Element Optics Titan 3-18 x 50 FFP MIL
- By Chris Parkin
- Last updated: 01/11/2022
I first used the Titan in 5-25x format last year, so the arrival of the 3-18x reinvigorated my delight with this optic. They are available MOA or MRAD and this is the latter, so suited my preferences perfectly. Opening the box shows a smooth, yet still matte hard anodised scope with no likelihood of dragging every dusty skin particle from your hands and fingers whilst operating it. There is a 76mm sunshade, cleaning cloth and some rubber lens caps that stretch over the scope, as well as flipup caps for both objective and ocular lenses. Element supply a throw lever to speed up magnification change and a detailed instruction manual explaining all the functional capabilities of the scope and reticle as well. The scope’s 34mm tube sets the ball rolling and I mounted the scope to CZ LRP for my favourite multi-range shooting that excises the dialling capabilities of any scope.
There is 70mm in front and 65mm of tube space to the rear of the saddle to site your rings, optimising position for the scope’s 102mm eye relief on your rifle’s action. The right side windage dial offers 5 MRAD (50 clicks) in either direction from the centre zero point, and once dialled in for your rifle, the outer knurled cap can be removed. Then, the marker dial can be lifted off and slotted back in place on the splined shaft for long-term repetition of where ‘middle’ is on your gun. There is an underside vernier scale which will indicate your overall position in the adjustment range if you go past one full rotation.
The elevation turret up top works similarly, rotating anti-clockwise to add elevation with 100 clicks (10 MRAD) per revolution. Once set up on your rifle, remove the cap the same as the windage to mark the zero position. You also have the option of setting the zero stop too. Overall mechanical elevation travel is 43.6 MRAD or 150 MOA, depending on which version of the scope you choose. Windage is 14.5 MRAD or 50 MOA. Once zeroed at 50m, I had a remaining 24.5 MRAD of upward dialling capability and set some negative of 2 MRAD as preferred. The clicks are all gently audible and fully tactile, with easy function and little likelihood of overrun.
Parallax correction on the left side turret can be dialled from infinity to below 10m. This is a huge benefit for rimfire shooters and especially airgunners needing full functionality of the magnification range at short distances. The dial is backlash-free and smooth, allowing a crisp focus of the scope’s ultimate resolution capability.
Illumination is controlled on the extreme left outer dial beyond the parallax, with 6 intensity settings punctuated by ‘off’ positions. There is no automation so don’t forget to switch it off when you are finished. The CR2032 battery is easily replaced under the screwcap with a similar knurled rim for grip. No tools are required.
The first focal plane (FFP) reticle within has all four directions illuminated - 6 mils above centre, 20 below and 10 left and right of centre. As well as improved contrast for any light condition, this makes the scope more versatile if you use night vision add-ons. Plus, being FFP also means you can use low magnification without straining to see where it actually is in contrast to the background field of view.
The lower stadia on this APR-2D MRAD reticle also shows a Christmas tree-like pattern with multiple aim-off marks for windage correction, as well as the elevation options. All dimensions are clearly described in the manual. The reticle is sparkle-free regardless of intensity and remains static in crisp focus throughout the magnification range once the ocular is correctly adjusted for your own eye.
The magnification is controlled in a 180º sweep clockwise from 3-18x. The collar itself has grippy knurling, yet as is becoming increasingly common, a grub screw in the collar can be removed and replaced with an 11mm throw lever to aid control at speed.
The ocular body is a parallel 45.2mm diameter, so suitable for add-ons with the flush-fitting fast focus eyepiece at the very rear. I chose to set this up and then fit the flip-up caps, as they are harder to lose than rubber caps in my experience.
The build quality is extremely good, with no untoward internal noise from the mechanics and exemplary finishing standards to all aluminium surfaces, before and during anodising.
The Titan has been a straightforward project. Element set out to take their 5x magnification range Titan scope, more dedicated to target use, and broaden its appeal with lower magnification and a 6x zoom range for a broader group of shooters, specifically hunters wanting the benefits of FFP and the adaptability of illumination with a broader field of view.
For a sub £700 scope, Element has struck a fine balance between obvious mechanics, whilst retaining subtle optical capability and decent image resolution, contrast and colouration. The exit pupil remains above 2.7mm at even the highest magnification, and with 16.6mm at 3x, makes for a very inviting space, allowing generous freedom of movement in more time-critical scenarios, especially when tracking a moving target or trying to home in on distant quarry from an awkward position.
This is a good scope that offers one of the best optic/mechanical balances without excessive marketing hype. Adjustments are precise, the mechanics feel high quality and the honest image quality is well balanced for relaxed sighting. Fair capability in poor light was very welcome and the platinum lifetime warranty is also an attractive aspect of Titan ownership, offering significant peace of mind at an attractive price.