Zeiss Victory Varipoint M 2.5-10x50 iC T

As a hunter, optics for me are all about 100% quality and performance as shots are taken in varying light conditions all year round. Specialised reticules and illumination help, but what we need is the best glass possible! This month I’m testing a Zeiss 2.5-10x50 Varipoint M with the dedicated illumination control (iC) specifically for Blaser straight-pull rifles. Though the same spec is offered less iC too.

Quality Counts

Zeiss has a deserved rep for quality and performance, which testing certainly bore out! The body tube (round or railed) is a one-piece, 30mm build and the scope is reasonably short and compact. The magnification ring is marked in full figures (numbers) and half powers (dots) with a slotted periphery and raised vane. The feel is firm but smooth with markings big enough to see easily. At the rear is a fast-focus eyepiece. The saddle shows three turrets; the usual elevation and windage with the rheostat on the left.

Turrets are essentially hunter-types (set and forget) with 1cm @ 100 metre clicks and 1/3 MOA (.36”) @ 100 yards. They offer 72-clicks per turn (26”) and two full rotations (52”) in both elevation and windage. The drums can be slipped after zeroing by lifting to disengage and turned to 0, with a white triangle to indicate position. Clicks are positive and audible, so corrections are easy to apply.

First Focal

Typically Zeiss offer a number of reticule options, this model uses what they call a ‘Reticle 60’ set in the 1st focal plane, it shows three, thick outer bars at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock with the inner cross coming down from 12 o’clock. This model is illuminated and has a black dot at the intersection of the cross, which is the only thing that lights up; again exactly what is required for a hunting optic.
The rheostat consists of a rotary drum that pulls out/pushes in to switch on and off. There are no pre-set levels as it’s simply turned to increase/decrease the brightness, which is indicated by tapered pointers – towards you more, away less. Also it will come back on at the level it was set when turned off.

The illumination control (iC) is totally dedicated to Blasers. Visually the only difference to the scope is the small saddle at the rear left of the eye piece bell. This works in conjunction with the cocker/de-cocker catch at the rear of the bolt body by a magnetic connection. Once activated iC works automatically and as you cock the rifle for the shot the dot comes on at what illumination you have pre-set, when you de-cock it turns off. The idea is to save time in a hectic situation and ensure the dot is on when it’s needed. Some Blasers come pre-fitted with the iC de-cocking slide, but any R93 or R8 without it can be retro-fitted at factory.

1st & 2nd Focal

Also clever is the fact that the reticule is in the 1st focal plane, but the illumination is in the second. In truth Zeiss have got the balance of the ‘ret’ about right, at x2.5 it’s slim but distinctive in near all lighting conditions. Up at x10 it’s thicker but no fatty and fine and precise enough for zeroing etc. However, the dot size does not change across the magnification range, making it most practical. Unlike for example Schmidt & Bender’s Zenith 3-12x50, where up at x12 the lit dot is massive and for certain shots less than useful.

Lens quality is superb and has Lotutec external coatings, which repels dirt and water build up. Overall an impressive package, but the proof is as ever in performance and I have to say it’s impressive… The spec makes this model an ideal all-rounder for close and long range use, plus has excellent low light ability too. What brought this home to me was sitting up a high seat about half an hour before last light. I was using my Leica Geovid 8x56 BRF binos, which are exceptional performers. Out of interest I viewed the same area with the Zeiss at x8 and to my surprise the image through the scope was brighter. I had always assumed that binos would be better…

Overall this is an impressive scope and if you’re shopping in this area it is well worth consideration, but as with all things of this nature you pay for what you get! However, this will ensure a lifelong, quality optic, so well worth the investment!

PRICE: (srp) £1745
NON IC: £1620