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Zeiss Victory V8

Zeiss Victory V8

I’m so often asked if one riflescope can do everything and I always say no, however, some do come closer than others. The specification of 2.8-20x56 with first-class optics and fast adjustment for elevation seems to tick all the boxes for hunting, with all of Zeiss’ superb lens grinding and coating monikers as well as their reputation. The big entry point for the V8 was its long-range hunting ethos, which was by name, a little newer to the marketing departments back in 2014, when it was first launched. Since then, the scope has proven itself a reliable performer but perhaps for one downside, not everyone could cope with a 36mm tube. Special rings were required (the Europeans like rail mounts anyway) and the visual bulk put some people off, even if weight was no specific penalty. On some rifles, that big tube did lead to a higher than ideal scope position but horses for courses. That compromise is now over.

Don’t look gloomy

Light transmission is still specified at 92%, which is entirely believable (Zeiss HT range still passing it slightly with 95%).

Eye relief has reduced from 95 to 92mm but is hardly noticeable and on a low to medium recoiling sporting rifle that fits, it’s not an issue. What you do get is a lovely, bright and broadly spaced eye box with similarly forgiving dioptre control for relaxed eyes. The ZEISS T* coating still ensures high contrast images with excellent colour graduation, even in poor light, and the LotuTec coating helps shed water.

Long range requirements?

Zeiss has chosen to use 1cm @ 100m click values, which works directly alongside the milliradian system if you want to shoot at longer ranges and work in this unit rather than counting clicks. The ASV Long Range turrets on the V8 simply lift to unlock, then turn to the position you require, either during zero or dialling for longer shots. There is an easy to set up zero-stop, requiring just a flat blade screwdriver to adjust. It is basically impossible to accidentally nudge the turrets out of place, and nine additional collars are supplied with the scope to complement approximations of the general ballistics of many mainstream calibres.

Setup is well explained in the manual but as always, don’t just jump in and take long shots without checking your precise ballistics. Make sure you chronograph your rifle, don’t just trust the velocity listed on the box.

story continues below...

The clicks are tactile, producing a small perceptible noise and are comfortable to operate wearing gloves. Windage is a conventional finger dial underneath a cap, with similar 1cm clicks. It can be lifted and turned silently to mark L-R zero without tools.

How far will it go?

210 clicks (2.1m @ 100m or 21 MRAD) are available for elevation and 135 (13.5 MRAD) for windage. The ASV turret allows 100 of these clicks per rotation, before ending at the far side of the zero stop. This is the limit of your range depending on specific cartridge ballistics, without further turret disassembly.

Reticle illumination requires holding the dial button down to turn the dot on/ off. Then simply spin the dial to vary the intensity. The settings are saved when you turn it off and it has auto power-off, as well as positional off, if laid down or aside. Re-illumination is instant. It sits in the second focal plane, remaining constant in size regardless of magnification, offering simple 3,6 and 9 o’clock stadia. The world’s finest illuminated dot’s red glow covers 3.3mm of the target at 100m and correspondingly more as range increases. It remains sharp without dazzle or flicker, even at its highest intensity. Parallax control is available on the turret to the left of the saddle from 50m to infinity with a soft detent at the 100m mark.

Further details

The calibre specific rings are graduated with helpful 25/50/100m increments - range is easier to get right, windage is harder to compensate for. Zeiss can custom engrave collars specific to your calibre’s ballistics, but I still think it’s better and more respectful to learn to set ballistics up yourself and not rely on ‘average’ results. The V8 is a fine scope and for long range mountain hunting, I don’t think it has an equal, yet weight is always at odds with a mountain rifle.

Conclusion

The optics, reticle and mechanics have proven themselves to me time and time again, yet in poor light at shorter ranges, Zeiss’ HT is still lighter and more compact. This isn’t a target scope unless the range is kept within those 21 milliradians and be cautious, the 35x V8, which may seem superior, has just 14 MRAD to play with, so it’s even more limited in comparison. True long range target scopes will be in the 30 MRAD region and beyond.

Where the V8 still conquers is the hunting crossover, with quickly operable turrets and clear sight picture, with superb illumination suited to live quarry in poor light and for that, it’s still a superb optic.

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Name: Zeiss V8 2.8-20x56
  • Light transmission: 92%
  • Exit pupil diameter: 9.9 – 2.8mm
  • Twilight factor: 7.9 – 33
  • Field of view at 100m: 15.5 – 2.1m
  • Objective viewing angle: 8.8° – 1.2°
  • Dioptre adjustment range: − 3.5 | + 2 dpt
  • Eye relief: 92mm
  • Parallax setting: 50m – ∞
  • Vertical adjustment range at 100m: 210cm
  • Lateral adjustment range at 100m: 135cm
  • Adjustment per click at 100M: 1cm
  • Body tube diameter: 30mm
  • Eyepiece tube diameter: 46mm
  • Objective tube diameter: 62mm
  • Water resistance: 400 mbar
  • Operating temperature: − 25°C | + 50°C
  • Length: 350mm
  • Weight (without inner rail): 795-grams
  • Weight (with inner rail): 830-grams
  • Price: £2850
  • Contact: www.zeiss.com/sports-optics

Zeiss Victory V8

Zeiss Victory V8

I’m so often asked if one riflescope can do everything and I always say no, however, some do come closer than others. The specification of 2.8-20x56 with first-class optics and fast adjustment for elevation seems to tick all the boxes for hunting, with all of Zeiss’ superb lens grinding and coating monikers as well as their reputation. The big entry point for the V8 was its long-range hunting ethos, which was by name, a little newer to the marketing departments back in 2014, when it was first launched. Since then, the scope has proven itself a reliable performer but perhaps for one downside, not everyone could cope with a 36mm tube. Special rings were required (the Europeans like rail mounts anyway) and the visual bulk put some people off, even if weight was no specific penalty. On some rifles, that big tube did lead to a higher than ideal scope position but horses for courses. That compromise is now over.

