The Next Step - Zeiss LRP S3 4-25x50

I have long been a fan of Zeiss scopes and use many on my own rifles. Their uncompromising optics and build quality match the price tag, and with the success of the Conquest range, made in Japan, these new S3 variants are going to be a winner too. These scopes are a collaboration of design and engineering in Germany by Zeiss with their partners in Japan, who make them. This gives these two scopes fantastic quality but at a very competitive price, without the loss of features.
I think they will become incredibly popular, due to the superb lens quality and clarity, and their enormous adjustment range makes them suitable for precision long-range shooters and us hunters too. The 4-25x50 is on test, but there is a bigger 6-35x56 version available as well. Both are compact and bomb-proof.

Spec
The aluminium tube is 34mm in diameter and shows a satin black hard anodized finish, and the scope itself has been shock tested with up to 1,500 times g-force. The S3 is quite compact at 13.4” in length, and it weighs in at 1040-grams. The 50mm objective sits the scope closer to the barrel, and 4-25 magnification is more than enough. I like the extended magnification stud, which came with the S3, as it allows for easier control of mag change. You can choose between MOA and MRAD (on test), and I have to say that I am beginning to like the latter more and more for longer-range precision shooting.
Depending on whether you have chosen MRAD or MOA, there are two reticle options: ZF­MOAi and ZF­MRi. In use, the scope offers a significant amount of mechanical adjustment, with 160 MOA /46.5 MRAD of elevation and 60 MOA/17.5 MRAD of windage, which is more than enough for anyone! You can even boost this further by fitting an inclined Picatinny rail to your rifle.
The scope on test showed 0.1 MRAD click values, and the elevation turret displayed 10 MRAD per rotation. Importantly, there is a second line of values for when you reach the second rotation. Each click is superbly precise, with no backlash at all, and totally repeatable. There is also a ballistic/zero stop that can be accessed by loosening the three T8 Torx screws holding the elevation turret cap to the scope. The zero stop is also secured with three T8 screws. Loosen them and then rotate the stop for more travel for the turret cap or lift and rotate for even more adjustment.
The windage turret is a push-to-lock, pull-to-unlock design. The values are clearly marked with 7 MILS of adjustment left or right, so you don’t lose your way.

Parallax and optics
Just as important is the side-mounted parallax, which starts as low as 15m, meaning airgun and rimfire users can also enjoy the optical delights of the S3.
Optics-wise, the S3 uses Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements that are coupled to the Zeiss T* multi-coating, helping to achieve 90% light transmission, and I have to say the image was razor sharp. The image was totally flat, edge to edge, with no aberration or colour distortion, and the shadow resolution was excellent. The colour rendition was also very good, enabling similar coloured targets to be distinguished from each other.
The scope also boasts a daylight-visible illuminated reticle with a bright central point of aim. This is controlled via a dial mounted on the left-hand side of the central saddle. It shows five intensity settings, with red and green illumination, and an auto-off feature too.
Finally, Zeiss uses their LotuTec coating for the lenses, which is able to ‘wick’ away large water droplets from the lens surfaces. The scope also has a water resistance of 400 mbar, making it ideal for all outdoor activities.

In the field
I mounted the S3 to a Sako S20 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and a Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in .22LR, to ascertain the optical as well as functional qualities of the scope. I was not disappointed. It’s a heavy little scope but balanced fine on both rifles. Plus, I prefer heavy to flimsy. 
After fiddling with the zero stop, I zeroed in the Ruger with some SK Long Range ammunition and then proceeded to shoot steel targets out to 200 yards using the very clear and easy-to-use ZF­MRi reticle, which, incidentally, features excellent 0.2 MIL graduations for bullet drop. Alternatively, you can just add clicks using the elevation turret. We had some fantastic hits in quite windy and rainy conditions, meaning I was seriously impressed with the S3.
After fitting the scope to the Sako S20, I loaded the rifle up with some Hornady 147 ELD-M ammunition and shot at some crow-sized targets 250 yards away. I used about 1.8 MILS of holdover and aimed off 0.2 to 0.4 MILS for the wind. The lenses were so sharp that you could see the disturbance caused by the bullet travelling through the air! The credentials of the S3 were proven by the audible impacts on the steel crows that measured 4” wide.

Conclusion
Ignore ‘Made in Japan’ as this scope is Zeiss through and through, with superb clarity and accurate and predictable click adjustments, and a lot of them! At a price point where some less-named scopes try to reach, I for one will have to have one for use on one of my wildcat cartridge rifles, or just for everyday use.