Best 2-12 budget scope - Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen II 2-12x42mm 30mm Tube Rifle Scope, First Focal Plane

If you’re looking for something in 2-10 / 2-12 zoom without breaking the bank, this one is it. And if you wait for a promo, holiday or coupon code, you got yourself a great deal. It has great glass, zoom tension is set just right, weight is just right, turrets seem pretty solid and I love the Christmas tree reticle.

Cons: I don’t love the elevation numbers inside the reticle, especially when it’s illuminated, it just seems way too big and way too bright and a bit distracting. I do wish it had a diopter locking ring, but it’s not a huge deal breaker. The turret knobs are also very beefy compared to the rest of the scope, so if you’re attaching an acro like dot directly to a mount at the 12 o’clock, it won’t work because it’ll be blocked by the elevation turret. You’d be better off getting a little higher and utilizing a larger dot like a T1/2 on a pic attachment. This isn’t a required feature to make the scope better or worse, but it came with a plastic (like) throw lever. Initially it feels pretty sturdy, but It doesn’t feel like it’ll hold up with rigorous or tough abuse, but only time will tell.

With all of that being said, for around $450 bucks, I’d totally buy another and recommend this. I’d like to see Athlon come out with this same scope but in a 34mm tube.