We conducted over 1200 rounds of firing tests and 4 months of 1500-yard testing on this scope—here are the full results.
Introduction
If you’ve followed our ED optics guides, you know that premium extra-low dispersion (ED) glass is the cornerstone of extreme long-range (ELR) precision: it eliminates chromatic aberration, delivers edge-to-edge clarity at extreme distances (1000+ yards), and gives you a critical advantage in low-light hunting windows and high-stakes PRS ELR matches.
Today, we’re breaking down our flagship ELR offering: the DiscoveryOpt ED-ELR GEN II 5-40X56SFIR FFP-MRAD/MOA-Z Zero-Stop Scope. Built for competitive PRS ELR shooters and western big game hunters who demand uncompromising precision at 1000-1500 yards, this scope pairs full ED glass with a 34mm tube, precision zero-stop turrets, and both MRAD/MOA configuration options — designed exclusively for extreme long-range performance.
We put this scope through 4 months of real-world testing: from PRS ELR match training stages to 1500-yard mountain bighorn sheep and mule deer hunts, with 1200+ rounds of live fire (including .338 Lapua Mag and .50 BMG) in rain, snow, high-elevation freezing conditions, and harsh midday sun. In this review, we cut through marketing jargon, share honest field-tested data, and tell you exactly who this scope is for — and if it’s worth your investment in 2026.
Section 1: Core Specs & ED Optical Performance Test
1.1 Quick Specs At a Glance
|
Core Specification |
Details (MRAD Version) |
Details (MOA Version) |
|
Model |
ED-ELR GEN II 5-40X56SFIR FFP Zero-Stop (MRAD) |
ED-ELR GEN II 5-40X56SFIR FFP Zero-Stop (MOA) |
|
Magnification Range |
5x-40x |
5x-40x |
|
Focal Plane |
First Focal Plane (FFP) |
First Focal Plane (FFP) |
|
Objective Lens Diameter |
56mm |
56mm |
|
Main Tube Diameter |
34mm |
34mm |
|
Click Value |
0.1 MRAD Per Click |
1/4 MOA Per Click |
|
Total Elevation Adjustment |
45 MRAD |
155 MOA |
|
Total Windage Adjustment |
20 MRAD |
70 MOA |
|
Reticle Illumination |
Yes (Red/Green, 10 Brightness Settings) |
Yes (Red/Green, 10 Brightness Settings) |
|
Eye Relief |
3.4-3.5 in (8.6-8.9cm) |
3.4-3.5 in (8.6-8.9cm) |
|
Parallax Adjustment |
50 Yards to Infinity |
50 Yards to Infinity |
|
Field of View (100 Yards) |
24.2 FT (7.4m) @5x / 3.1 FT (0.95m) @40x |
24.2 FT (7.4m) @5x / 3.1 FT (0.95m) @40x |
|
Exit Pupil |
11.2mm @5x / 1.4mm @40x |
11.2mm @5x / 1.4mm @40x |
|
Recoil Rating |
.50 BMG & .338 Lapua Mag Certified |
.50 BMG & .338 Lapua Mag Certified |
|
Protection Rating |
IP68 Waterproof, Nitrogen-Purged Fogproof, Shockproof |
IP68 Waterproof, Nitrogen-Purged Fogproof, Shockproof |
|
Overall Length |
18.5 in (470mm) |
18.5 in (470mm) |
|
Weight |
48.2 oz (1366g) |
48.1 oz (1363g) |
|
Core Optical System |
Full ED Glass + Premium Multi-Layer Anti-Reflective Coatings (95% Light Transmission) |
Full ED Glass + Premium Multi-Layer Anti-Reflective Coatings (95% Light Transmission) |
|
Key Feature |
Precision Zero-Stop Turrets, FFP Reticle, High Magnification for ELR |
Precision Zero-Stop Turrets, FFP Reticle, High Magnification for ELR |
|
Product Link |
1.2 ED Glass Imaging & ELR Clarity Performance
The core of this ELR scope is its full ED glass optical system, engineered to eliminate chromatic aberration (color fringing) that plagues standard glass scopes at extreme long ranges (1000+ yards). In our side-by-side tests:
• At 1000 yards, we saw zero color fringing on steel targets and big game, with crisp edge-to-edge clarity that retained fine details like bighorn sheep horns, target scoring rings, and even small foliage in the background.
• At 1500 yards (the sweet spot for ELR shooting), the full ED glass maintained sharp, distortion-free imaging even in harsh midday sun glare, outperforming competing ELR scopes in the same price range by 40% in chromatic aberration reduction.
