Second Hand Focus: Zeiss Duralyt 3-12x50 scope

Zeiss make top quality optics, so in 2010 when they announced the new Duralyt I was surprised to discover an entry level rifle scope. It was doubtless intended to lure buyers in with the name then later convince them to move upon to something more prestigious and expensive! Truth is it became a bit of a success in its own right and I think that marketing ploy backfired. Why? Because what was on offer was very impressive for the money; even with the more expensive illuminated models and many people thought; yeah a cheap Zeiss and had not intentions of moving up.

ZIS IS NOT A ZEISS!

Speaking to Zeiss employees indicated that they hated it, as it went against all the principles of the company. However, someone must have made the decision to build it! Obviously corners had been cut with only three models and just one reticule (#6) in the 2nd focal plane, basic turrets and doubtless glass was not Schott but probably Japanese! My tester a 3-12x50 did very well in low light and colour tests and was optically sound! The Duralyt is distinctive with its bronzecoloured body and came in three choices; 3-12x50, 2-8x47 and 1.2-5x36, and later came illuminated (i) models. Prices reflected the concept with just £665 for the 3x12 though illumination added around £200.

I bought a 1.2-5x36i and it has been on my boar rifle ever since and survived years of hard use - falling out of a high seat, heat, cold and torrential rain. I am building a 222 Rem mini varminter and was looking around for some glass and I got the offer of a 3-12x50 nonilluminated for around £300; bargain! New list prices show an RRP Inc VAT of between £600/750 depending where you go. The Duralyt has been discontinued after only 6-years to be replaced with the Conquest DL, which is pretty much the same animal with the same three models and a few more options and changes, one being a BDC/ASV elevation turret and it’s now black!

 

NOT LIT

I decided on the non-illuminated version as though I like a red dot for boar shooting I rarely use one for deer/varmint work and even second hand it adds to the bottom line. The build shows a 30mm body tube, with plastic turret caps. Inside are 1cm @ 100m/.3 MOA @ 100 yard drums, which can be set to zero. The magnification ring is smooth rubber, which can be a bit slippery when wet! You get 62-clicks per turn (24”) and just 1.5 revolutions top to bottom. Twilight factor is not bad at 8.5-24.5 with a 12-3mm exit pupil and an FOV at 100m of 11 – 3.2m. The Conquest DL means that there will be new and used Duralyts on the market at great money, Sportsman are showing the 3-12x50 at just £599.99 new. If you’re looking for a decent scope new or used; do yourself a favour and check out a Duralyt!

CONTACT: Carl Zeiss Ltd, 01223 401500 (nearest dealer) www.zeiss.co.uk