Rifle Scopes - Zeiss LRP S3 New First Focal Plane Riflescopes for Long-Range Precision Shooting
You can read an entire dollar bill at 20 yards on max power How does the Glass compare to ZCO/Tangent?
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Rifle Scopes Zeiss LRP S3 New First Focal Plane Riflescopes for Long-Range Precision Shooting
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www.snipershide.com
That's nice tuner on a straight taper barrel you got there.
Everyone has different vision , everyone has different preferences. Glad your S3 is trouble free and it's a real bummer that mine has busted reticle/focus issues. What's worse is the handling of my service request with the Zeiss team.
With that said my 2nd Mk5 had to go back for service for a correction of the elevation turrets being ever so slightly misaligned. The turrets feel really great and I am a happy customer.
Since I don't know when I will get back the S3. I'll be shooting the rest of the season on its current optic set up.
You were indeed correct, thank you! Took it outside and looks perfect even in overcast, about to mount it!
Great! Glad I could help. It’s one of those things that I have seen come up and I looked at mine indoors and see it too if on too high power. That illumination is great when shooting a match in full mid day sun though. Have fun with it.
Thanks. Just giving my experience with the two I have. Sucks when issues pop up and then issues with handling. Hopefully they can get you taken care of eventually but good you have a back up.
I agree on the daylight brightness illumination on the Zeiss S3 and how you can only see the center portion if the reticle.
I've always thought that the illuminated reticle on the S3 was designed so that the full reticle could be seen in low light conditions against a darker background. Although I have nothing to support this thought since I've not be out shooting in the early morning, at dusk or in a wooded area.
@Puredrive I know this might sound stupid, but have you tried calling Zeiss CS? Or are you just emailing with them back & forth? Calling usually gets shit done wherever and whatever the product is. When they can hear the frustration in your voice, it tends to help light a fire in helping the customer get back on track.
I've only called Zeiss CS once in my life, and it was to ask a question, and they were helpful and prompt to answer the phone. This was many years ago, but I've never had to call them or contact them for a scope issue in over 20 years of owning Zeiss scopes, and I sold tons of the Conquests and Diavari's when I worked at the gun store back in the day. That was the ONLY scope brand I can recall having NEVER sent a scope back for a defect. I sent back a pile of Swarovski's, more Leupolds than your average person will ever see in their entire lifetime, Meopta's were just getting popular here in the states back then, and they had a few gremlins to work out at first, several NF's got sent back for tracking issues (this was 20+ years ago, so relatively early NF NXS), and just about every other brand on the market got sent back multiples of. Nikon was one of the best brands we sold, as far as a sales vs. warranty ratio.
I've only called Zeiss CS once in my life, and it was to ask a question, and they were helpful and prompt to answer the phone. This was many years ago, but I've never had to call them or contact them for a scope issue in over 20 years of owning Zeiss scopes, and I sold tons of the Conquests and Diavari's when I worked at the gun store back in the day. That was the ONLY scope brand I can recall having NEVER sent a scope back for a defect. I sent back a pile of Swarovski's, more Leupolds than your average person will ever see in their entire lifetime, Meopta's were just getting popular here in the states back then, and they had a few gremlins to work out at first, several NF's got sent back for tracking issues (this was 20+ years ago, so relatively early NF NXS), and just about every other brand on the market got sent back multiples of. Nikon was one of the best brands we sold, as far as a sales vs. warranty ratio.
I've looked through both side by side and I think the Zeiss is better. It cut through mirage better and was less cloudy. Both were sharp though. This was at 1250+ yard targets.
Hands-down the Zeiss is better. I have both, as well. And sadly, the glass in my Zeiss V4 6-24x50 is better than my new ATACR F1 5-25x56 when compared side by side.
I have a Razor III, an ATACR, SnBs, and a Zeiss, the Zeiss is right there with the SnB as far as clarity, and it's actually brighter. Though the glass comes from the same factory as the ATACR the Zeiss has a slight edge, perhaps due to some of their unique coatings?
