Zeiss Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

Zeiss Tactical - Hensoldt 4-16X 56 FF

Earlier in the year we reviewed both the 3-12X 56 FF scope and the Spotter 60 for the site and its members. Outstanding products each of them we started out by putting the 3-12X though its paces down at Rifles Only. You can find a series of videos as well as a review on Sniper's Hide. Needless to say the scope performed with flying colors, even after tossing it off the roof of the Rifles Only Shoot House. So, in talking with Nathan, I asked to look at the 4-16X 56 FF scope as I wanted to compare this model to the previous 3-12X as well compare it to a similar tactical scope, namely the S&B 4-16X. This is probably one of the biggest debates we see on the Sniper's Hide forums. "How does "X" scope compare to "Y" brand" because the choices are ever increasing people want to know where to place their hard earned money. It's a completely understandable question, none of the high end tactical scopes are inexpensive. Doesn't matter if you're talking S&B, USO, Nightforce, or Zeiss / Hensoldt, they are all expensive relatively speaking. Let's face it, at a bare minimum you're going to spend over $2000 and that's nothing to sneeze at. That is why we have these reviews, so the members of Sniper's Hide can make the best decision possible even though many can't just run down to the local gun shop and see these scopes. Hopefully the information, and video will give you a better understanding of what you are looking at.

There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a tactical scope. The need and use go beyond that of the casual shooter and in many cases even beyond the needs of the competition shooter such as those who participate in F Class matches. The Tactical Shooter has to prepare for the unknown, they have to be ready to take the most important shot of their life at a moments notice, or may find themselves waiting what can only be described as an eternity for the green light to go weapons free. Considerations for all this has to be made before even knowing what you may face down the road which is a difficult thing to do.

2009 has been a great year for the tactical shooter, new companies entering the rifle scope market, as well as increased competition among long time players. One of the oldest companies making rifle scopes, Zeiss of Germany this year decided to import their tactical line Hensoldt into the United States thanks to Nathan Hunt and his company HUDISCo. Meeting Nathan this year at the 2009 Shot Show we looked over the Zeiss Tactical line that would be available and we anxiously awaited the models to arrive in the US.

4-16X 56 FF

Right off the bat I am here to tell you, the Zeiss / Hensoldt is an outstanding piece of glass. In fact I would consider the Zeiss line of scopes to be the standard to which every other companies sets to achieve. Now, I personally consider the idea of glass clarity to be highly subjective. And fully understand you can't just make a blanket statement regarding the view through a scope. Each company has different product lines, which vary in quality, as well they strive to achieve something a little unique to set them apart from the rest. These small differences I believe in many cases to be so small they are beyond most people's ability to tell one apart from the other simply by looking through the scope. However there are some small differences I feel can be seen, and in most cases these differences come down to optical design of the overall package. Certain designs allow for a better picture than others, and in my opinion Zeiss has their optical design down pat. I have to say it's rock solid and it shows. If I had to pick one thing, I would say it's my favorite aspect of the Zeiss / Hensoldt line. When you drop down behind their scope the image just pops.

The 4-16X 56 FF is not a big heavy scope, nor is it a long scope. This scope measures about 13.1" long, compare that to the S&B which is roughly 15.4" in length. In terms of weight the 4-16X 56 FF weight just under 2lbs at 1.9 while the S&B weighs in at 2.05lbs. Again, not huge, but when looking to shave off weight anywhere you can, this little bit may go a long way.

Both scopes have 34mm main tubes, however the Zeiss has a 56mm objective while the S&B has a 42mm or 50mm. Does this make a big difference, probably not as much as you think, and in many cases becomes a issue of personal preference. There are some that would welcome the 56mm objective for that few extra minutes of lowlight capability, while others want the small objective profile. That is up the individual to decide. Realizing of course that both are limited to the 34mm ring heights out there and as seen in the video review posted, the Zeiss will mount with no issue using any rings out there including the lowest models from Seekins Precision or Badger Ordnance. The objective bell will still clear the barrel.

