Analysis Paralysis....again

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fdkay

Gunny Sergeant
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Minuteman
    • Nov 27, 2009
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    Ingleside, Tx
    #1
    So, I recently decided to buy myself a new optic for a future build.
    I have been eyeballing the Tract 4-25x50 and the Zeiss 4-25x50.
    They both share a very similar footprint in length and objective lens diameter.
    The Tract is heavier, it has yardage marks on the parallax (not the most important detail, but I do like the idea of having a guesstimation).
    They both sport rather tall turrets, though the Zeiss is a Larry Bird Equivalent while the Tract is more of a Yao Ming.
    The Zeiss comes with a throw lever that has three mounting bosses, the Tract does not.
    I reached out to Ilya, he told me that the optical performance is very similar between the two. Of course, there are differences, but overall, they appear similar.
    I have heard there were some issues with the Zeiss in regards to illumination, which were addressed under warranty.
    Both are high magnification, short body scopes, so parallax can be finicky.
    I do prefer the reticle in the Zeiss, but the tract seems liveable.

    I tend to live in the 900-1500 dollar range, the tract falls comfortably in that zone (regular price), the Zeiss can be had for 1700 on sale but usually retails for 2200.
    Does the higher price net me much more than a slightly better form factor?
    Note: I would also consider the NX-8 2.5-20.
    Thoughts? Experiences?
     
    #2
    Zeiss. I've been looking at the 6-36 version of the S3 but haven't had a reason to pull the trigger. People seem to really like the new S3 models from Zeiss. The quality, features and price point seem to be well balanced.
     
    #3
    Another similar option but with a 30mm tube and lighter is the Element Nexus 4-25x50 if weight is a concern. It has the tool free zero reset and zero stop.
     
    Last edited:
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    #5
    The Element Nexus 5-20x50 FFP is tough to beat at the price

    • 30mm Main Body Tube
    • Compact, Lightweight design
    • Illuminated, First Focal Plane Reticle
    • Aircraft Grade Aluminium
    • Side Parallax: 10yds-Infinity
    • Advanced Fully Multi-Coated Lenses with Anti-Fouling Layer
    • Tool-free Resettable Turrets with 10 MRAD / 20 MOA per Revolution
    • Hard Mechanical Zero-Stop
    • Removable Magnification Throw Lever
    • Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof & Nitrogen Purged
    • Sunshade, Lens Cloth & Neoprene Cover included
     
    #6
    I recently acquired an S3 4-25x50. I have no comparison between that and the Tract, but I am pretty sure @Rob01 owns both.

    My eye would prefer the Tract reticle, but the beauty of the ZF-MRi is that it is certainly easy for the eye to pick up...and the illumination is daylight bright for sure. I tend to agree with everyone who claims that the S3 glass is going to edge out most competitors in it's price range. Adjustments are smooth, and the elevation turret detents are awesome. You get a lot if you can snag one for ~$2K.

    I went ahead and put masking tape with yardages on my parallax as I much prefer having that.

    The only real pisser for me is the lens coating. It is going to bloom red when the sun is at your back (first and last hour of daylight), and really wash out your image. Other scopes will do this too, but not nearly as bad as the S3. I've posted Tyler Kemp's photos from his original review and comparison, and my image is exactly as what his was showing (even worse as the sun gets lower behind your back). No way would I chose this for a hunting optic unless I was for sure going to be hunting from a blind and able to control the direction of my shot from the sun.

    Here's a link to his review. https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-showdown-vs-mk5-razor-g2-kahles-zco.7138824/

    Just my rather useless opinion as food for thought.
     
    #7
    diggler1833 said:
    I recently acquired an S3 4-25x50. I have no comparison between that and the Tract, but I am pretty sure @Rob01 owns both.

    My eye would prefer the Tract reticle, but the beauty of the ZF-MRi is that it is certainly easy for the eye to pick up...and the illumination is daylight bright for sure. I tend to agree with everyone who claims that the S3 glass is going to edge out most competitors in it's price range. Adjustments are smooth, and the elevation turret detents are awesome. You get a lot if you can snag one for ~$2K.

