Zeiss Victory HT

There’s little doubt that shooting optics are reaching hitherto unthought-of levels of ability, a case in point is Carl Zeiss with their new Victory HT range. Using Schott’s new High Transmission glass and with their improved T*-coatings they give 95% light transmission, meaning; exceptional low light performance. The new illumination system offers the smallest and purest dot I have ever seen too. I got first dibs in January where I spent two days and nights shooting with both HT scope and binos in Germany and I was impressed!

PERFECT SPEC…

In Ulfborg (Denmark) in July I used the ASV version (bullet drop compensation) turret, which will be the subject of a later test. Visually the HT looks little different, the spec here is 3-12x56, which is ideal for general hunting. The zoom ring shows a rubber gripping surface with raised blade to aid dialling. At the back is a fast-focus eyepiece with a rounded, rubber bumper, the feel of the eye bell is slimmer and nicer.

Turrets are standard set & forget types under low caps. Click values are 1cm @ 100m, with 72 per turn (28.3”) and 1.75-rotations (49.5”) available in both plains. The drums can be lifted up and set to zero and are firm in operat

The rheostat (left side) pulls out to turn ON and seamlessly rotates to adjust the brightness, which is better and more practical than pre-set levels. The dot is tiny and does not exceed the centre cross of the #4-type Ret 60 reticule. At 100-yards it easily subtends less than an inch, which pays dividends as the range increases. It’s quite possibly the best I have used. It remembers its setting and comes on again at the same level. My example came with a rail mount, but a standard 30mm round tube is also available. Likewise you also have the option of the Rapid Z5 ballistic reticule (Ret 76). Prices vary as to body-style and reticule choice

AWESOME

Fitted on my Mauser M03 I tried three calibres; 223 Rem, 6.5x55mm and 8.5x63 and had plenty of correction to spare once zeroed in all cases. Low light use is crazy! After dark I could easily see the reticule and target even in wood land and the ability to turn the dot down really low was excellent. Likewise for longer shots in the day time, the ability to have a precise and highly visible aim point is useful. Dawn and dusk it’s very much a case of who turned the lights on? I have to say in terms of brightness, illumination control and sharpness the Victory HT is perhaps the best scope I have used to date!