Konus Pro F-30 4-16 x 52 FFP

The Italian brand, Konus has a varied range of models aimed across the disciplines. On show here is a bold piece of optical design, in the shape of the Konuspro F-30 4-16X52 FFP, where FFP denotes First Focal Plane.

To boldly go

OK, we’re borrowing Captain Kirk’s famous split infinitive here, but first impressions once the oversized protective box is relieved of its cargo is of a chunky and robust piece of hardware that looks purposeful and well-appointed. Inside the box, there are flip-up friction-fit lens caps, along with a 4” screw-on sunshade, lens cloth and instructions.

This model sports a 30mm body tube and that unusual 52mm objective, which means there’s plenty of lightgathering property in action.

Ballistic reticle

Mounting any sizeable scope needs consideration for the dimensions, and with the Konus all safely bolted in place, using suitably high mounts to accommodate that objective bell, my first job was to play with the rear ocular dioptre, to set the reticle in crisp focus with the object. This was achieved in seconds, so I pushed the rear lens cap gently back into position, taking care not to turn the focus from my desired setting.

The reticle used for this scope is engraved onto the glass, which makes it far more robust than wire designs.

As for the design itself, termed the Ballistic 550 reticle, it is so-called due to the bottom line being the aim point for apparently the most popular centrefire ammunition loads at that distance. They are as always, reference points, and where airgun use is concerned, I have to say the reticle stadia falls really well for our usual target distances up to 50 odd yards.

I love the design to be honest, with its Christmas Tree style ascending windage and elevation points, and a very precise central floating hollow dot. Fancy using the illumination feature, then a small coin style CR2025 or equivalent battery needs to be inserted into the top of the rheostat knob. This initially proved stiff to turn, but a coin in the slot did the trick.

Illumination is offered in five stages of brightness, in either red or blue, and this is super subtle, with just the very centre dot lighting up, with no glare whatsoever. Control via the rheostat is neat and easy, plus with a 45º offset, it’s ergonomic, falling just that bit more easily to the hand in the heat of the moment.

First Focal Plane means when the magnification is increased, so the reticle increases in size. The proportions and relationship of the aim points all effectively stay the same, irrespective of the magnification selected, which will suit many shooters, but not others. Bracketing isn’t possible, but it all depends on personal approach and how to wish to view the target. I initially dialled to 9x using the super smooth selector for the set-up stage, just as I spend most of my time shooting on this mag, so all looks familiar. Dialling to the full 16x, and clarity still impresses.

The parallax correction dial on the left side also turns reassuringly smoothly and was initially set to just under 30 yards in order to give me clarity at an average distance. Incidentally, distances are clearly marked on the left parallax correction dial as 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200 and 500 yards, then out to infinity.

Zero hours?

Zeroing this scope proved really easy since the POI wasn’t that far out from the off, which is always encouraging. Turrets are of the push/pull lockable variety, so pull up to open the mechanism, then twist to the desired amount, and lock them off again by simply pushing them closed. The click movement is satisfying, positive and audible, but the pushdown lock wasn’t that positive, so if I was using this optic for serious tasks, I would mark up a definite point of zero on the turret, in order to check whether anything had moved from the setting. Over the course of my test, shots tracked reliably and as for the image quality, it’s hard to fault. Multi-coated lenses are cited in the spec sheet and with a bright vivid image as well as edge to edge sharpness on offer, I had no reason to question the technical blurb.

One point of interest with this Konus is the way the picture has a small flat section at the base. Look closely here, and there’s a small spirit level inset, intended to keep everything on the level and eradicate the problem of cant, where the shooter unwittingly holds the gun so the scope leans over to one side. The theory’s good, but to be honest, in practice, we can’t use a level in HFT, but where you can use one, in real-world hunting, I would be tempted to fit my own - either bolted to the dovetails or scope mounted, as so many FT shooters do. It’s a nice touch, and yes it works, but the integral level here isn’t always easy to see.

Solid performer

Overall, it has to be a big thumbs up for this model, which is primarily aimed at the hunting sector of the market, and with all the usual guarantees listed - waterproof, shockproof, fog-proof, and nitrogen filled, these scopes bring peace of mind, as well as a versatile specification. At 27 odd ounces, it’s a significant weight to add to any combo and that is always something to bear in mind. But there’s a pleasing level of finish and an air of quality that belies the asking price.