Don’t look gloomy

Light transmission is still specified at 92%, which is entirely believable (Zeiss HT range still passing it slightly with 95%).

Eye relief has reduced from 95 to 92mm but is hardly noticeable and on a low to medium recoiling sporting rifle that fits, it’s not an issue. What you do get is a lovely, bright and broadly spaced eye box with similarly forgiving dioptre control for relaxed eyes. The ZEISS T* coating still ensures high contrast images with excellent colour graduation, even in poor light, and the LotuTec coating helps shed water.

Long range requirements?

Zeiss has chosen to use 1cm @ 100m click values, which works directly alongside the milliradian system if you want to shoot at longer ranges and work in this unit rather than counting clicks. The ASV Long Range turrets on the V8 simply lift to unlock, then turn to the position you require, either during zero or dialling for longer shots. There is an easy to set up zero-stop, requiring just a flat blade screwdriver to adjust. It is basically impossible to accidentally nudge the turrets out of place, and nine additional collars are supplied with the scope to complement approximations of the general ballistics of many mainstream calibres.

Setup is well explained in the manual but as always, don’t just jump in and take long shots without checking your precise ballistics. Make sure you chronograph your rifle, don’t just trust the velocity listed on the box.

story continues below...

The clicks are tactile, producing a small perceptible noise and are comfortable to operate wearing gloves. Windage is a conventional finger dial underneath a cap, with similar 1cm clicks. It can be lifted and turned silently to mark L-R zero without tools.

How far will it go?

210 clicks (2.1m @ 100m or 21 MRAD) are available for elevation and 135 (13.5 MRAD) for windage. The ASV turret allows 100 of these clicks per rotation, before ending at the far side of the zero stop. This is the limit of your range depending on specific cartridge ballistics, without further turret disassembly.

Reticle illumination requires holding the dial button down to turn the dot on/ off. Then simply spin the dial to vary the intensity. The settings are saved when you turn it off and it has auto power-off, as well as positional off, if laid down or aside. Re-illumination is instant. It sits in the second focal plane, remaining constant in size regardless of magnification, offering simple 3,6 and 9 o’clock stadia. The world’s finest illuminated dot’s red glow covers 3.3mm of the target at 100m and correspondingly more as range increases. It remains sharp without dazzle or flicker, even at its highest intensity. Parallax control is available on the turret to the left of the saddle from 50m to infinity with a soft detent at the 100m mark.

Further details

The calibre specific rings are graduated with helpful 25/50/100m increments - range is easier to get right, windage is harder to compensate for. Zeiss can custom engrave collars specific to your calibre’s ballistics, but I still think it’s better and more respectful to learn to set ballistics up yourself and not rely on ‘average’ results. The V8 is a fine scope and for long range mountain hunting, I don’t think it has an equal, yet weight is always at odds with a mountain rifle.

Conclusion

The optics, reticle and mechanics have proven themselves to me time and time again, yet in poor light at shorter ranges, Zeiss’ HT is still lighter and more compact. This isn’t a target scope unless the range is kept within those 21 milliradians and be cautious, the 35x V8, which may seem superior, has just 14 MRAD to play with, so it’s even more limited in comparison. True long range target scopes will be in the 30 MRAD region and beyond.

Where the V8 still conquers is the hunting crossover, with quickly operable turrets and clear sight picture, with superb illumination suited to live quarry in poor light and for that, it’s still a superb optic.

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Zeiss Victory V8 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Name: Zeiss V8 2.8-20x56
  • Light transmission: 92%
  • Exit pupil diameter: 9.9 – 2.8mm
  • Twilight factor: 7.9 – 33
  • Field of view at 100m: 15.5 – 2.1m
  • Objective viewing angle: 8.8° – 1.2°
  • Dioptre adjustment range: − 3.5 | + 2 dpt
  • Eye relief: 92mm
  • Parallax setting: 50m – ∞
  • Vertical adjustment range at 100m: 210cm
  • Lateral adjustment range at 100m: 135cm
  • Adjustment per click at 100M: 1cm
  • Body tube diameter: 30mm
  • Eyepiece tube diameter: 46mm
  • Objective tube diameter: 62mm
  • Water resistance: 400 mbar
  • Operating temperature: − 25°C | + 50°C
  • Length: 350mm
  • Weight (without inner rail): 795-grams
  • Weight (with inner rail): 830-grams
  • Price: £2850
  • Contact: www.zeiss.com/sports-optics
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