ZEISS LRP S3 4-25 For Hunting?

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T01:25:35-0400

Anyone hunting with the S3 4-25? Im building a new coyote rifle (18” 22 GT, McMillan stock) rifle should be about 10lbs-ish.

Trying to decide on a scope in the $1500 range and I do see the S3’s available used in that range. Or is it worth instead trying to find a used S5 3-18 in the $2000 range?

I made my list of scopes I’m considering and of course intrigued by the heaviest and most expensive scope on my list (the Zeiss).

FWIW others I’m considering are the Burris XTR3 3-18 and the Leup Mk4 4.5-18. I would expect the Zeiss to be superior to both but would love to hear from people who are hunting with it.

black5.3 · 2025-03-24T01:33:23-0400

I have two S3 LRP’s, the 6-36 and the 4-25. I really like them for price point and features. I have two G2 razors and while I prefer the zero system on the razor, I think the glass is a little better on the Zeiss and i prefer the feel of the turret adjustment on the Zeiss over the razor as well. The 4-25 is on a 20” 6ARC that see’s range and hunting duty.

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T01:57:44-0400

How’s the reticle on the 4-25 on low power?

264win · 2025-03-24T02:13:00-0400

For coyotes the S3 and razor both seem like too much. The razor is a boat anchor, the S3 has a tight eye box and 45 mils of elevation.
Both are excellent optics but wouldn’t be my choice for hunting. The 4.5-18 mk4 would be my choice of the options listed. But I would generally prefer something a bit lighter and lower minimum power

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T02:20:14-0400

The S3 is heavy I hear you there. I’ve coyote hunted a lot with my DMR2 Pro which is very similar in size and weight to the Zeiss so I am used to that size.

I don’t walk super far into my stands (most within a couple hundred yards of the pickup).

But I may just not know what I’m missing with a lightweight scope since I’ve gotten used to calling with big heavy scopes (k525i on another gun).

The mk4 4.5-18 just seems excessively long to me too but it probably wouldn’t bother me any in reality.

smcfarland · 2025-03-24T07:47:24-0400

I’ve been running the S3 4-25 on my primary hunting rifle for about four months now. Glass is excellent, as are the turrets. Reticle is usable on low end with the illumination on. Have used it at 4-6x adequately with a thermal clip on.
Two issues with the scope. Eye box is pretty damn tight above 20x. Lenses are also very susceptible to glare. If purchase, make sure you get the sunshade.

diggler1833 · 2025-03-24T08:25:09-0400

I like the image resolution and contrast, and the reticle is more usable at lower magnification than others. I also don't have any issues with the eye box. It is a very solid scope in most regards.

However, when the sun is behind you for that last hour or 90 minutes of daylight, you'll get a nice red hue to your image from the lens coating. It is certainly enough to take probably what is the best glass for $2K...and wash out the image to where you might as well be using a $500 optic. *If hunting from a blind or covered position, then you'll have zero issues...the top photo above, I was in an old hay barn with the sun directly behind me nearing last light, and I had no problems with the hue.

Broad daylight, or sun in my face and I really had no issues. Even in first/last light...as long as that sun isn't rising/setting behind you.

*******

OP, I do also have an XTR III, and the LRP S3 glass is noticeably better.

I've killed a lot of stuff around here, and as long as the scope lets me see better than my naked eye (just about anything above $1K), I'm fine with running it as long as it holds zero and tracks.

black5.3 · 2025-03-24T08:53:54-0400

EastCOYotes said:
How’s the reticle on the 4-25 on low power?

Usable depending on the environment color. Cut the illumination on the desired brightness(red or green)and its perfect.

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T09:40:01-0400

diggler1833 said:
View attachment 8647830
View attachment 8647831

I like the image resolution and contrast, and the reticle is more usable at lower magnification than others. I also don't have any issues with the eye box. It is a very solid scope in most regards.

