |
| Parallax adjustment | ❌ |
| Clicks value | 1/2 MOA |
| Elevation | 140 MOA |
| Windage | 140 MOA |
| Weight | 480 grams |
| Length | 283 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 1.5-9×42 |
| Parallax adjustment | ❌ |
| Clicks value | 1/4 MOA |
| Elevation | 140 MOA |
| Windage | 140 MOA |
| Weight | 580 grams |
| Length | 335 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 2-12×50 |
| Parallax adjustment | ❌ |
| Clicks value | 1/4 MOA |
| Elevation | 140 MOA |
| Windage | 140 MOA |
| Weight | 605 grams |
| Length | 335 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 2.5-15×56 |
| Parallax adjustment | ✔ |
| Clicks value | 1/4 MOA |
| Elevation | 110 MOA |
| Windage | 110 MOA |
| Weight | 670 grams |
| Length | 370 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 3-18×50 |
| Parallax adjustment | ✔ |
| Clicks value | 1/4 MOA |
| Elevation | 75 MOA |
| Windage | 75 MOA |
| Weight | 630 grams |
| Lenght | 383 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
| Image |  |
| Model | 5-30×56 |
| Parallax adjustment | ✔ |
| Clicks value | 1/4 MOA |
| Elevation | 60 MOA |
| Windage | 60 MOA |
| Weight | 630 grams |
| Lenght | 400 mm |
| Price | |
| Review |
From the Vector Optics Continental 2-12×50 we can highlight that it is one of the 2 that have the greatest possibility of adjusting on elevation and windage . In terms of dimensions it is in the middle of the list.
Is it worth buying? Pros and cons
Let us now proceed with the analysis of advantages and disadvantages of this product.
Advantages
✅ Hunting features.
✅ Excellent value for money.
✅ Lifetime warranty.
Disadvantages
⛔ No parallax adjustment.
⛔ No ballistic turret.
⛔ Regular quality accessories.
Advantages in detail
This is a scope that is well thought out for its purpose. We have been able to see that the choice of the focal plane, reticle, magnification level, weight, etc. It is oriented to the use of this scope in hunting scenarios. In this sense, it meets the demands of those of us who practice this sport.
Vector Optics in general and this product in particular has always been characterized by having an excellent value for money. We assume that these telescopic sights are considerably cheaper than their best-known competitors and, even so, they are very even in performance with the best brands. This is undoubtedly a great advantage of this scope, the price.
The Continental line of Vector Optics scopes comes with a lifetime warranty , which leaves us with some peace of mind with our purchase. This warranty covers any malfunction with the display that may be attributed to manufacturing processes or the shipment of the product.
Disadvantages in detail
In particular, this model does not have parallax adjustment . This can be considered a disadvantage on longer shots , but at traditional hunting distances it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Tactical-type models feature a ballistic turret that allows us to save height settings to adjust them quickly. It is a desirable feature in a scope, but not essential at all.
Finally, a detail, the extras that are included with the riflescope such as the lens caps, adjustment tool and rings could be of better quality.
Unboxing the Vector Optics Continental 2-12×50
So you can see what is included in the box, we bring you a video courtesy of Vector Optics Poland:
General opinions Vector Optics Continental 2-12×50
From what can be seen in the shooting community, forums and hunting groups in general , the impressions of the scope and Vector Optics in general are good . Before, there was a lot of distrust to buy Chinese scopes even though we knew that most of the big brands made theirs in China.
Today there is already a generalized acceptance of this brand , to the point that it has representatives and distributors on all continents. Their products are of quality and are sold at a good price according to users.
Personal opinion Vector Optics Continental 2-12×50
In general I think it is a good product and what attracts me the most is the price . It is becoming more and more difficult to find interesting alternatives in hunting scopes at an affordable price, but as always, the Chinese surprise us.
I think anyone considering buying a very good hunting scope for less than 600 USD should consider this one. It’s a real bargain, no kidding.
In short, I think it is a great hunting scope at an incredibly inexpensive price .
Good shots!
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