DDoptics Nighteagle V6 5-30x50 NFX, DDMP 5-30x56 and DDMP 4-40x50: a detailed test of three riflescopes from the German optics specialist

According to the company, the DDoptics riflescopes presented here are developed in Germany, manufactured in Japan and finally assembled back home, i.e. at the company headquarters in Chemnitz. This inspires confidence, because apart from the top-of-the-line optics manufactured in German-speaking countries by the usual suspects, Japan is a leading country of origin for riflescopes. DDoptics is so convinced of the quality of its riflescopes that it offers a 30-year warranty.

DDoptics DDMP long-range scope

DDMP stands for "DDoptics Match Precision" and the two models DDMP 5-30x56 and DDMP 4-40x50 are available in either MOA or MRAD versions. The MRAD versions were available to us for test purposes. It is interesting to note that the DDMP V6 in 5-30x56 is equipped with a "tac-A" reticle in the first focal plane and the DDMP V10 in 4-40x50 with a similar reticle, albeit in the second focal plane. Reticles mounted in the first focal plane currently dominate long-range shooting. This means that the size of the reticle changes in relation to the change in magnification, which makes it possible to reliably estimate the distance. The reticle should not cover too much of the target at high magnifications and still have clear crosshairs at low magnifications. The long-range capable "tac-A" reticle provides sufficient information and is transparent enough not to cover too much of the target.

With the V10 4-40x50, the hash marks in the reticle subtend the values specified by the manufacturer only at the specific magnification. With the V10, this is 10x. The central aiming point subtends a diameter of 1 cm at 100 meters. The small intermediate hash marks correspond to 5 cm and the crosshair line thickness is 0.4 cm. We find the open area around the aiming point very good, at least 4.5 cm in each direction (5 cm from the center). Logically, the spacing between the hash marks is half as large at 20x magnification and at 40x magnification it is only a quarter of the dimensions given for 10x magnification. One-millimeter lines and a 2.5-mm dot – that is already very fine. With the V6 5-30x56 with reticle in the first focal plane, the spacing between the hash marks and the other marks always remains the same, regardless of the magnification you select. For example, the distance between two hash marks remains 5 cm at 100 meters. If the distance is doubled, the 5 cm becomes 10 cm and so on. Using the hash marks in the reticle, and depending on the distance and a little calculation (ballistics app), the shooter can thus determine the correct holdover. So if another target is aimed at a different distance and time is short, you don't need to tediously adjust the turret; instead, the aiming point can be selected directly in the reticle, and the target can be hit immediately.

Optical performance of the riflescopes from DDoptics

In terms of resolution, both DDMP riflescopes perform very well; the Mark 5 HD riflescopes from Leupold, for example, would be a tad better, but then you are also in a different price range. The 5-30x56 is slightly better in terms of resolution and contrast than the 4-40x50 with a tenfold zoom factor and gigantic magnification range from 4x to 40x. However, such top performance also has one or two disadvantages. Apart from a small exit pupil at high magnification, according to the manufacturer there is a limitation at long distances over 1,000 meters.

If the reticle is adjusted at the extreme edge of the scope's range, the resolution is no longer sufficient for 40x magnification due to technical reasons. According to DDoptics, it would be better to turn down the magnification to 20x. It's good that the manufacturer is honest about this. With large adjustment ranges, starting from about 270 cm/100 m, optical resolution often decreases. The reason? The inner tube of the riflescope is adjusted so that the light path runs through the scope at a slight angle. This means that you no longer see through the center of the objective lens, but more through the peripheral area. Logically, this reduces the sharpness. For this reason, a canted mount is always recommended for long range. The straighter the light path through the lens, the better the performance. As an experiment, we aimed at a target at a distance of 1,800 meters at maximum elevation with 40x magnification and found that the target was out of focus. With 20x magnification, the image sharpness increased. Significantly better image sharpness was also achieved when the 40x magnification was maintained but the elevation setting was reduced by 60 clicks.

Eyebox & field of view: DDoptics DDMP 4-40x50 and 5-30x56

Particularly in dynamic long-range competitions such as the Precision Rifle Series, or PRS for short, you want to be able to observe bullet impacts even in the event of misses so that you can correct them as quickly as possible. This means maintaining the sight picture despite recoil. Excessive recoil, especially when combined with a small exit pupil, makes this task difficult. That's why you don't see heavy calibers in the PRS, but you do see heavy rifles equipped with suppressors or muzzle brakes. Furthermore, shooting depends on individual skill and requires a suitable magnification and resulting exit pupil. At 15x magnification, the DDMP 5-30x56 has an exit pupil of 3.9 mm, whereas the V10 DDMP 4-40x50 offers 3.1 mm at 16x magnification. The V10's magnification ring lacks a 15x marking, but this would only slightly affect the exit pupil. The 56x objective lens offers added value here, as larger lens diameters always result in a larger exit pupil at the same magnification and with the same design features.

