Zero Compromise Optic ZC840 8-40x56
- Last updated: 11/11/2024
Zero Compromise Optic (yes, it is singular), is apparently an international collaboration of optical experts from Austria and the USA. Their stated goal ‘to build the best rifle scopes in the world’, is no hollow boast, and whilst I have only just become aware of them, this high-end operation looks set to grab plenty of headlines. Working closely with shooters and focusing on the highest standards of quality are all part of the company’s remit, and I now have in front of me an example of what this state-of-the-art manufacturer is all about.
How much?
When I was given the recommended retail price (RRP) of this particular model, I was relieved I was sitting down when I received the phone call. It’s no exaggeration to say that this item, priced at the cost of a small second-hand car, represents a specialised section of the market. It’s a particularly dedicated sort of shooter that will shell out in the region of £4650 for his/her scope, then muster up a further £265 for the mounts.
Inside the box, these scopes come complete with a set of elasticated clear plastic lens caps, a neoprene scope cover, tools, a cleaning cloth, a CR2032 battery, and instructions. The lens caps are excellent, but the neoprene cover is an irritatingly tight fit. Once on, there’s no denying it does its job, but hey.
Versatile specification
The specification of this ZC840 8-40x56 model is particularly versatile, and whilst it is designed with a generous adjustment range to cater for long-range shooting, for example, the fact that the side parallax dial can be set to be parallax corrected right down to 10 yards means this incredible optic is equally at home bolted to an air rifle. At 41.9oz, this optic is quite weighty, but the super-robust build is all part of the spec chart. The 56mm objective gets plenty of light through, but the quality of the Austrian glass and ultra-precise optical system utilised, means performance in low light conditions is all part of the appeal.
Unusual size
With ZCO opting for a highly specialised 36mm body tube, sourcing alternative mounts will be difficult, which means the choice will be seriously minimised. I don’t deny that this is a source of irritation. However, unsurprisingly, ZCO has gone their own way on mounting systems too, with their own brand of mounts and accessories.
Shown here are the ZCO RM-D36-H34 ring mounts, and the figures in the code relate to the body tube and a then a height of 34mm. The base configuration is Picatinny/Weaver. The ring mounts are available in heights of 30mm (1.18”) and 34mm (1.34”) and are designed for professional mounting, where high strength and utter precision are a prerequisite. The mounts are made in Austria using state-of-the-art CNC machines and are formed from anodized coated EN AW-7075 aluminium. Quality items then, but as previously mentioned, not exactly a cheap option.
Left turret
The left target turret features the rheostat, which provides reticle illumination in one direction for night vision and several intensity levels of red illumination in the other. Automatic Illumination Management (AIM) kicks in after three minutes of inactivity, or when the scope exceeds 45 degrees to either side or 75 degrees up or down. It will also shut down totally after two hours, so it’s a well-thought-out system. The inside ring of the left turret is the side-focus parallax. It is marked up from 10 yards, then 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and infinity.
This model is specified as First Focal Plane (FFP), and for those confused, this means the reticle is mounted in front of the magnifying lens. As the magnification is increased, the reticle appears to increase in size, and so does the target. Everything stays in proportion, irrespective of the mag selected, meaning all viewed reticle values stay constant. Apparently, a second focal plane version will also be available soon.
Reticle design
The reticle fitted to my test scope is the MOA reticle and this has a large cross stadia, clearly marked up, and a fine floating dot. Use the rear fast focus dioptre to bring the reticle in crisply to suit the individual. Here, the dioptre rim gets no rubber protection, but the movement has pleasing resistance. Set at 8x magnification, the reticle appears ultra fine and wonderfully precise, although it can get lost in foliage in certain light. It gets progressively bolder as the magnification increases.
Viewing the technical resolution chart with the ZC840 alongside a somewhat less expensive competitor, clearly demonstrated the ZCO’s superiority, and the sharp, vivid image provides a real confidence boost in the field.
The turrets utilise the push-pull locking system, so pull up to adjust the settings, and then push down to lock when the operation is complete. The click values on both windage and elevation are 0.125 MOA, and the click movement itself has to be the most positive on any scope I have ever used. Unsurprisingly, all adjustments on test stayed true and repeatable. There’s a ‘zero stop’ feature on the elevation turret, which will appeal to many, and this model can also be specified with 0.1 MIL click values and an appropriate reticle. So, there are plenty of options.
With the magnification dialled up to the 40x max, the eye box position becomes super-sensitive. This is no bad thing, since it trains for a consistent mounting position, in turn minimizing parallax error. I noticed that the distance indicated on the scope didn’t match the actual distance when I looked with my eyes. For example, when I aimed at a target 25 yards away, the image was in focus at 20 yards. This seems to be a common issue with scopes, as everyone’s eyesight is different. All importantly, the range markings proved consistent.
Backlight
The offset throw lever, which is integral to the magnification collar, is set at just the right angle, so using the dial feels instinctive. Clarity on the highest mag was still excellent, along with edge-to-edge sharpness, as you would expect, I suppose. However, that level of high mag always creates a slightly darker image, necessitating the use of a lens-enhancing rubber shroud. These are a simple push fit to the ocular lens, and the idea is to eliminate any backlight getting in. Do this, and the sight picture snaps in. Dialling for distance also gave consistent readings, although the addition of a custom side-wheel would enhance this operation. But a useful optic as a Field Target scope for sure.
Verdict
As you would expect from such a premium product, there are guarantees. Firstly, ZCO states there is an ‘owner transferable Lifetime Warranty, covering mechanical and optical defects in materials and workmanship’. Improper mounting etc. is obviously not included. In addition, the electronic components get a two-year warranty. Having spent some time now experiencing this optic for myself, I don’t see the point in worrying about the warranties, for the apparent and tangible build quality is utterly mouthwatering. ZCO has supposedly set out to produce the best scopes in the world, and that is a bold statement, but the quality of this ZC840 is undeniable, being optically and mechanically superb. Whether the eye-watering asking price is justified is up for debate, and will always depend on the individual, but there’s no doubt that an increasing number of shooters these days are prepared to pay for that Nth degree of performance. Suffice it to say, this Zero Compromise won’t disappoint, representing as it does, the pinnacle of optical products in our industry.