    I went ahead and put masking tape with yardages on my parallax as I much prefer having that.

    The only real pisser for me is the lens coating. It is going to bloom red when the sun is at your back (first and last hour of daylight), and really wash out your image. Other scopes will do this too, but not nearly as bad as the S3. I've posted Tyler Kemp's photos from his original review and comparison, and my image is exactly as what his was showing (even worse as the sun gets lower behind your back). No way would I chose this for a hunting optic unless I was for sure going to be hunting from a blind and able to control the direction of my shot from the sun.

    Here's a link to his review. https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-showdown-vs-mk5-razor-g2-kahles-zco.7138824/

    Just my rather useless opinion as food for thought.
    Click to expand...
    Thanks, that is the type of input I'm looking for.
    To the other respondents: thank you as well flr your input.
    I prefer the Zeiss reticle, I like the less cluttered image.
    I should have mentioned it before, but one of the reasons I'm looking at these two scopes is the massive adjustment range.
    I have a sendero that I plan on eventually converting to 7-300 PRC as a range toy and want the adjustment.

    I have heard that the S3 very slightly edges the Tract as far as the glass goes, but we all know that is subjective.
    I had heard of the red lens issue with the S3, which gives me pause.

    Thanks again, please keep the replies coming.
     
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    #8
    First the S3 turret is not tall at all. No taller than most anything else in it's category. Below is a pic of the Zeiss and Tract next to each other. The Tract is taller once unlocked. Down below are pics of the Zeiss next to the Steiner T6 and Burris Pro and a pic of the Pro turret next to the S3 as it was hard to hold all three next to each other.

    Now with turrets gone, the glass in the two is very close with a slight edge to the Zeiss. I have used both in matches and they both work fine. Both reticles work well. The Tract fully illuminates and the Zeiss only the center mil. What is the use of the rifle it will be going on?

    You can get some red glare but I only find it if sun coming in from about 4pm position from behind. Never slowed me down in a match though.

    IMG_3861.JPG

    IMG_3862.JPG

    IMG_E3529.JPG

    IMG_E3530.JPG
     
    #9
    Rob01 said:
    First the S3 turret is not tall at all. No taller than most anything else in it's category. Below is a pic of the Zeiss and Tract next to each other. The Tract is taller once unlocked. Down below are pics of the Zeiss next to the Steiner T6 and Burris Pro and a pic of the Pro turret next to the S3 as it was hard to hold all three next to each other.

    Now with turrets gone, the glass in the two is very close with a slight edge to the Zeiss. I have used both in matches and they both work fine. Both reticles work well. The Tract fully illuminates and the Zeiss only the center mil. What is the use of the rifle it will be going on?

    You can get some red glare but I only find it if sun coming in from about 4pm position from behind. Never slowed me down in a match though.

    View attachment 8534526
    View attachment 8534522
    View attachment 8534530
    View attachment 8534532
    Click to expand...
    Thanks for the info, do you think there is 600-800 dollars performance difference?
    It's going on a future rifle build for a long range rifle for fun.
    I'm just a cheap bastard by nature, but I do like good glass and positive adjustments.
     
    #10
    fdkay said:
    Thanks for the info, do you think there is 600-800 dollars performance difference?
    It's going on a future rifle build for a long range rifle for fun.
    I'm just a cheap bastard by nature, but I do like good glass and positive adjustments.
    Click to expand...

    The windage turret will have a little slop due to the locking feature. Mine has fantastic detents though for elevation. It doesn't require S&B force to turn the dials, but it isn't chinesium easy either...sort of Goldilocks for the guys not wearing gloves or shooting in extreme conditions.
     
    #11
    fdkay said:
    Thanks for the info, do you think there is 600-800 dollars performance difference?
    It's going on a future rifle build for a long range rifle for fun.
    I'm just a cheap bastard by nature, but I do like good glass and positive adjustments.
    Click to expand...

    I think you would be fine with the Tract. As long as the elevation turret height doesn't bother you. I am a cheap bastard also and kept the Tract in my parade of scopes as it is a good scope at a good price. If you are LE/Mil/Vet/FR then you can get some money off the Tract also.
     
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