Whether you are a novice or seasoned
riflescope user, these definitions will
assist in understanding the different
components and considerations that go
into the engineering of quality Zeiss
riflescopes.
These concepts apply to all rifle scopes,
handgun scopes and air rifle scopes.
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All rifle and handgun scopes
Magnification
The most basic characteristic of a given
scope, magnification is simply a measure
of how many times better you can see
an object than with your naked eye.
It's typically the first number you
see in a scope's name. For example,
the Zeiss ZM/Z 6x42 MC has a six-power
magnification: Six times better than
the naked eye.
Zeiss also offers a line of variable
power scopes, which allow a range of
magnification for different hunting
situations. In these scopes, the first
two numbers, separated by a hyphen,
indicate the range of magnification.
For example, the Diavari C 3-9x36 MC
magnification can be adjusted as low
as 3x, or as high as 9x.
On all Zeiss variable power scopes,
the two designating numbers are listed
from lowest to highest in magnification.
Objective Lens Diameter
Field-of-View
his important term describes the actual
width of your scope's sight picture
at a specific distance. For instance,
the Zeiss Diatal ZM/Z 8x56 MC gives
you a sight picture that is 15 feet
wide at a range of 100 yards.
Field-of-view is a function of magnification
and the focal lengths of the objective
and eyepiece lenses. But remember this:
The higher the magnification, the narrower
the field-of-view.
This important term describes the actual
width of your scope's sight picture
at a specific distance. For instance,
the Zeiss Diatal ZM/Z 8x56 MC gives
you a sight picture that is 15 feet
wide at a range of 100 yards.
Field-of-view is a function of magnification
and the focal lengths of the objective
and eyepiece lenses. But remember this:
The higher the magnification, the narrower
the field-of-view.
Twilight Performance
Using the following formulas gives
a basic evaluation of low light performance;
however, one must keep in mind that
they are mathematical formulas and do
not take into effect some of the most
critical features in optics: glass quality,
number of lenses, precision of manufacturing
and coatings.
Exit Pupil
This is one measure -- expressed in
millimeters -- of the amount of light
that reaches your shooting eye.
Eye Relief
This describes the distance between
your shooting eye and eyepiece lens.
It's an important safety consideration.
Because if the eye relief is too short,
there's an increased risk of dangerous
contact between you and your scope under
recoil.
Eye relief is determined by the field-of-view,
and by the focal lengths of the objective
lens and eyepiece lens. Generally, the
higher the magnification and the larger
the field-of-view, the shorter the eye
relief.
All Zeiss scopes, whether fixed or
variable power, have consistent eye
relief throughout their power range.
Parallax
Parallax presents itself as the seeming
movement of the reticle, in relation
to the target, when your eye moves off
center of the sight picture. It indicates
that the scope is out of focus. Even
when parallax-adjusted for a designated
distance, there is an inadvertent error
at other distances. Parallax worsens
at higher magnifications.
Center Tube Diameter
The diameter of a scope's center tube
(or main tube) impacts the overall strength
and durability of the scope. And it
obviously determines the size of bases
and rings required for mounting. But
beyond that, the center tube diameter
must be adequate to allow a sufficient
range of windage and elevation adjustment.
Zeiss riflescopes have either a 30mm
or a one-inch center tube, depending
on the model.
Square Reticle Adjustment
The Zeiss approach to altering windage
and elevation, where the movement of
one adjustment does not alter the position
of the other adjustment. Our adjustment
range is square, unlike most conventional
riflescopes. This offsets the reticle's
natural tendency to follow a curving
path, which makes it all but impossible
to sight-in accurately. What is the
result of square reticle adjustment?
Maximum adjustment accuracy at all times.
Length
The overall length of a scope, from
the leading edge of the objective lens
housing to the back edge of the eyepiece
housing, can be a determining factor
when selecting a scope model. Brush
and horseback hunters may favor shorter
scopes for their discreet profile. But
long-range shooters, such as antelope
hunters, might embrace longer models
that also deliver greater magnification.
The shortest Zeiss scope is about 11
inches in length, while the longest
is about 15 inches.
Weight
The type of firearm you hunt with
should be a determining factor where
the weight of the scope is concerned.
Lightweight mountain rifles, for example,
seem to beg for scopes that weigh in
at the low end of the spectrum. While
more traditional rifles do well with
the somewhat heavier options.
Zeiss riflescopes range in weight from
about 14 oz. to about 25 oz., depending
on the model.
Stray Light
Stray light causes poor image quality.
When light entering the scope reflects
off of air-to-glass surfaces, the reflected
light eventually exits in the scope
in the form of stray light. This unfocused
light typically diminishes the image
quality of the sight picture.
To limit the detrimental effects of
stray light, Zeiss employs the proprietary
lens coatings known as T* and MC. Additionally,
all interior surfaces are anodized in
a matte black finish to prevent reflection
of the metal. Also, Zeiss scopes do
not contain any lubricants, such as
oil, that may leak inside and reflect
light. The net result of these manufacturing
techniques create an image that is crisp
and true to color.
Coatings
As light strikes an air-to-glass surface,
a small percentage of light is reflected
away to become stray light. This effect
is limited when these glass surfaces
are treated with a microscopic layer
of refractive material, such as magnesium
fluoride.
To achieve multicoating, several such
refractive layers are applied. When
properly applied, coatings can dramatically
enhance light transmission properties
by delivering more of the available
light to the shooter's eye. Zeiss' two
proprietary coatings are called T* and
MC anti-reflective coatings.
Waterproofing
This describes a scope's ability to
remain completely dry on the inside
when exposed to moisture or total submersion
in water. Zeiss scopes aresealed with
O-ring and are filled with 100% arid
nitrogen, which also resists all forms
of moisture. Zeiss scopes are tested
in accordance with German DIN 58 390
80 and ISO 9022, which guarantees that
the product will not fog or leak in
any way.
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All rifle and handgun scopes
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