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 APLR H2 reticle sets this variant apart from the simpler Fiber Dot option with a full MOA holdover system — hash marks numbered at 10 MOA intervals extend to 30+ MOA below center for extended-range holds, with 10 MOA of wind reference marks on each side. The illuminated center cross keeps the aiming point visible in low light, while the clean upper crosshair and fine hash marks stay out of the way at lower magnification. For hunters who prefer to hold rather than dial, the APLR H2 puts the holdover data in the reticle where you can use it without touching the turrets.

Key Features

• APLR H2 Illuminated Reticle (SFP, MOA) — Full holdover reticle with numbered MOA hash marks for elevation and wind corrections directly in the field of view. The illuminated center cross 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

• 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 APLR H2 gives you the MOA references to hold and shoot without dialing.
• Whitetail and general big game hunters who want an illuminated reticle for dawn and dusk shots through timber, with enough magnification range to reach across open fields and food plots.
• 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 picking up and engaging targets at distance.