Mind you that all those optics are good and you could take anyone of them and be happy, but for the price the Zeiss is impressive.
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It does come from the same factory as the NF glass (LOW in Japan), but each company has their own set of specs, parameters, needs, and wants, so they won’t all be equal.
This is why one brand’s LOW made glass looks totally different than another brand’s LOW made glass. And why the view through the scope is totally different.
I agree that the Zeiss LRP S3 4x25x50 is an outstanding value for the prices available. I also think that the Leuplold Mark 5 PR-1 3.6x18x44 Illuminated #180725 is a great hunting scope value for it's available price. Almost everyone can qualify for some sort of VIP pricing.
Anyone have an idea where the Mark 5 glass is sourced?
Anyone have an idea where the Mark 5 glass is sourced?
LMAO, good one!
Ironically I was thinking of selling my 3.6-44 and set it up on a tripod to look through it, I thought to myself that the glass is actually not that bad. Which begs the question, and as I am going to be the owner soon of a 25x Arken... how is the glass on those?
It pairs well with their 30 year old technology and Fudd-Favorite turrets.
I have a 4-25 on a 21lb 338 edge. I have ~220 rounds through it so far. At 100 yards I can't get it as clears as my MRK5. The image doesn't seem that great. Parallax is maxed at 1000yards. While shooting at 1k I did some dialing after shooting about 30 rounds and the turret felt stiff at first then went back to normal. I noticed it twice. I planned to try to get out passed 2k in next month or so. It will likely be sent back after summer for parallax/image and turret. I haven't checked the illumination yet. It did seem to track with my buddies ATACR. His is on an edge as well same load shooting same dope.
Zeiss took care of it by sending a new scope. This sample is night and day of the previous. The diopter was super easy to set and the focus was inline of what my expectations have been for the price point. No issues with the illumination. Overall I am very satisfied.
Was thinking about swapping out my Razor AMG 6-24x for either a S3 6-36 or a Steiner T6xi 5-30x. Originally got the razor to save on weight but I ended up not going super lightweight on the rifle anyway. Can never seem to get the Razor to adjust to my eye.
I'm very new to higher end precision and having a really hard time deciding. I was set on the Steiner before going through this thread. I gather I won't be disappointed with either. I don't compete as of now so the Steiner's lower weight and lower profile turrets seem to make it better suited for my intended use. This is a rough hobby for the indecisive.
Appreciate everyone sharing their experiences on here. Really helps those of us who are just getting started.
I'm very new to higher end precision and having a really hard time deciding. I was set on the Steiner before going through this thread. I gather I won't be disappointed with either. I don't compete as of now so the Steiner's lower weight and lower profile turrets seem to make it better suited for my intended use. This is a rough hobby for the indecisive.
Appreciate everyone sharing their experiences on here. Really helps those of us who are just getting started.
I finally got a chance to take mine out to the range yesterday. I really enjoyed using it. I was shooting early morning so the sun was out in full force, but the brightness of the scope was surprising. One of the main reasons I wanted to try the scope was the reticle though, and it did not disappoint. Only used it out to 200 yards but can't wait to take it to 800 and put it through some more paces. Already decided that an upcoming build that I have will be getting another Zeiss optic.
Yeah, I was thinking my 6-36 Gen 3 Razor and my 6-36 Zeiss are really equals in optical quality. For the money I think the S3 is probably the best thing out there right now. I have to pick up a 4-25 S3 I think.
My 636 is on a Ruger RPR for an upcoming series of 200 yd 22lr matches we will be having.
Last Saturday at 200 yds , I did not need my Leica 82 Asph Spotting scope because I could clearly see the hits against a white background at 200 yds at 36X.
Hits on an orange plate we have were 10/10 although I did have turn up the Sordins to clearly hear each hit.
Used Lapua Super Long Range but will try Eley CMP this weekend to try an ascertain any difference.
Anyway I did change
the trigger in the RPR to a Timney which really made the difference.
Last Saturday at 200 yds , I did not need my Leica 82 Asph Spotting scope because I could clearly see the hits against a white background at 200 yds at 36X.