However, when the sun is behind you for that last hour or 90 minutes of daylight, you'll get a nice red hue to your image from the lens coating. It is certainly enough to take probably what is the best glass for $2K...and wash out the image to where you might as well be using a $500 optic. *If hunting from a blind or covered position, then you'll have zero issues...the top photo above, I was in an old hay barn with the sun directly behind me nearing last light, and I had no problems with the hue.

Broad daylight, or sun in my face and I really had no issues. Even in first/last light...as long as that sun isn't rising/setting behind you.

*******

OP, I do also have an XTR III, and the LRP S3 glass is noticeably better.

I've killed a lot of stuff around here, and as long as the scope lets me see better than my naked eye (just about anything above $1K), I'm fine with running it as long as it holds zero and tracks.

Thank you, that’s helpful. That red hue is interesting I’ve read about it other places too.

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T10:18:54-0400

smcfarland said:
I’ve been running the S3 4-25 on my primary hunting rifle for about four months now. Glass is excellent, as are the turrets. Reticle is usable on low end with the illumination on. Have used it at 4-6x adequately with a thermal clip on.
Two issues with the scope. Eye box is pretty damn tight above 20x. Lenses are also very susceptible to glare. If purchase, make sure you get the sunshade.

What’s the rifle setup you’re using this on?

I’ve read about the tight eyebox a lot on these scopes at higher mag. Makes me wonder if I’d be just as well off getting something with 18-20 on the top end with a more forgiving eyebox but I’m pretty attracted to the S3 right now.

diggler1833 · 2025-03-24T10:32:57-0400

EastCOYotes said:
What’s the rifle setup you’re using this on?

I’ve read about the tight eyebox a lot on these scopes at higher mag. Makes me wonder if I’d be just as well off getting something with 18-20 on the top end with a more forgiving eyebox but I’m pretty attracted to the S3 right now.

The eyebox on the 4-25 at 12-20x is pretty easy to get behind man. You won't be missing any dogs because of it.

It is a very solid scope, minus the hue that I've bitched about a few times.

smcfarland · 2025-03-24T12:38:26-0400

On a 6.5cm AR10. Use it for animals (pigs, coyotes, deer, and elk) out to 600m, and steel out to 1000m.
Agree with above that eyebox is fine up to 20x. Keep it in that range and won’t have any issues.
I’m not getting rid of mine. Just wanted to be clear on some of its limitations.

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T12:49:40-0400

diggler1833 said:
The eyebox on the 4-25 at 12-20x is pretty easy to get behind man. You won't be missing any dogs because of it.

It is a very solid scope, minus the hue that I've bitched about a few times.

Even with the eyebox limitations and potential for the glare/hue would you still pull this scope out of the safe before the XTR3? (Or DMR2/3 if you have experience with those)?

HMRamateur · 2025-03-24T13:15:26-0400

I had the DMR2 pro, sold it recently. My S3 beats it at the top end. I found that after 18x, the DMR2 was pretty unusable. Just got too dark. I don't notice anything bad about the eye box with the S3 until the very top, but I haven't had any scopes that didn't get tight at the very top so it doesn't hinder me at all. The glass on the S3 is better also. The DMR2 was a solid scope for sure, but I'd choose the S3 over it.

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T13:42:40-0400

I have a DMR2 Pro as well and really like it other than how stiff the magnification ring is. Even with the throw lever mine is a pain and is worse in cold temps when I’m doing the majority of my hunting. Maybe they improved this with the DMR3.

I do like the size of the DMR2 though and the S3 is nearly the same. Any issues with any of the adjustments/interface on the S3?

HMRamateur · 2025-03-24T14:11:37-0400

EastCOYotes said:
I have a DMR2 Pro as well and really like it other than how stiff the magnification ring is. Even with the throw lever mine is a pain and is worse in cold temps when I’m doing the majority of my hunting. Maybe they improved this with the DMR3.

I do like the size of the DMR2 though and the S3 is nearly the same. Any issues with any of the adjustments/interface on the S3?

