September 7, 2022Zeiss Introduces LRP S3 FFP Scopes — First LookThere is a premium First Focal Plane option available for PRS/NRL competitors as well as long-range hunters. ZEISS just introduced the new LRP S3 scope series. It comes in MRAD and MOA versions. These scopes are stunning, with the best-in-class vertical elevation and superb glass. The prices start at $2199.99. The prices start at $2199.99, which is a great deal for a top-tier FFP scope. The product family includes two models: ZEISS S3 425-50, and LRPS3 636-56. Both models are available in milliradian (MRAD), or minute-of angle (MOA) configurations. “With the LRP S3, we have increased our successful long-range precision scope range to provide more options for highly reliable and accurate optics that can compete”, stated Kyle Brown (Director of Marketing and Products at ZEISS Consumer Products USA). The ZEISS LRPS3 first focal plane riflescopes were designed for long-range shooting and hunting. New ZEISS LRPS3 636-56 Scopes MOA and MRAD. The long-standing tradition of “buy once, cry twice” in competition optics markets is being broken by ZEISS. Long-range hunters and PRS/NRL competitors prefer first focal plane scopes that have high magnification ratios and clear optics. The majority of “alpha” scopes available in this market have a price tag of at least $4000, but ZEISS has a more affordable option in the ZEISS LRP S3 range. The new FFP 4-26X and 6-36X scopes offer a 6x zoom ratio, MOA or MIL reticles, and corresponding click values. MSRPs are very reasonable at $2499.99 for 6-36X and $2199.99 4-25X. ZEISS promises a “90% light transmission to produce a brighter image.” I reviewed the LRP S3 6-36X models, both in MOA and MIL formats. The ZEISS scopes are well packed and protected for shipping, just like any high quality scope. The turrets’ diameter is immediately apparent when one opens the package. They are large and easy-to-use, unlike many competitors’ designs. The repositioning the index marks to the upper side for windage and parallax adjustments is a truly shooter-friendly feature. This is a great feature that makes pre-stage windage setting easier for PRS shooters and hunters alike. To keep things in order, a visible micrometer scale is located below the turret in case more than one rotation is required. The zero stop on the elevation knob will reliably get you back to your starting point. The lock on the windage knob will prevent accidental adjustments. The turrets have distinctive markings that are easily readable, even without reading glasses. They were mounted in ZEISS ultralight rings on a double mount with a tripod that included a Nightforce Competition 1555x52mm glass. The story was told by looking across the river to the nearby city three miles away. The ZEISS glass was almost identical in color and resolution to Nightforce’s Japanese glass. The ZEISS also collected more light due to its larger objective (56mm) and main tube (34mm). The Nightforce had slightly worse clarity, but the ZEISS was able to withstand the harsh conditions of a hazy afternoon. The ZEISS and Nightforce were identical at 36x and 15x, respectively, when the author looked into the evening sunset as a background. Even the heavy mirage didn’t seem able to distinguish between the scopes. Two things caught my attention. The first was that the scope did not include a sunshade. Sunshades can be purchased separately by ZEISS, but I believe they should be included in the scope package. The second issue is the absence of range markings on parallax knob. It is not ideal to set parallax with range marks, but it can be very useful in shooting situations on the clock. More testing to come
The LRP S3-636-56 scope is an option-rich scope that’s affordable for both PRS/NRL as well as hunting applications. It will be able to compete with the $4000 “alpha” scopes, but at a lower and more affordable price. We will answer this question in the coming weeks with a detailed field trial. Keep checking back. – Keith GlasscockZEISS LRP S3 Optics Key FeaturesBest-in-Class Total Elevation Travel
4-25x50mm – 46.5 MRAD/ 160 MOA
6-36x56mm – 32.0 MRAD/110 MOA
Advanced Optical Design — For a precise and detailed image
For precise shot placement, use the External Locking Windage Turret and Ballistic Stop.
Daylight Visible Illuminated Smart Rectangle – easy to read and quick with minimal target coverage.
Relatively compact and tested to be tough in extreme conditions
The LRP S3’s 34mm aluminum main tube monobloc housing is shock-tested up to 1,500g-force and waterproofness up to 400mbar. It is designed for extreme use in rough terrain. Kyle Brown, ZEISS, says that the LRP S3 is suitable for hunting over long distances and long range competitions. These scopes are covered by ZEISS’s Limited Lifetime Warranty (for ZEISS Authorized USA Resellers):
LRP S3 425-50 [522675-9916-090] 4-25x50mm – ZF-MRi Reticle (#16) 0.1 MRAD clicks: $2,199.99
LRP S3 425-50 [522665-9917-090] 4-25x50mm – ZF-MOAi Reticle (#17) 0.25 MOA clicks: $2,199.99
LRP S3 636-56 [522695-9916-090] 6-36x56mm – ZF-MRi Reticle (#16) 0.1 MRAD clicks: $2,499.99
LRP S3 636-56 [522685-9917-090] 6-36x56mm – ZF-MOAi Reticle (#17) 0.25 MOA clicks: $2,499.99Availability: All ZEISS LRP S3 models — LRP S3 425-50 and 636-56 both MRAD and MOA versions — will be available at authorized ZEISS retailers beginning early October 2022 for the North American markets. For more information about the ZEISS LRP S3 scopes, visit www.zeiss.com/lrp-s3.
Similar Posts:Tags: Carl Zeiss Sport Optics, Keith Glasscock, LRP S3 Zeiss, LRP S5 Zeiss, Winning in the Wind, Zeiss, Zeiss Scope test