Hits on an orange plate we have were 10/10 although I did have turn up the Sordins to clearly hear each hit.
Used Lapua Super Long Range but will try Eley CMP this weekend to try an ascertain any difference.
Anyway I did change
I hope their idea of an "S1" would be basically "tacticalizing" the lightweight V4 lineup and giving it an FFP MIL/MIL setup with a slightly thinner version of the S3 reticle, and locking exposed elevation and windage caps and a 34mm tube. Everything else on them is already perfect for a hunting scope, but would love to see FFP, MIL/MIL, and a bigger tube. Even if it adds a few ounces, I'd see still be happy to get a couple of them if they keep them under 30oz.
I’ve said for a while if they’d do a V4/V6 in MIL/MIL I’d be in a for a couple for hunting rifles.
Well, I have three V4 6-24x50 ZMOA-1 scopes on hunting rifles, but I'm a MIL guy, so if they made a MIL/MIL version, I'd be all over it.
Has anyone had a 4-25 S3 side by side with the good old S&B 5-25 and could offer some insight and comparison?
2 (of the quite a few) S&B 5-25s I have currently sit on a long barreled .223 AR as well as a 6.5 CM AR. While they work great, I'm thinking I want scopes with tree reticles and a wider FOV on the bottom end than the S&B's for how I use those 2 rifles, but I also don't want to take much of a step back in glass quality either (even after all these years the S&B 5-25s still have great glass, and I don't want to give that up.)
Thoughts? Would I be disappointed selling the 2 S&B 5-25s on the ARs and putting S3 4-25s on top?
One thing I am a bit concerned about is it sure seems like there have been quite a few posts in here with people having to send their brand new S3s back for illumination or parallax issues--especially in the first few months after release. Those posts with scope issues right out of the box have tapered off, but they haven't entirely disappeared either... has Zeiss got these sorted out yet?
2 (of the quite a few) S&B 5-25s I have currently sit on a long barreled .223 AR as well as a 6.5 CM AR. While they work great, I'm thinking I want scopes with tree reticles and a wider FOV on the bottom end than the S&B's for how I use those 2 rifles, but I also don't want to take much of a step back in glass quality either (even after all these years the S&B 5-25s still have great glass, and I don't want to give that up.)
Thoughts? Would I be disappointed selling the 2 S&B 5-25s on the ARs and putting S3 4-25s on top?
One thing I am a bit concerned about is it sure seems like there have been quite a few posts in here with people having to send their brand new S3s back for illumination or parallax issues--especially in the first few months after release. Those posts with scope issues right out of the box have tapered off, but they haven't entirely disappeared either... has Zeiss got these sorted out yet?
I haven't seen a single thread about a parallax issue on the S3...Only the illumination issue, and only a couple, at that. Buy an S3, and try it. If you don't like it, sell it. Then you can compare it side-by-side with the S&B 5-25. Keep the one you like, sell the other.
I have had several SnBs, and I have the S3 6x36, the glass will be a small step down from the PM2 if you go with the S3 in terms clarity. Now that i have had more time wirh the Zeiss. That said the glass is still very good. The PM2 turrets are better as well with the second rev indicator, the S3 just has lines denoting the second or third rotations. The 3s 4-25 is a little smaller and lighter than the PM2 as well so for a gas gun that might be a good thing. The S3 is about 90% of a PM2 if I were to do a very quick seat of the pants comparison. To me the S3 compares well against the ATACR series, so very good optics. The only reason I sold my SnBs is because of the disappointing warranty situation, I believe the S3 on the other hand is lifetime.
Overall it's still very very hard to beat the PM2 5-25, more impressive considering how old that design is. The glass in those is up there with ZCO, so yes small hit if you go with the S3, but not too bad.
As FuhQ has pointed out, you can always sell the S3 or the PM, the markets are still good for both.
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well, to be fair, if you have consistent and repeatable point of aim setups and fundamentals, parallax will become less "touchy". no offense.
