Alpex Lite vs Alpex 4K: Do You Really Need Both?

With the launch of the new Alpex Lite, you might be wondering: do we still need the full-sized Alpex 4K? And is the Lite version just a gimmick?

The short answers: yes, the full-sized Alpex 4K still has a place, and no, the Lite is definitely not just a gimmick. Really, it all comes down to how you plan to use your scope and what kind of setup feels right for you.

The original Alpex 4K has been a fan favourite since day one, and it’s easy to see why. It’s packed with features that make it an incredibly effective tool for both shooting and hunting. Whether you’re out in the field or at the range, this scope delivers the performance and versatility that serious shooters rely on.

The original Alpex 4K, not the very first Alpex but the first 4K version, really set the bar. It delivered excellent image quality and was one of the first digital scopes to offer a genuinely usable zoom range. Pair it with a high-powered IR illuminator and you’ve got a setup that quickly earned a reputation as the go-to choice for foxing.

It didn’t stop there though. Plenty of deer stalkers also found it ideal, particularly in those tricky low-light conditions at dawn and dusk. Reliable, clear, and adaptable, the Alpex 4K proved itself as a real workhorse in the field.

So, why bring out the Alpex Lite at all? Good question. Everything we’ve talked about so far has focused on centrefire shooting, and there’s a reason for that. The original Alpex didn’t quite catch on with rimfire and air rifle shooters.

Why not? In a word: weight. The original Alpex LRF weighs around 1.2 kg and is pretty front-heavy. That isn’t ideal for lighter setups or when you want a fast-handling rat gun. That’s where the Alpex Lite comes in.

The Alpex Lite weighs just 474g without the external battery and is only 280mm long, making it a seriously compact bit of kit. It uses the same 4K sensor as the original, but the design has been fine-tuned specifically with air rifles and rimfires in mind.

How? For starters, the controls have been simplified, with all the buttons conveniently placed together on top of the selection turret. The whole unit has a much smaller footprint too, which is ideal for more compact setups.

It also features a shorter eye relief, allowing you to mount it further back. That’s great news if you’re working with limited rail space. Just keep in mind that this makes it less suitable for rifles with heavier recoil.

The Alpex Lite isn’t here to replace the full-sized Alpex 4K. It’s here to complement it. If you’re running a centrefire setup and want top-tier performance in low light, complete with all the bells and whistles, the original Alpex 4K remains the go-to choice. But if you’re looking for something lighter, more compact, and tailored for rimfire or air rifle use, the Alpex Lite hits the mark perfectly.

Ultimately, it’s not about which one is better. It’s about what’s right for you and your shooting style. Whether you go full-sized or Lite, you’re getting a scope built for the job.