What’s the real difference – and which one should you choose?

At first glance, the HIKMicro Alpex A50EL and Alpex Lite A40EL look almost identical on paper. Both are 4K digital day & night rifle scopes, both feature a built-in laser rangefinder (LRF) and ballistic calculator, and both are rated to handle serious recoil.

So why is one much larger and heavier than the other – and does it actually matter?

This guide breaks down the real differences so you can choose the right scope for your rifle and style of shooting.

What’s the same on both scopes

Before diving into the differences, it’s important to understand that these two scopes share the same core technology.

Both the Alpex A50EL and Alpex Lite A40EL feature:

• 4K CMOS sensor (3840 × 2160)

• 1920 × 1080 OLED display

• Built-in laser rangefinder (LRF)

• Integrated ballistic calculator

• 30mm tube format (fits standard scope mounts)

• 1000g recoil rating (suitable for centrefire rifles)

• IP67 waterproof rating

In terms of image quality, recoil resistance, and core shooting features, they are far closer than many people expect.

The key differences that actually matter

1. Objective lens & light control

Alpex A50EL

• 50mm objective lens

• Adjustable aperture (F1.2–F2.5)

Alpex Lite A40EL

• 40mm objective lens

• Fixed F2.0 aperture

What this means:

The A50EL’s larger lens and adjustable aperture give you more control over exposure, especially in mixed or difficult lighting. The A40EL Lite keeps things simple, prioritising compactness and ease of use.

2. Size & weight (the biggest difference)

This is where the two scopes feel completely different.

• A50EL: approx. 1176g

• A40EL Lite: approx. 474g

That’s less than half the weight.

If you’re running a lightweight stalking rifle or spending long periods on foot, the Lite model dramatically improves balance and handling.

3. Field of view & close-range usability

• A50EL field of view: 15.3m @ 100m

• A40EL Lite field of view: 18.7m @ 100m

Minimum focus distance:

• A50EL: 10m

• A40EL Lite: 2m

The Lite offers a noticeably wider field of view and much better close-range performance, making it ideal for woodland stalking and pest control.

4. Frame rate options

• A50EL: 50Hz

• A40EL Lite: 50Hz (4K) or 100Hz (1080p)

If you prefer ultra-smooth image movement, the Lite’s 100Hz mode is a big bonus.

5. Magnification range

• A50EL: 3.5× – 28×

• A40EL Lite: 3.5× – 20.5×

The A50EL clearly leans more toward longer-range shooting, while the Lite stays focused on practical, real-world distances.

6. Eye relief

• A50EL: 55mm

• A40EL Lite: 45mm

Extra eye relief on the A50EL can be more comfortable on harder-recoiling calibres.

7. Battery life & storage

• Battery life:

  • A50EL: up to 11 hours

  • A40EL Lite: up to 7 hours

   

• Internal storage:

  • A50EL: 64GB

  • A40EL Lite: 32GB

8. Laser rangefinder minimum distance

• A50EL: 10m

• A40EL Lite: 3m

The Lite is better suited to close-range ranging in woodland environments.

So… which one should you buy?

Choose the HIKMICRO Alpex A50EL if:

• You prioritise longer-range shooting

• You want a larger objective lens and adjustable aperture

• You prefer higher magnification and longer battery life

• Your rifle setup can comfortably handle the extra weight

Choose the HIKMICRO Alpex Lite A40EL if:

• You want the same 4K sensor, LRF, and ballistic calculator in a lighter package

• You mainly shoot in woodland or mixed terrain

• Rifle balance and handling matter to you

• You like the option of a smoother 100Hz mode

Final thoughts

These scopes aren’t “better and worse” – they’re built for slightly different shooters.

The A50EL is a powerful, feature-rich optic designed for distance and flexibility.

The A40EL Lite delivers almost the same performance in a far more compact, rifle-friendly format.

If you’re still unsure which is right for your setup, feel free to contact the A1 Decoy team – we use this kit ourselves and are always happy to help you choose the right optic for your rifle and terrain.