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Has anyone directly compared these two scopes side-by-side and if so, what was your take on it? Do you think that the Razor Gen 2 is a closer comparison to this Zeiss? Apologies if this has already been discussed and I missed it.
They are extremely close glass wise and I couldn't tell much of any difference there. Fantastic glass and better than anything else in this price range.
FOV is also about the same, but you see less "scope" around the image on the Gen 3. So FOV appeared larger to me on the Gen 3 than the zeiss.
I thought the Zeiss had better eye relief and marginally better eye box. Both very good eye box but the Gen 3 had the least amount of eye relief that I've tried in awhile.
The upgraded turrets on the Gen 3 are superior to the S3 turrets. So is the zero system on the Gen 3 compared to a more generic style set screw collar system on the S3. S3 still has good turrets that seem to track well in my limited use, but I think the turrets are a clear win for the Gen 3. Turrets on the s3 are a bit smaller, which I prefer.
I like the dual illumination and reticle of the S3 compared to the Gen 3. Zeiss's new MRI is the best reticle I've used so far. Especially considering my other favorites are the Vortex EBRs and Leupold PR2.
Zeiss is a little bit lighter and lower profile than the Gen 3. Can be a pro or con, depending on what rifle you will have it on.
Overall, I feel these are the two best scopes available right now for the price and features. It really just comes down to what reticle and features you prefer from one or the other.
Can the S3 be had for around 2K?
Our pleasure to assist you, please feel free to give a callCan be on Expertvoice and a little more from some vendors but you have to contact them to check.
Tracking aside, which should be the most important quality, the Zeiss turrets I played with had better aural and physical manipulation qualities versus multiple samples of Razors. That said I think the Razor turret is overall the better turret from a total package standpoint, though they really just have a lot of sample variance especially pre and post “upgrade.”Agree with most all of that but I like the Zeiss turrets better but more personal preference. I do really like the Zeiss reticle.
And to the OPs question, no the Gen 2 is below the Zeiss and the Gen 3 and Zeiss are the competitors to compare to each other.
All great points! Thanks for the info. I finally got my hands on both of these scopes at the same time. It was heavy overcast, and temp/humidity was 75/85 respectively. Distance only took me out to about 600yds, so not as far as I'd like to get a long range viewpoint from both optics. Fit and finish i felt were great on both scopes. Truthfully I am quite impressed at how nice the Zeiss is at this price point. However i do see now what everyone was talking about wrt the razors turrets slipping down when adjusting. That definitely needs to be addressed at the plant.They are extremely close glass wise and I couldn't tell much of any difference there. Fantastic glass and better than anything else in this price range.
FOV is also about the same, but you see less "scope" around the image on the Gen 3. So FOV appeared larger to me on the Gen 3 than the zeiss.
I thought the Zeiss had better eye relief and marginally better eye box. Both very good eye box but the Gen 3 had the least amount of eye relief that I've tried in awhile.
The upgraded turrets on the Gen 3 are superior to the S3 turrets. So is the zero system on the Gen 3 compared to a more generic style set screw collar system on the S3. S3 still has good turrets that seem to track well in my limited use, but I think the turrets are a clear win for the Gen 3. Turrets on the s3 are a bit smaller, which I prefer.
I like the dual illumination and reticle of the S3 compared to the Gen 3. Zeiss's new MRI is the best reticle I've used so far. Especially considering my other favorites are the Vortex EBRs and Leupold PR2.
Zeiss is a little bit lighter and lower profile than the Gen 3. Can be a pro or con, depending on what rifle you will have it on.
Overall, I feel these are the two best scopes available right now for the price and features. It really just comes down to what reticle and features you prefer from one or the other.
I haven't looked through the LRP S3 outside, but I have spent a lot of time with my V4 6-24x50's, and they are NO slouch in the glass department. I have high hopes for the S3 outside. It should be here Tuesday, so I'll be testing it next weekend for sure.I felt it was a hair better than the Gen III when side by side. Get it and try it out.
Never had to use it in the 20 years of owning Zeiss scopes. Every Zeiss scope I own/have owned has been absolutely flawless from out of the box, to current (or sale to someone else). And when I used to sell Zeiss scopes over 20 years ago, I can't recall a single time ever having to send one back for a customer. Can't say the same about a Swarovski, Leupold, NF, Nikon, Bushnell, Burris, S&B, Tasco, and the list goes on. I know that sounds weird, but honestly, I cannot recall a single time ever having to deal with Zeiss' CS for personal optics, or customers' optics. The number 1 brand of scopes we sent back was Leupold. Sent them back by the box full. Granted, their CS was great, and we never once had any issue about a warranty repair/replace, but they were basically the Vortex of yesteryear...The VX series really was shit (IMO).How's the Zeiss warranty?