The Zeiss tested came standard with mil adjusted turrets. Marked 1cm @ 100m, they are still .1 MRAD adjustments, Zeiss just chose to use the linear description of these adjustments. Its still an angular measurement using mils.

The parallax adjustment is from 50m to infinity and is very accurate. It includes the built in illumination for the mil dot reticle. The illumination adjustment for the Zeiss is one of the better adjustments out there. Simply turn the knob rapidly to bring the illumination on, then simply dial the rheostat to adjust the brightness.

One of main reasons behind the Zeiss clarity and optical design is to reduce eye fatigue when used for extended periods of observation. It's easy to see the success they have in this area, and having spent long hours behind a scope, I can tell you that you never appreciate it until that first headache sets in because of an inferior optic. If this was going on a work rifle, and if there was any chance you might start out at 3 PM looking at a target and on the off chance your shot may not happen until 3 AM, you want the optical quality this scope provides. Not only for you, but for who you might be protecting down range.

The 4-16X 56 FF has been used consistently over the last month, month and half and during each outing the scope's operation has been flawless. The turrets exactly match the reticle, the adjustments are accurate to the .1 Mil which they are calibrated to, and repeatability is first rate. See it in the reticle dial it on the scope, and rest assured the round is going where you asked it too. One of the true signs of a great tactical scope.

Fit and finish of the Zeiss is nearly identical to the S&B, a very similar finish and feel to the scope.

Within the video review above you'll find a detailed look into the 4-16X 56 FF, for more details on the scope I have included the PDF spec sheets in the video for download so simply click on the interactive video to grab those files, or you can click on the links in the video to take to you HUDISCo's web site or to SWFA to purchase the scope. As this is one of Sniper's Hide new interactive videos feel free to mouse over the video while you're watching to explore the actionable links.

Conclusions.

The Zeiss Hensoldt is a first rate optic and definitely worthy of consideration. If optical design and clarity are at the top of your list, this is definitely the scope to consider first. There are some downsides, the scope is currently the most expensive in its class. For some this might be a deciding factor, also the lack of reticle choices is a little disappointing. They only offer it with the standard mil dot reticle. Lastly there is no true zero stop, and while the scope turrets have a lot of travel, and only use two rotations to achieve this, it is a sought after feature. Now the turrets will not go a full revolution below zero, and can be used like a stop its not a true zero stop. These are my only concerns with the scope, which is otherwise a very solid performer and what I would consider a fine example of a tactical scope.

One very position comment, not so much having to do with the scope itself, but with the company that imports them, I want to take a second to recognize Nathan Hunt and HUDISCo. Since meeting Nathan at Shot Show this past January, his commitment to service has been nothing short of outstanding. And don't just take my work for it, Dun & Bradstreet has recently recognized him for this:

“HDC has been certified as a Top 20% Performer based on the Past Performance Evaluation survey responses of its reference customers. HDC's PPE score of 97/100 demonstrates outstanding overall customer satisfaction relative to similar companies.” (DNB Open Ratings PPE Press Release 28AUG09)

People constantly speak of customer service when talking about scopes on the board and let me just say that Nathan and HUDISCo are first rate. When companies matter in to your decision making process, let it be known that Nathan stands behind his product 100%.

Finally I want to recognize Chris Farris at SWFA, Chris was nice enough to provide the 4-16X 56 FF to me for this review, and I really appreciate it. SWFA has been a long time supporter of Sniper's Hide and provide outstanding service to shooters everywhere. I have been purchasing products from SWFA for a very long time now and can say without hesitation they are first rate operation who are always go too people for my optics needs. So thanks to everyone at SWFA for getting this scope out to me on short notice. And as I promised, I didn't throw off any roofs, or hammer any nails with it.

HDC, LLC
www.HuDisCo.com
email: HDCLLC@charter.net
T: 205-690-8160
F: 205-690-8237

SWFA
http://swfa.com
Phone Number: (972) SCOPE-IT (726-7348)
Fax Number: (972) 617-1647
Email: swfa@riflescopes.com