Turrets & adjustment range

The three test scopes feature easy-to-grip adjustment turrets for consistently reliable adjustments, and we verified their mechanical repeatability. Both DDMP models have 100 clicks per full 360-degree revolution, with no dead clicks and no other issues. The DDMP turrets have a diameter of 42 mm, resulting in 1.2 mm spacing between the markings. Everything is cleanly marked and functions reliably, which also applies to the parallax adjustment and reticle illumination. The DDMPs can be zeroed by loosening three grub screws and removing the turret. A familiar, tried and tested system is used to set the zero-stop function: first remove the turret, then loosen the black adjustment disc and turn it so that the two stop pins are aligned. Tighten the three grub screws and mount the turret in the "-0-" or "-5-" position as required – done. The elevation adjustment range is specified as 332 (DDMP 4-40x50) and 300 clicks (DDMP 5-30x56). Our measurements, taken in the same order, yielded 334 and 287 clicks, respectively. The DDMP 5-30x56 therefore did not reach the specified value, but the overall range, especially with a canted mount, should be sufficient for all relevant applications.

Reticle illumination of the scopes from DDoptics

When switched on, the rotary switch gives a gentle "click", after which the intensity of the illuminated dot increases continuously. The markings from 1 to 11 serve as a setting reminder. The brightness of the DDMP riflescopes starts like a firefly in the darkest night and is also sufficient in daylight if the target is not brightly lit. At 80 meters, we aimed at a white, sunlit area; the illuminated dot was too dim for this task. To be on the safe side, we replaced the battery with a fresh source of energy. Now the illuminated dot was a little brighter, but still not strong enough.

DDoptics Nighteagle V6 5-30x50 NFX

The mil-dot reticle of this high-performance scope is not well-suited for sporting purposes, making it more of a long-range hunting riflescope. The thicker crosshairs of the reticle located in the second focal plane already cover 5 mm at 30x magnification. At lower magnification, for example 15x, the crosshairs cover 1 cm at 100 meters. The spacing between the dots takes some getting used to. Normally it is 5 cm per 100 meters, here it is just under 4 cm at 30x magnification. In terms of resolution and contrast, the more affordable Nighteagle is not on a par with the DDMP riflescopes. Nevertheless, the riflescope still has a lot to offer with a six-fold magnification, good to satisfactory optical quality and a larger field of view. The Nighteagle's field of view of 8 meters at 5x magnification is better than the field of view of the DDMP 5-30x56 (6.67 meters). It also easily wins at 30x magnification (1.32 meters compared to 1.14 meters). These are very good values.

This means that the Nighteagle also compares favorably with other manufacturers. With a full turret revolution, the Nighteagle offers 50 clicks of adjustment, resulting in relatively coarse clicks with 1.7 mm intervals. Unintentional adjustments are virtually impossible. This riflescope can also be zeroed, and we find the simple yet rugged zero-stop function of the Nighteagle almost ingenious. Simply loosen the small clamping screw, turn the ring up to below the turret, tighten the screw very gently, turn the turret up a few clicks and tighten the screw with care. Caution: the screw is very small, so don't apply too much force! The tested total adjustment range of the elevation turret mechanism was also perfect at 271 compared to 270 clicks (manufacturer's specifications). At maximum brightness, the Nighteagle's reticle illumination was so intense that it significantly overpowered the illuminated dot. The white surface posed no problem at all. The illumination of all the DDoptics riflescopes tested worked well, but it didn't offer automatic switch-off or any sensors. However, DDoptics can supply a riflescope with an "IFiber Control" motion sensor and automatic on/off control as an option.

Technical data of the DDoptics Long Range riflescopes

Conclusion: DDoptics DDMP V10 4-40x50 LR, DDMP V6 5-30x56 LR and Nighteagle V6 5-30x50 NFX

Even though the enormous 40x magnification of the DDMP V10 is impressive, we particularly liked the DDMP V6 in 5-30x56 with sufficient magnification for long-range use. Optically, it is a little better than the 4-40x50 and we also like the more generous exit pupil due to the larger objective lens diameter. However, we would then opt for the MOA version with finer click adjustment of 3.8 mm/100 m and finer reticle spacings of 3 cm instead of 5 cm. The Nighteagle riflescope impresses above all with its large field of view of 1.32 m at 30x magnification. There are not many competitors that can achieve this. All three DDoptics scopes impress with a very balanced price/performance ratio. The DDMP V6 with 30x magnification costs €1,899, the DDMP V10 with 40x magnification €1,799 and the Nighteagle €1,129. If we then take the 30-year guarantee into account, you can't really go wrong with these riflescopes.

Further information on the riflescopes tested can be obtained directly from the DDoptics website.