• The FFP reticle maintains consistent subtensions across the entire 5-40x magnification range — critical for ELR shooting, where precise holdover and windage adjustments at 40x magnification can mean the difference between a hit and a miss.
• The 95% light transmission (from the premium multi-layer anti-reflective coatings) ensures that even at 40x high magnification, the image remains bright and clear, avoiding the dimness that plagues lower-quality ELR scopes.
1.3 Low-Light ELR Hunting Performance
The 56mm objective lens paired with full ED glass and premium multi-layer anti-reflective coatings delivers industry-leading light transmission for dawn and dusk hunting windows — the most critical time for big game hunting at extreme ranges:
• We measured consistent clarity and target identification 25 minutes before sunrise and 25 minutes after sunset, even at 20-30x magnification — a feat that lower-quality ELR scopes struggle to match.
• Even in dense forest shade and overcast conditions, there was no noticeable vignetting or color distortion, and the 10-level illuminated reticle (red/green) remained visible without washing out the target — perfect for low-light ELR shots.
• The 11.2mm exit pupil at 5x maximizes light intake for fast target acquisition in low-light, close-quarters situations, while the 40x high magnification lets you zoom in for precise ELR shots once the target is identified.
1.4 Build Quality & Durability Test
This ELR scope is built to withstand the harshest backcountry and competitive ELR shooting conditions, with zero compromises on reliability — critical for shooters who rely on their gear at 1000+ yards:
• We tested the IP68 waterproof rating by submerging the scope in 6 feet of water for 60 minutes, with zero water intrusion or internal fogging.
• We left it overnight in freezing 5°F (-15°C) temperatures, then moved it directly to a warm truck interior — the nitrogen-purged tube remained 100% fog-free, even during rapid temperature changes.
• After 1200+ rounds of live fire, including heavy-recoil .50 BMG and .338 Lapua Mag ammunition, the scope held perfect zero with zero shift in turret tracking — a must for ELR shooting, where consistency is everything.
• The aircraft-grade aluminum 34mm tube delivers exceptional rigidity, while the tactile, lockable zero-stop turrets provide crisp, repeatable clicks that you can feel without taking your eye off the target — critical for in-the-field adjustments at extreme ranges.
Section 2: Real-World ELR & Competition Performance
2.1 PRS ELR Long-Range Competition Performance
This scope was built for competitive PRS ELR shooters, and it delivered exceptional results in our PRS ELR match training — designed for stages that require precision at 1000-1500 yards:
• The 5-40x magnification range is perfectly optimized for PRS ELR stages: 5x for close-range positional shots, 20-30x for mid-range (500-1000 yards), and 35-40x for extreme long-range (1000-1500 yards) precision shots.
• The precision zero-stop turrets are a game-changer for ELR competition: you can quickly dial back to your zero after long-range shots, with no risk of over-traveling or losing your zero in high-pressure match situations — critical when every point matters.
• The 34mm tube provides massive elevation and windage adjustment range (45 MRAD / 155 MOA), making it easy to dial for extreme long-range shots and heavy bullet drop, without needing to use excessive holdover — a key advantage in PRS ELR.
• The consistent eye relief and fast eye box made it easy to acquire targets quickly from unconventional positional shooting positions (barricades, prone, kneeling) at high magnification, a critical advantage in PRS ELR matches.
2.2 Western Big Game ELR Mountain Hunting Performance
We tested this scope on a 14-day high-elevation bighorn sheep and mule deer hunt in the Rocky Mountains, and it proved to be the ideal backcountry ELR hunting scope:
• The full ED glass eliminated glare and chromatic aberration in harsh mountain sun, making it easy to spot game across miles of open terrain at 30-40x magnification — even small details like a mule deer’s ear or a bighorn sheep’s horn were visible at 1200 yards.
• The IP68 waterproof and shockproof build held up to rugged backcountry transport, heavy rain, snow, and accidental drops on rocky terrain, with zero damage or zero shift — essential for remote mountain hunts where gear failure is not an option.
• The low-light performance allowed us to identify and take ethical shots on game during the dawn and dusk golden hours, when big game is most active — even at 25-30x magnification, the image remained bright and clear.
• The FFP reticle made it easy to hold for windage and bullet drop on the fly, without needing to dial turrets for last-second spot-and-stalk ELR shots — a critical feature when hunting wary big game at extreme ranges.
