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10 Best Zeiss Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Zeiss LRP S5 5-25x56/MOA lluminated Reticle First Focal Plane 34mm Heavy-Duty Compact Hunting Scope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,350
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
1 reviews

Magnification
The scope’s magnification flexibility and illuminated reticle greatly improve target acquisition and shot placement at varying distances.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle enhances accuracy by scaling with magnification, making range estimation and hold-over adjustments intuitive and reliable.

The Zeiss LRP S5 5-25x56 is a top-tier hunting riflescope designed for shooters needing precision at long ranges. Its magnification range of 5x to 25x offers flexibility, making it easier to spot and engage targets from moderate to very long distances. The large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk, which is key for hunting. The illuminated reticle in the first focal plane means the aiming point stays consistent across all magnifications, and the bright illumination is easily visible even in bright daylight. Adjustment turrets are highly tactile and precise, allowing you to make fine changes confidently, which is crucial when shooting at varying distances.

A standout feature of the scope is its exceptional elevation travel of 140 MOA, allowing for extended shooting range without needing extra accessories. Durability is another highlight—it can withstand very tough conditions with shock testing up to 1,500 g-force, ensuring it holds zero even with heavy recoil or rough handling.

The scope is quite heavy at over 1 kilogram, which might add noticeable weight to your rifle setup. It is also priced at a premium level and mainly suited for serious hunters or competitive shooters who need advanced features; casual users might find it more than they require. This scope excels at long-range hunting with excellent optics, rugged build, and reliable adjustments, but its weight and price could be potential drawbacks for some.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,350
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
1 reviews

Magnification
The scope’s magnification flexibility and illuminated reticle greatly improve target acquisition and shot placement at varying distances.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle enhances accuracy by scaling with magnification, making range estimation and hold-over adjustments intuitive and reliable.
#2

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
18 reviews

Magnification
The 6-36x56 model offers a super clear and sharp image with no distortion or chromatic aberrations.
Reticle
Some users have experienced issues with reticle alignment, affecting the point of impact during shooting.
Eye Relief
Adjustments are precise and the eye-relief is forgiving, making the scope easy to use.

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope is an impressive option for dedicated long-range shooters and hunters who seek precision and reliability. One of its standout features is the exceptional magnification range of 6 to 36 times, which allows for versatile targeting at various distances. The objective lens diameter of 56mm paired with high-quality ED glass and T* multi-coating ensures that light transmission is maximized, resulting in bright and clear images even in challenging conditions. The daylight visible illuminated reticle adds another layer of usability, offering red or green illumination options that enhance aiming precision under various lighting scenarios.

Users will appreciate the outstanding total elevation travel of 110 MOA, which is particularly beneficial for making long-range corrections. The inclusion of a Ballistic Stop and an External Locking Windage Turret showcases thoughtful design, making adjustments intuitive and secure.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. At 39.1 ounces, this scope is relatively heavy, which may not suit all shooters, particularly those looking for lightweight options for extended hunts. The premium features come at a cost, making it a significant investment, which might not appeal to casual shooters or those on a budget. Additionally, while the scope is well-constructed with a durable design, the complexity of its controls may require some time to master for those new to advanced optics.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
18 reviews

Magnification
The 6-36x56 model offers a super clear and sharp image with no distortion or chromatic aberrations.
Reticle
Some users have experienced issues with reticle alignment, affecting the point of impact during shooting.
Eye Relief
Adjustments are precise and the eye-relief is forgiving, making the scope easy to use.
#3

Zeiss LRP S5 3-18x50/MRAD lluminated Reticle First Focal Plane 34mm Heavy-Duty Compact Hunting Scope

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
1 reviews

Magnification
Consistently achieves tight 1.5-inch groups at 300 yards, demonstrating exceptional precision.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle adjusts with magnification, enabling precise range estimation and easier hold-over reading for moving targets.

The Zeiss LRP S5 3-18x50 is a high-quality rifle scope designed especially for long-range hunting and precision shooting. It offers a versatile magnification range from 3x to 18x, making it suitable for close to very distant targets, while the large 50mm objective lens ensures bright and clear images even in low light. The first focal plane illuminated reticle with milliradian (MRAD) markings helps with precise range estimation and bullet drop compensation, and its daylight-visible illumination means you can see your aiming point clearly in various lighting conditions.

The scope features an impressive total elevation travel of 40.7 MRAD, enabling adjustments for shots well beyond 1,500 yards, exceeding many other scopes in capability. Its turrets provide tactile and repeatable feedback, allowing confident and precise adjustments shot after shot. Durability is another strong point: this scope is built to withstand heavy recoil and rough handling, passing rigorous shock tests up to 1,500 g-force.

While it doesn’t support night vision attachments and has a somewhat heavy package weight (around 1.8 kg), its rugged design and premium optics with special coatings ensure excellent light transmission (90%) and image clarity. The Weaver mount type is common and versatile, fitting many rifles easily. This scope is ideal for serious hunters and long-range shooters who seek reliable performance, detailed optics, and strong durability in a compact format.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
1 reviews

Magnification
Consistently achieves tight 1.5-inch groups at 300 yards, demonstrating exceptional precision.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle adjusts with magnification, enabling precise range estimation and easier hold-over reading for moving targets.

Buying Guide for the Best Zeiss Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope is crucial for enhancing your shooting accuracy and overall experience. Zeiss rifle scopes are known for their high quality and precision, but selecting the right model involves understanding various specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the key specs and make an informed decision.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at different distances. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while medium magnification (5-12x) is suitable for mid-range shooting. High magnification (12x and above) is best for long-range shooting where precision is critical. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Smaller diameters (20-40mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for hunting in daylight. Larger diameters (40-56mm) gather more light, providing better performance in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Select the diameter based on the lighting conditions you expect to encounter.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple crosshairs are good for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are beneficial in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the type of shooting you will be doing.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is useful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes typically offer a wider FOV. Consider the FOV based on whether you need to track moving targets or focus on a stationary target.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches) is better for high-recoil firearms to prevent the scope from hitting your face. Shorter eye relief is acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Choose eye relief based on the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move in relation to the target when you move your head. This is important for precision shooting at varying distances. Scopes with fixed parallax are simpler and suitable for general use, while adjustable parallax is beneficial for long-range shooting where precision is key. Decide on parallax adjustment based on the distances you will be shooting and the level of precision you require.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance refer to the scope's ability to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. This is crucial for maintaining performance in the field. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that the scope will perform reliably in various weather conditions and withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Choose a scope with the level of durability that matches your shooting environment.

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