I hated the magnification ring also. The S3's is much much better. My elevation turret doesn't have the best click feel, I might contact Zeiss about that. But they're still good. Everything else is top notch on it though. Parallax is easy, occular adjustment isn't too loose (my DMR2 would move constantly with caps on). Everything is easy to see also.

diggler1833 · 2025-03-24T14:36:13-0400

EastCOYotes said:
Even with the eyebox limitations and potential for the glare/hue would you still pull this scope out of the safe before the XTR3? (Or DMR2/3 if you have experience with those)?

That is a good question.

I think I got one of the "good" XTR IIIs, in that my U.S. made one has absolutely no issues whatsoever. The turret adjustments are more positive than my S3 (and actually significantly better than my XTR Pro). The glass is getting damn close to optics that are $500 more for what I paid, and it has never let me down. I actually use mine as a loaner scope to my other guns while I'm saving up for optics. At this point, I'm significantly more confident in my XTR III than I am my Pro for a hunting rig.

That being said: I like everything about the S3 better than the XTR III... Except for the hue (negative), turrets (either work great for me), and eyebox (which I'd consider a wash). Bonus for the S3 having such bright illumination.

I used a DMR II for many years. I love the ease of use of it, and it has never let me down either. I really like it. However the glass is a step behind the XTR III and definitely behind the S3. I like the reticle in my old DMR II a lot too. I actually upgraded my DMR II to the S3 that I'm currently using on the same rifle for thinning out crap around here on the ranch. I've had no desire to put the old DMR II back on...so maybe that helps.?

*****

For just thinning out problem critters and not on the hunt of a lifetime, I think that the S3 is a heck of an optic. If I were going on a $10K+ hunt somewhere though (especially if I can't guarantee that I'd be tucked in a blind)...I'd be looking at something else.

For a PRS scope at or under $2K, I don't have anything that I've used that I'd recommend more than the S3.

EastCOYotes · 2025-03-24T15:58:44-0400

diggler1833 said:
That is a good question.

I think I got one of the "good" XTR IIIs, in that my U.S. made one has absolutely no issues whatsoever. The turret adjustments are more positive than my S3 (and actually significantly better than my XTR Pro). The glass is getting damn close to optics that are $500 more for what I paid, and it has never let me down. I actually use mine as a loaner scope to my other guns while I'm saving up for optics. At this point, I'm significantly more confident in my XTR III than I am my Pro for a hunting rig.

That being said: I like everything about the S3 better than the XTR III... Except for the hue (negative), turrets (either work great for me), and eyebox (which I'd consider a wash). Bonus for the S3 having such bright illumination.

I used a DMR II for many years. I love the ease of use of it, and it has never let me down either. I really like it. However the glass is a step behind the XTR III and definitely behind the S3. I like the reticle in my old DMR II a lot too. I actually upgraded my DMR II to the S3 that I'm currently using on the same rifle for thinning out crap around here on the ranch. I've had no desire to put the old DMR II back on...so maybe that helps.?

*****

For just thinning out problem critters and not on the hunt of a lifetime, I think that the S3 is a heck of an optic. If I were going on a $10K+ hunt somewhere though (especially if I can't guarantee that I'd be tucked in a blind)...I'd be looking at something else.

For a PRS scope at or under $2K, I don't have anything that I've used that I'd recommend more than the S3.

That is helpful. My intent for this new gun is for it to be a a compact easily handled gun (hence the 18” barrel) that I grab without a second thought for a spur of the moment decision to go calling, shoot a skunk in the trees, toss in the back seat, etc. The rifle that my DMR 2 rides on is more of a super heavy target rifle and not one I grab if I’m in a hurry.

This type of “grab and go” coyote rifle is what I use and shoot the most so with that in mind I want quality glass on it. I’m willing to pay a little premium for the S3 over the XTR3 and DMR3 if I think it’s worth it.

Jojo417 · 2025-03-24T17:40:59-0400

I enjoy Mine. Although I really want a 6-36.

The glass is killer. Reticle is good, and usable at low mag. The eye box is weird, but works. I feel like I’m a lot closer to the scope than most others, but even shooting PRS I don’t have an issue getting behind it.

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