Read more at Zeiss: https://www.zeiss.com/sports-optics/en_us/hunting/riflescopes/victory-riflescopes/victory-v8-riflescopes.html#models%23position-4
There’s a whole lane of optics makers at SHOT Show every year that bring everything they’ve got to the show. I’ve never been anywhere else where you can put your hands on every imaginable option. For those of us who appreciate good glass, it can be a bit awe inspiring. My favorite of the high end optics makers is Zeiss. The craftsmanship that goes into these optics is reason enough to wax poetic about the brand.
The over-sized turrets on the V8 series makes dialing in minute changes easy.
But you can’t come to the SHOT Show and brag–you have to bring something new. And Zeiss is introducing the Victory V8 line of scopes.
What makes the line unique is the availability of a pin-point red dot right in the center of the traditional cross-hairs. And the red dot has both variable power settings and an auto-on and auto-off feature. The video above actually captures it fairly well. When you have the scope in motion, or leveled up on target, the red dot stays illuminated. When you tilt the gun down, or rest it for long periods of time, it shuts off. Imagine being in a tree stand and reaching for the rifle. Move it, even subtly, and the light illuminates. But that’s not all.
They’re also offering nine different ballistic rings with the scopes, and a certificate for a 10th–fully customized to your specifications. They’re including mounting rings in the box, and an over-sized throw lever for rapid magnification changes. In short, the Victory V-8 offers everything you need for ease of use, fast target acquisition, and custom ballistic precision.
The clarity of the glass is impossible to capture through a camera.
I can see the auto-on feature being useful. It would preserve battery life. And this about that reflex shot you may want to take, especially at close range, on an animal during a stalk hunt. Or how many times have you given up on a hunt, climbed down from the tree, only to flush a deer on your way back to camp? Now in those early or late hours, you can have the advantage of a red dot for rapid targeting, without the hassle of fumbling with a dial to cut the light on.
We tested the on/off feature on the show floor, and it works as advertised. When combined with the integrity Zeiss’s scopes are known for, and the clarity of their glass (92% light transmission), this looks like an impressive line that has just about everyone covered. The 1-8 x 30 would be ideal on a sub-MOA AR-15. The 4.8-35 x 56? That’s way out of my league. I’ve put up the specs for the 1.8-14×50, which was my favorite from the group, below. Prices should start around $2,600 and stay under $3,000 on the high-end.
The V8 series will include these models.
- Victory V8 1-8 x 30
- Victory V8 1.8-14 x 50
- Victory V8 2.8-20 x 56
- Victory V8 4.8-35 x 56
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The scopes are also compact. This is an added benefit for those who value weight reduction and easy carrying.
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I wish I could afford a Zeiss Scope. I did have occasion to look through one and is REALLY no comparison to any other scope I own or looked through! I guess I am stuck with Champagne Taste and Poor mans’ beer money! But I can DREAM Can’t I??
I wish scope makers would make real, compact rifle scopes. Anything with a 50mm objective would not fit my definition of “compact”, but I suppose it’s all relative. A leupold 2-7×33 is “compact” in my book. Or a 2.5x fxii.
The Zeiss lens on cameras makes most other optical glass manufacturers look like amateurs. I have always wanted to own a Zeiss rifle scope but the darn things were too pricey while I was still supporting a family and paying for the mortgage.
I am not rich by any definition but my finances have caught up to my Cadillac appetite. I think that I will stroll over to my local gun dealer and check out the Victory V8 1.8 X 50 scope. You’ve got to love those little red dots!