Overview: A Premium Optic for Serious Shooters
The Valdada Recon G2 4.8-30x56 FFP MIL Illuminated SF Rifle Scope is a highly regarded optic in the world of long-range precision shooting. Crafted for those who demand both optical clarity and rugged performance, this scope delivers a superior combination of features that shooters need for precision, whether it's in tactical applications, long-range competitions, or hunting.
While Valdada has built its reputation on providing exceptional quality, the Recon G2 stands out with its robust construction, crystal-clear glass, and intuitive controls. It comes with a MIL/MIL reticle that complements the high-precision adjustments, ensuring accurate shot placement from moderate to extreme distances.

Optical Performance: Brilliant Clarity and Precision at Every Range
The Recon G2 features a 4.8-30x magnification range, giving shooters the flexibility to engage targets both near and far. The German Schott Optical Glass paired with Japanese ED glass is what truly sets this scope apart. The image quality remains bright, sharp, and true-to-color across the full magnification spectrum. This ensures you can clearly see your target and maintain precision throughout the zoom range.
- Edge-to-edge clarity: The scope delivers consistent clarity even at the highest magnifications (up to 30x), with minimal distortion and no chromatic aberration.
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Light transmission: With multi-coated lenses, the Recon G2 offers superior light transmission, ensuring maximum brightness even in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk.
Reticle: Streamlined, Functional, and Well-Designed
A Focused Approach with MIL/MIL Simplicity
The Recon G2 offers one reticle choice—the MIL system—designed for precise, long-range shooting. While this may seem limited compared to scopes with multiple reticle options, the MIL design is an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize accuracy, simplicity, and ease of use in the field. Here's a closer look at what makes the reticle so effective:
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First Focal Plane (FFP) Design
The First Focal Plane ensures that the reticle's subtensions (the reference marks for holdovers, windage, and range estimation) remain accurate at every magnification level. Whether you're zoomed in at 4.8x or all the way up to 30x, the reticle’s markings stay consistent, making it ideal for both short-range and long-range applications. This is a crucial feature for shooters who need precision at varying distances without worrying about the changing size of their reticle. -
MIL-based Measurement SystemMIL (milliradian) adjustments are a favorite among precision shooters due to their simplicity and effectiveness. The Recon G2’s MIL reticle pairs perfectly with its MIL/MIL turrets, making windage and elevation corrections intuitive and fast. The clean and well-marked reticle allows shooters to make rapid adjustments on the fly, which is particularly useful during timed competitions or tactical engagements.
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Illuminated Center Dot
The illuminated center dot is a standout feature, offering visibility in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or in shaded environments. With 11 brightness settings, the illumination can be fine-tuned to match your environment, ensuring that the center dot is visible against both light and dark backgrounds. This is especially useful when engaging moving targets or in situations with variable lighting conditions.
Why the MIL Reticle Works So Well
Though it’s a single reticle choice, the MIL reticle is designed with precision shooting in mind. Here’s why it’s perfect for long-range engagement:
- No Overcomplication: Some shooters may prefer a reticle with more features (such as Christmas tree designs with additional holdovers), but the Recon G2’s simple MIL reticle keeps things straightforward without compromising on accuracy. It’s easy to read and effective for both elevation and windage corrections.
- Accurate Range Estimation: The MIL system is universally used for range estimation and making precise adjustments. The clean, minimalistic design of the reticle avoids unnecessary clutter, allowing for quick reference points while maintaining focus on the target.
- Versatility Across Distances: Whether you’re shooting at 100 yards or beyond 1,000 yards, the reticle is designed to adapt to various ranges. The subtensions remain consistent at all zoom levels, allowing shooters to use the reticle effectively at all magnifications.
While the Recon G2 may not offer multiple reticle designs, the MIL FFP reticle is ideal for shooters looking for precision and clarity, whether you're engaging in competitions, tactical operations, or hunting.
Precision Turrets and Adjustments: A Tactical Shooter’s Dream
The Recon G2 features highly responsive MIL turrets, offering 0.1 MIL per click for fine and accurate adjustments. These turrets provide tactile feedback, ensuring that each click is distinct and audible—perfect for those who need precise elevation and windage changes under pressure.
Turret Specifications:
- Click Value: 0.1 MIL per click for fine adjustments.
- Total Elevation Adjustment: 42 MIL (150 MOA), which gives shooters ample adjustment range for extreme distances.
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Total Windage Adjustment: 30 MIL (108 MOA), ideal for correcting wind at extended ranges.
Durability and Build Quality: Rugged, Reliable, and Built to Last
The Recon G2 is built with a 34mm single-piece aluminum tube, ensuring maximum durability and strength. It’s designed to endure harsh environments and high recoil, making it suitable for heavy-duty calibers and extreme conditions.
- Waterproof: Fully sealed internals to prevent moisture from entering the scope.
- Fogproof: Nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging, even in rapid temperature changes.
- Shockproof: Rated to withstand high recoil from powerful rifles, including magnum calibers.
At 43 ounces (2.69 lbs), the Recon G2 is slightly on the heavier side, but its build quality justifies the weight. It is a robust optic that can handle extreme use and still perform at the highest levels.

Price and Value: High-End Features Without the Extreme Cost
Priced around £3,000, the Valdada Recon G2 is positioned in the premium market segment, but when compared to other high-end optics like those from Schmidt & Bender or Nightforce, the Recon G2 offers outstanding value for money. The combination of German and Japanese optics, MIL/MIL precision adjustments, and rugged construction make it a competitive option in this price range.
Price Comparison:
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Valdada Recon G2: £3,000
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Schmidt & Bender PM II 5-25x56: £3,500+
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Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56: £3,700+
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Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56: £2,700
Conclusion: A Precision Scope That Delivers
While the Valdada Recon G2 4.8-30x56 FFP MIL Illuminated SF Rifle Scope may not offer a wide selection of reticle choices, the MIL/MIL FFP design is a powerful and practical choice for serious shooters. Its simple, accurate, and effective reticle combined with exceptional optical performance and durability makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for precision and reliability at long ranges.
For those who value precision, simplicity, and durability, the Recon G2 is a top-tier optic that excels in providing exceptional value without the exorbitant price tag of other high-end brands.