We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Zeiss Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,172
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
1 reviews

Magnification
Consistently achieves tight 1.5 inch groups at 300 yards, demonstrating excellent precision.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle scaling with magnification ensures accurate range estimation and simplifies hold-over calculations for moving targets.

The Zeiss LRP S5 3-18x50 rifle scope is built for serious hunters and long-range shooters who want precision and durability. Its 3-18x magnification range offers flexibility for both close and distant targets, while the 34mm objective lens balances light gathering and compactness well. The first focal plane illuminated reticle is a plus because it scales with the zoom, meaning your aiming points stay accurate at any magnification. You’ll appreciate the bright, digitally controlled illumination that works well even in varying light conditions, helping you spot your target clearly.

This scope features an impressive 140 MOA total elevation travel, allowing for long-distance shots beyond 1,500 yards without needing extra adjustments. The turrets are designed to be tactile and repeatable, which gives confidence when dialing in your shots, especially in the field. In terms of durability, the LRP S5 excels with heavy-duty construction proven to handle strong shocks and impacts, making it reliable in tough hunting situations. The use of premium SCHOTT glass and special coatings helps maximize light transmission and image clarity, so you get sharp and bright views.

On the downside, the 34mm objective lens is slightly smaller than the 50mm mentioned in the name, which might limit some light in very low-light conditions compared to larger lenses. The scope is relatively heavy at just over 1kg, which could be a consideration if you prefer very lightweight setups. There’s no built-in night vision capability, so it’s mainly suited for daylight or dusk use. The Zeiss LRP S5 is a high-quality, rugged hunting scope that offers excellent optical performance and long-range capabilities. It’s best suited for hunters or marksmen who need precise adjustments and ruggedness rather than ultralight or night vision features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,172
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
1 reviews

Magnification
Consistently achieves tight 1.5 inch groups at 300 yards, demonstrating excellent precision.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle scaling with magnification ensures accurate range estimation and simplifies hold-over calculations for moving targets.
#2

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

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
15 reviews

Magnification
The glass quality stands out as the clearest and brightest among high-end scopes, delivering exceptional low-light performance and sharp images without distortion.
Reticle
Illumination is bright and focused solely on the reticle center, improving aiming precision without distracting from the target.
Eye Relief
The eye relief and eye box are forgiving, making it easy to quickly acquire a comfortable and consistent sight picture.
Parallax Adjustment
A potential drawback is occasional difficulty with reticle alignment and parallax adjustment at longer distances, which may affect precision for some users.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the durable aluminum construction designed to withstand harsh hunting conditions.

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 riflescope is designed primarily for long-range hunting, offering a wide magnification range from 6x to 36x which allows for detailed viewing of distant targets. Its large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, contributing to bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. The illuminated reticle, visible in both red and green, enhances aiming precision during daylight with adjustable brightness levels, focusing illumination only on the center for accuracy. This model uses a first focal plane design, meaning the reticle size adjusts with magnification, useful for range estimation at any zoom level.

With a field of view of about 20.4 feet at the closest setting, users get a decent balance between wide viewing and detail. The scope’s design and advanced optics, including Zeiss’s special coatings, suggest comfortable use and minimized image distortion. The scope is built tough with a 34mm main tube and strong aluminum construction, plus it can endure extreme shocks, making it reliable under harsh hunting conditions. Key features like the ballistic stop and locking windage turret help shooters quickly return to zero and make precise wind adjustments easily.

The scope is relatively heavy at over 39 ounces, which could be a consideration for those looking for lighter equipment. It does not support night vision, limiting use strictly to daylight or well-lit situations. This high-quality scope is well-suited for serious hunters needing durability, excellent optics, and fine adjustment capabilities in a long-range rifle scope.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
15 reviews

Magnification
The glass quality stands out as the clearest and brightest among high-end scopes, delivering exceptional low-light performance and sharp images without distortion.
Reticle
Illumination is bright and focused solely on the reticle center, improving aiming precision without distracting from the target.
Eye Relief
The eye relief and eye box are forgiving, making it easy to quickly acquire a comfortable and consistent sight picture.
Parallax Adjustment
A potential drawback is occasional difficulty with reticle alignment and parallax adjustment at longer distances, which may affect precision for some users.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Build quality is robust and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the durable aluminum construction designed to withstand harsh hunting conditions.
#3

ZEISS LRP S3 4-25x50 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
15 reviews

Magnification
The large magnification range and sharp optics make it easier to see missed shots at long distances without needing a spotter.
Reticle
Some users experience challenges aligning the reticle properly, with parallax adjustments not fully resolving point of impact shifts at longer ranges.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and eye box are forgiving, allowing for comfortable and easy target acquisition behind the scope.
Parallax Adjustment
Some users experience challenges aligning the reticle properly, with parallax adjustments not fully resolving point of impact shifts at longer ranges.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged build and design inspire confidence in durability, matching the high performance expected at this price point.

The ZEISS LRP S3 4-25x50 riflescope is designed for long-range shooting and hunting, offering a versatile magnification range from 4x to 25x that helps you clearly see distant targets. Its large 50mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, making images bright and sharp even in low light conditions. The scope features a first focal plane illuminated reticle, which means the aiming marks stay accurate at every zoom level and can be lit in red or green, adjustable across five brightness settings—great for precise aiming during daylight.

It also includes a ballistic stop for quick and reliable return to zero elevation, plus a locking windage turret that allows for easy and secure wind adjustments. Eye relief is generous at 85mm, which helps you maintain a comfortable and safe distance from the scope while looking through it. The scope’s rugged 34mm main tube and thick metal housing make it tough enough to withstand strong recoil and harsh outdoor conditions.

The scope doesn’t have night vision compatibility and weighs about 36.7 ounces, which might feel heavy for some users during extended carry. Its advanced glass and coatings provide excellent clarity and light transmission, but its premium features come at a higher price point. This riflescope suits serious hunters and long-range shooters who want a durable, precise, and bright optic to help make accurate shots at varying distances.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
15 reviews

Magnification
The large magnification range and sharp optics make it easier to see missed shots at long distances without needing a spotter.
Reticle
Some users experience challenges aligning the reticle properly, with parallax adjustments not fully resolving point of impact shifts at longer ranges.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and eye box are forgiving, allowing for comfortable and easy target acquisition behind the scope.
Parallax Adjustment
Some users experience challenges aligning the reticle properly, with parallax adjustments not fully resolving point of impact shifts at longer ranges.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged build and design inspire confidence in durability, matching the high performance expected at this price point.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now