By Paul Markel

“VooDoo” is a complex of African diasporic religions with roots in West Africa, particularly among the Fon people. It encompasses a diverse range of practices and beliefs, often characterized by syncretism with other religions like Catholicism. Voodoo is not a single, unified religion but rather a family of related traditions found in various parts of the world, including Haiti, Louisiana, and parts of the Caribbean.

“VUDU” is the combination of engineering and manufacturing magic that EOTECH. puts into their premium line of rifle scopes. The new VUDU X or “X-ray” line, if you want to be phonetic, are rifle scopes with high end features that are priced more affordably, not cheap.

VUDU X 2-12x40 SFP

Released officially around quarter two of 2024, the VUDU X line of optics currently has two units in the stable; a 1-6x24 LPVO and a 2-12x40 SFP. Today we are going to focus on the 2-12x40 SFP.

SFP stands for second focal plane which translates to the reticle remaining a consistent size as you dial the magnification up or down. Some might ask which is better; a first focal plane or second focal plane scope? Not to be dismissive, but the answer to that question lies in what you plan to do with the rifle/scope combination.

From a general standpoint, hunters tend to gravitate toward the SFP, particularly when using a ballistic drop compensator reticle also known colloquially as a “holdover reticle.” Those who engage in long or extremely long distance shooting — military and competition shooters — tend to favor the FFP style.

We could have a conversation about what actually constitutes “long range” but that subject tends to be very…subjective. For instance, if you live in the eastern United States and your local range only has berms that go out to 100 yards, getting the opportunity to shoot a target at 300 yards might feel like long range to you.

If your training range goes out to 1000 yards or even 1500, then shots under 500 yards don’t really seem that far.

Folks out west, in places like Wyoming like to say that long range doesn’t start until you get past 400. Regardless, when you’re choosing a rifle scope, the first thing you need to do is have an honest conversation with yourself and consider just what you plan to do with it.

Specifications

The 2-12x40 VUDU X model is available with either the DP1 or BD1 illuminated reticle choices. The 2-12x model that I had on hand to review had the BD1 reticle. The Ballistic Drop hold overs are calculated at 2, 4, 6 and 8 MOA. There are tick marks on the horizontal reticle line to aid you with wind holds. Both reticle choices will be illuminated with 10 brightness settings that use a single 2032 battery.

The “40” in the scope name refers to the 40mm objective lens and the scope tube is 30mm. Construction is a high-strength, aircraft grade aluminum. It’s interesting to me as someone who has been shooting scoped rifles for well over thirty years now how 1-inch scope bodies used to be the standard and now it seems that 30mm has largely taken over with 34 and 35mm being the “high end” for competition or tactical use. It was not that long ago that 30mm was considered the “tactical” choice.

This optic has a traditional style windage and elevation setting of 0.25 or ¼ MOA adjustments. There is a parallax adjustment knob on the left side, opposite the windage knob. The adjustments are “internal” not “external" and the adjustment knobs are recessed and capped. Total MOA adjustability is 80.

The 2-12x40 model weighs in at 21.1 ounces and has an overall length of 12.6 inches. As with the 1-6x model, the magnification ring is located on the focal lens and has a removable, quick throw lever included. For fine tuning the optic to your eye, the 2-12x has an ocular lens as you would expect.

Also, as you would expect from a rifle scope with VUDU in the name, the lenses are crystal clear and are coated to reduce glare and minimize fogging. The scope comes with front and rear flip-up lens caps, an operator's manual, lens cleaning cloth, the aforementioned throw lever, and a 2032 battery.

I have been using this 2-12x40 VUDU X scope for a little over a year now, first on an AR-10 and most recently on a 5.56mm NATO bolt gun. It has performed brilliantly. At this writing I can wholeheartedly recommend and endorse this scope.

VUDU X is by no circumstances a cheap or entry-level scope line, but it does have many of the premium features found on the professional grade VUDU optics that have been embraced by shooters, both tactical and competition, who are serious about their rifles. If you are serious about your rifle shooting, these are well worth a closer look.

Paul G. Markel is the founder of Student the Gun University and has been teaching Small Arms & Tactics to military personnel, police officers, and citizens for over three decades. He is the author of numerous books and is a combat decorated United States Marine veteran.