2.3 ELR Predator Control Performance
For coyote, wolf, and predator hunters who regularly take shots at 500-1200 yards, this ELR scope delivers unmatched versatility and precision:
• The 5-40x magnification range lets you quickly identify small predators at long range (1000+ yards), then zoom out for fast follow-up shots on running targets — a key advantage for predator control.
• The illuminated reticle (10 brightness settings) is perfect for night and low-light predator hunting, with adjustable intensity to match any lighting condition, from moonlit nights to overcast days.
• The shockproof build holds zero perfectly on high-velocity varmint rifles and ELR platforms, even after hundreds of rounds of rapid fire — critical for predator hunters who take multiple shots in a single outing.
Section 3: Final Buying Guide & Verdict
3.1 Who This Scope Is Perfect For
This ED-ELR GEN II 5-40x56 scope is the ideal choice if:
• You are a competitive PRS ELR shooter looking for a premium ED glass FFP scope with precision zero-stop turrets, designed for 1000-1500 yard performance, without the $3000+ price tag of high-end ELR competitors.
• You hunt western big game (bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk) and regularly take shots at 500-1500 yards in mountain and open country terrain — where ELR precision is critical.
• You are an ELR enthusiast or long-range predator hunter who needs consistent clarity and precision across a wide magnification range (5-40x), even at extreme distances.
• You demand a rugged, reliable scope that will hold zero through heavy recoil (.50 BMG, .338 Lapua Mag) and the harshest backcountry conditions, backed by a lifetime warranty.
3.2 Who This Scope Is Not The Best Fit For
This scope is not the right choice if:
• You primarily hunt close-range whitetail deer in thick timber (≤300 yards) — we recommend our DiscoveryOpt ED 3-12x44 for compact, fast-acquisition close-range hunting.
• You want an ultra-lightweight scope for backcountry backpack hunting (under 35oz) — check out our DiscoveryOpt ED 1-8x24 LPVO for lightweight, versatile performance.
• You only shoot short-range targets under 500 yards, and don’t need the 40x high magnification or extreme elevation/windage adjustment for ELR shooting — a lower-magnification scope will be more practical and cost-effective.
3.3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Q: Will this scope hold zero on a .338 Lapua Mag or .50 BMG rifle?
A: Yes — this scope is certified to withstand recoil from both .338 Lapua Mag and .50 BMG rifles. We tested it extensively with both calibers, and it held perfect zero after 1200+ rounds of fire. The shockproof build is engineered specifically for heavy-recoil ELR platforms.
2. Q: What is the zero-stop feature, and why is it important for ELR shooting?
A: The zero-stop turret lets you set a hard stop at your 100-yard (or preferred) zero, so you can quickly dial back to your original zero after long-range shots — even in the dark or high-pressure situations. For ELR shooting, this eliminates the risk of over-traveling your turret and losing your zero, which can be catastrophic at 1000+ yards.
3. Q: What height scope rings do I need for this 56mm objective scope?
A: We recommend extra-high 34mm scope rings for this model, to ensure the 56mm objective bell clears the barrel and rail on most ELR bolt-action rifles and AR-platform ELR builds.
4. Q: Does this scope come with a warranty?
A: Yes, all DiscoveryOpt ED series scopes (including the ED-ELR GEN II) come with our lifetime warranty, covering any manufacturing defects for the life of the scope. Our US/EU-based customer service team is always here to help with any issues or questions.
5. Q: What is included in the box with this scope?
A: The package includes the ED-ELR GEN II 5-40x56 scope, sunshade, lens cleaning cloth, cleaning pen, user manual (English/German/French/Spanish), warranty card, QC card, and lens caps.
3.4 Final Verdict: Is The DiscoveryOpt ED-ELR GEN II 5-40x56 Worth It In 2026?
After 4 months of field testing, 1200+ rounds of live fire, and side-by-side comparisons with competing ELR scopes that cost $1500+ more, our verdict is clear: the DiscoveryOpt ED-ELR GEN II 5-40x56 is the best value ELR scope on the market in 2026.
It delivers on every promise of premium ED glass for ELR shooting: zero chromatic aberration, exceptional 1500-yard clarity, industry-leading low-light performance, and 95% light transmission even at 40x high magnification. The precision zero-stop turrets, 34mm tube, and FFP reticle give you all the professional-grade features you need for competitive PRS ELR shooting and extreme long-range hunting, while the rugged IP68 build and .50 BMG recoil rating ensure it will last you decades of hard use.
If you’re looking for a no-compromise ELR scope that outperforms premium competitors at a fraction of the price, the ED-ELR GEN II 5-40x56 is our top recommendation for 2026.
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