Pretty sure some of the guys that are winning national and world championships have those. And when time came for the competitions to master guess what wasnt the score on their guns. They used the other zeiss products but not the s3 despite being given them.
I'm not saying they are a bad product, they aren't. But the shorter then standard length has some compromises. With optics there are no free lunches.
But I get it you don't want anyone to criticize your scope that you have so anyone that does must just not know how to shoot or have terrible fundamentals, npa ect
I'm not saying they are a bad product, they aren't. But the shorter then standard length has some compromises. With optics there are no free lunches.
But I get it you don't want anyone to criticize your scope that you have so anyone that does must just not know how to shoot or have terrible fundamentals, npa ect
Yup will just have to do that. I might be lucky in the one I have but parallax is not picky at all.
Deciding between one of these and an atacr 4-20. Ive heard tunneling is an issue in the 4-20s, but anyone have an real world time between both?
Personally id take an s3 over the baby atacr. I have both but overall find the s3 a better package
Now shooting the S3 636 on a Ruger RPR with Zeiss rings at 200 yds.
We use a 2” center dot on white paper for sighting and I can clearly see the 22lr hits at 36X.
In the black bull, not so much and it’s hard even using my Leica 82mm ASPH 50X!
The illumination is outstanding and I just set it just above the black background, the center pip on the ‘10’ and bang away. The thickness of the subtensions is just right for me.
The large adjustment knobs with large numbers and marks works well for me.
I am very pleased with this scope!
-Richard
We use a 2” center dot on white paper for sighting and I can clearly see the 22lr hits at 36X.
In the black bull, not so much and it’s hard even using my Leica 82mm ASPH 50X!
The illumination is outstanding and I just set it just above the black background, the center pip on the ‘10’ and bang away. The thickness of the subtensions is just right for me.
The large adjustment knobs with large numbers and marks works well for me.
I am very pleased with this scope!
-Richard
The Zeiss S3 warranty is only 5 years on the electronics/illuminated reticle not lifetime.
Nightforce is only 3 years on their electronics/ illuminated reticles.
SIG and Trijicon both have a limited 5 year warranty from date of manufacture not date of actual purchase on their electronics such as illuminated reticle, red dots, rangefinders, rangefinder binoculars etc.
Steiner is only 3 or 5 years on illuminated reticle electronics.
I don't think S&B has a lifetime warranty either. 2 years on their electronic components and 10 year warranty on the rest of the scope.
Vortex is the only one with bumper to bumper type lifetime warranty including their electronics. So do Burris, Athlon, Leupold (only their scopes with illuminated reticles and red dots and anything electronic that physically attaches the the guns are covered by their lifetime warranty but not their rangefinders which only have a 2 year warranty) and Maven and maybe even Primary Arms and Tract Optics.
There are other shady companies for which most of them I won't mention except for Bushnell except at this time that state they have a lifetime warranty but don't want to actually want to honor it when that time comes or when the repair cost doesn't seem to be financially feasible to THEM to actually honor their own lifetime warranty and will suggest buying a new model from them at a much higher price than you can buy them through second party dealers.
Whenever companies state lifetime warranty always be sure to check if that warranty includes electronics which many brands surprisingly don't cover electronic components under their lifetime warranty.
Bushnell for example only has a one year warranty on their electronics such as Illuminated reticles in their scopes as well as only one year on their brand of products electronics even though they might actually trick you into believing they might have a lifetime ironclad warranty. This may be a contributing reason they have an F rating (opposite of A rating) according to the BBB for screwing over their customers come warranty time and so does their parent company Vista Outdoors who also currently has an F rating according to the BBB. There's an unbelievable amount of complaints regarding Bushnell's extremely shady warranty practices as well. Just Google "Bushnell warranty complaints" and "Bushnell customer complaints". Lots and lots of real BS excuses to not honor their warranty and with a real screw their customer attitudes over the past decade. They used to be good in the 80's 90's 2000's but after that just screw their customers it seems... Something drastic must have changed with Bushnell sometime between the 2000s-2010.
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No difference in image brightness all the way through the zoom range? Unlike a Razor?
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