I've shot all of mine extensively throughout the years, some I've had for almost 20 years. I have one that has been on my custom .25-06 AI for a decade, and it's taken 50+ rounds per session on numerous occasions, and probably has 500 rounds on it, and no issues. As for my all my others, never had an issue there, either. My new V4's have taken some abuse from multiple long-string sessions on 7mm-08, .280 AI, and 7mm RemMag (all lightweight hunting rifles, so not the softest recoiling). No issues there, either.Because Zeiss scopes get shot once a year on a hunting rig?
Thanks for the info!Never had to use it in the 20 years of owning Zeiss scopes. Every Zeiss scope I own/have owned has been absolutely flawless from out of the box, to current (or sale to someone else). And when I used to sell Zeiss scopes over 20 years ago, I can't recall a single time ever having to send one back for a customer. Can't say the same about a Swarovski, Leupold, NF, Nikon, Bushnell, Burris, S&B, Tasco, and the list goes on. I know that sounds weird, but honestly, I cannot recall a single time ever having to deal with Zeiss' CS for personal optics, or customers' optics. The number 1 brand of scopes we sent back was Leupold. Sent them back by the box full. Granted, their CS was great, and we never once had any issue about a warranty repair/replace, but they were basically the Vortex of yesteryear...The VX series really was shit (IMO).
Try the Zeiss. I think you'll like it a lot. It really is built like a tank, and the balance on it is excellent. Like I said, mine hasn't come in yet, but I've handled a number of them in stores, in person, so I knew what I was getting into. It's an amazing scope. I wouldn't buy it if it was crap, and if I did, and it turned out to be crap, I damn-sure wouldn't recommend it to anyone else.I have a G3 which I like a lot and starting a new build and need another similar optic. I wonder if I should just get another G3 or try the Zeiss for something a bit different?
Why not try the Zeiss for about $800-1000 less than the G3 and report back on it. If you don't like it you can sell it for close to its purchase price.I have a G3 which I like a lot and starting a new build and need another similar optic. I wonder if I should just get another G3 or try the Zeiss for something a bit different?
It's usually best to compare very similarly priced optics- like the Zeiss you listed and the Razor Gen2- more of an apples to apples eval.Gents,
Has anyone directly compared these two scopes side-by-side and if so, what was your take on it? Do you think that the Razor Gen 2 is a closer comparison to this Zeiss? Apologies if this has already been discussed and I missed it.
If price is the comparator, the Zeiss S3 glass will blow away the Razor Gen2. It's easily (IMO) on par with the Gen3, and Rob says it might be slightly better through his eyes.It's usually best to compare very similarly priced optics- like the Zeiss you listed and the Razor Gen2- more of an apples to apples eval.
Comparing like to like- new to new or used to used, and same mag range, where are you seeing Razor 3 for under $2300- like the Zeiss LRP S3 (not the more expensive LRP S5)? I ask in the context of pricing for most buyers, not just a special deal, friend, LE/Mil pricing perk, etc. ThnxThanks guys for the replies. I'll probably try the Zeiss but from what I've seen,you can get the G3 for less than the Zeiss.
Thanks guys for the replies. I'll probably try the Zeiss but from what I've seen, you can get the G3 for less than the Zeiss.
The S3. I'm referring to a special deal that went on for the Gen3 by a vendor here. I think I'm not supposed to mention price details.Comparing like to like- new to new or used to used, and same mag range, where are you seeing Razor 3 for under $2300- like the Zeiss LRP S3 (not the more expensive LRP S5)? I ask in the context of pricing for most buyers, not just a special deal, friend, LE/Mil pricing perk, etc. Thnx
Thanks for the info!You are retired USAF so get signed up at Expertvoice, if you aren't already, and order it through there. It's cheaper to get the Zeiss by a few hundred dollars.
It's the same price for the Zeiss on Expertvoice as that deal for the G3 if it's the deal I was thinking of.The S3. I'm referring to a special deal that went on for the Gen3 by a vendor here. I think I'm not supposed to mention price details.
The S3 I have to get on target and then dial it, and never touch it again. Is it a big deal. No.
You are right on that. I do dial before shooting the first stage. I always seem to adjust it a little. After that I never touch it again. I was thinking of marking it like you said. I will adjust to it. It’s just a personal preference.You can dial before getting on target if at a match and set parallax before the stage. It's allowed. Also just from using mine for a few months I know where the 500+ area is on the parallax and also the 100 and in between. Just use the white markings that are there as reference points and if need be you can mark it yourself.
I would agree completely with above but what about …..Gen 3 vs S5
You might check with Spartan Precision Arms. He's had sales in the past:Where to get the best deal on the S3 6-36?
You'll like the S3. Contact Clay Hawkins at EuroOptic (where I got mine). Or, talk with Tyler Kemp (above posts), he can probably get you a great deal on the S3, as well. He's a good dude. I've known him through the forums for over a decade.Where to get the best deal on the S3 6-36?
Get on expertvoice asap! I just got the G3 for 1999.99. Zeiss is there too but not as low. You have until 5/31!Thanks!
Get on expertvoice asap! I just got the G3 for 1999.99. Zeiss is there too but not as low. You have until 5/31!