Quality viewing
Bruce Potts looks at the Zeiss V8 30mm 2.8-20x56mm riflescope and likes what he sees
Ihave reviewed some good value for money scopes recently, but the top-end scopes undoubtedly offer the discerning shooter the ultimate optical quality, despite their higher prices. Zeiss continues to be ahead of the game with regard to the high-quality, reliable and functional models it offers, concentrating on getting its range perfect and not offering a huge array of scopes that most people will not buy.
The Zeiss V8 range is the embodiment of this. The 1.1-8x24mm, 1.8-14x50mm, 2.8-20x56mm and mighty 4.8-35x60 scopes cater for every need. The 2.8-20x56 model on test is designed for real-world hunting scenarios where you want a compact scope with universal 30mm tube size, low light capabilities, illuminated reticle, parallax adjustments and ASV or ballistic turret system for precise downrange aiming, along with Zeiss HT lenses, making it a great all-rounder.
Functions
As soon as you pick it up, it’s clear this scope oozes quality. At 350mm long and weighing 830g it is perfect to maintain a well-balanced sporting rifle, as well as hardy enough to take the inevitable rigours of the field.
Zeiss makes this model with a 30mm tube (the 4.8-35x60mm model is 34mm), so you have a better choice of mounts yet retain a good degree of internal elevation/windage adjustment. This being metric, you have an adjustment range at 100m of 210cm for height and 135cm for windage adjustment, more than enough to get you on zero and adjust for downrange trajectory accordingly.
Each adjustment click represents 1cm at 100m, and with the V8’s ASV system or ballistic compensating turret, you are able to match exactly the trajectory of your chosen cartridge and bullet weight/velocity. Very handy.
There are nine differing ballistic turret dials or foils, specifically numbered to match your rifle/cartridge ballistics, combined with a zero-stop feature that allows a precise tactile return to initial zero. This is a great feature if you swap scopes to a different rifle or use a different load for, say, foxes or deer.
Parallax adjustment is from 50m to infinity for those close or long-range shots and keeps the reticle and target razor sharp. It uses a left-side-mounted control and also houses the illuminated reticle battery (CR2032).