March 14, 2022ZEISS LRP 5-25x56mm FFP Scope Scope Field Test and ReviewZEISS introduced a new LRP series of First Focal Plane optics, the LRP S5. Two new FFP scopes are available with high zoom ratios: the LRP 525-56 and S5 318-50. These scopes are stunning, with high quality glass, precise controls, and an incredible amount of elevation. The LRP S5 525-556 has a 25X max power and features a 34mm main tube. Jim was able to test the Milrad version, which includes the ZF-MRi Reticle as well as 40.7 Mils elevation. Jim is an active PRS/NRL competitor and knows which features are important for tactical competitions. He knows that a good PRS/NRL scope should be hardy, precise, repeatable, and consistent. Jim was impressed by the new 5-25x56mm ZEISS scope. Jim loved the bright, clear markings and the positive clicks. Jim also appreciated the zoom control with lever, the positive zero-stop on elevation knob, as well as the lockable windage turbine. He said that the scope works well, tracks well, and that the turrets are precise in their movements. All functions work well, including elevation, windage and parallax. The LRP scope is similar to other ZEISS products that I have used. Jim felt that the ZEISS 5-25x56mm scope “will fit well” in its intended market, namely PRS/NRL, long range hunting, and PRS/NRL. Review by Jim See, Elite Accuracy LLCI reviewed ZEISS’s latest scope for precision rifle shooters. ZEISS is a very recognizable name in the optics industry, and the LRP S5 line of optics is there first big attempt to attract the attention of PRS/tactical/competition enthusiasts.
ZEISS LRP accessories S5 include a power throw lever, a shade, and a set precision rings with integral bubble levels. I found them to be very well-made. These items were used to fit my test scope. I was sent the 5-25x56mm MRAD version. This optic is a first focal plane and has a main tube of 34mm. When I first saw the optic, my initial impressions were positive. It had the same look and feel as other ZEISS optics that I was familiar with. The robust construction and easy-to-read turrets made it feel solid. Jim was very pleased with the visible numbers on the dials. “With my (older), eyes, I can’t see the numbers on most scopes, but I can read them with this ZEISS S5 scope. “I mounted the ZEISS to a 6mmBR rifle, and then I headed out to the range to zero it and set the zero stop. This was a quick operation that took only minutes. I fired one shot, dialed my scope to the bullet impact, and sent another round. After a little tweaking, I had my zero. I quickly reviewed the Owner’s Manual and learned how to zero out the elevation turret. Simply loosen the two screws holding the turret down, push it down until it stops, and then tighten the screws again. It’s very simple and easy to do. The turrets of this scope have clearly identified clicks. There is a slightly deeper detent at the full One-Mile indicator marks. As you rotate the scope, you can feel the resistance of the heavier detent. Long range matches are compensated for bullet drop and wind deflection using a ballistic calculator or collected data. It is important that the elevation turret tracks are accurate. I set up a tall target test, with marks at 36. I set up a tall target test with marks at 36? and a precise range of 100 yards. I shot a 3-shot group from my aim point, and dialed in 10 Mils. I then repeated the 3-shot group with the same Point of Aim. The results were almost perfect, with a 36? There was a wide spread between the two groups. All groups were under.25 MOA, which is representative for this rifle. I repeated the scope’s aim impacts, fresh from a +10 Mil “up”. I dialed back the scope to zero and then repeated the test using a +10 Mil aim point change only. The impact height was not as high using the subtension lines. However, it was slightly higher than clicking up 10 Mils using the reticle hold line. *
The scope’s view is bright and clear right up to the edge of the image. Smaller scopes might have shadowing or distortion at their periphery. I was able, a few days later, to reach a range with steel targets out to the distance. On this day I was looking at optical performance as well as the “feel” and feel of the optic. I was fortunate enough to see the sun low in the sky, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to check for optical flare. Without something to compare, it is impossible to make a good comparison. So I had a rifle with a flagship optic from another brand that I was familiar with. I set up both optics with sun shades and viewed a picnic table placed on a pond dike, right in line with the sun. In this test, the ZEISS showed less optical flare to the point where flare was almost non-existent. The ZEISS provided a clear image that was easy to use and did not cause eye strain. I compared the performance of the other brand scopes. The ZEISS was clearer and more usable. One key to success in precision-style rifle matches is managing recoil by using solid fundamentals. This is where the bullet goes. This is done by keeping our eyes on the target and staying within the scope. We look for feedbacks such as bullet trace, dirt impacts and target reaction. Sometimes, we even see the bullet in flight. It was a perfect day to actually see the bullet in flight, with the sun low and at approximately 1:30 from my target. I was able to clearly see the reflection of light off the side/rear end of the 105 grain Berger Bullet. This isn’t something everyone can see. To pick up subtleties, you should run at a midrange power of 10-15x. In this case, I knew that I had about one Mil right wind and 4.3 Mils dialed elevation. As I broke the shot, I allowed my eye to look up and right at the target. Each time, I was able to see the bullet’s arching streak as it headed towards and impacted the target. I could see the bullet trace as it headed towards the target. Unfortunately, the lighting and wind were not ideal. I dialed plates at different distances and shot, shot, shot again. I was pleased with the ZEISS’s performance and tracking, and concluded the session by comparing it with my control optic. I did a side-by-side comparison on farm buildings located 2400 yards away. Both of these optics clearly resolved all images. The ZEISS had a more sensitive eyes box when your eye position changed from left to right. This was something I took away from this. Although it is not significant, I noticed it with constant evaluation. Your eye position behind the ZEISS optic from front to back was very forgiving. This is quite normal for scopes with similar design. I thought it was worth another day of assessment to better evaluate the optic. I was able again to examine the optics on a day with very low light. North east Iowa was now cloudy and snow covered. Today’s goal was to set up my BOG Deathgrip tripod with optics and to study the town that I lived in. I set up the optic and focused it onto a multi-story brick building located at 1500 yards. I was able to see the mortar lines between bricks at this distance with both the flat lighting brightnesses and contrast by fine tuning the optics. I searched for color. I then went to my local Casey’s gas station, which is about 800 yards away. My color perception in both optics was very similar, to the point that I was unable to even attempt to compare them. I spent another evening behind glass to try to get an idea of the ZEISS’s performance as light faded. Unfortunately, it was yet another cloudy evening in Iowa. The evaluation was completed with a high-end tactical optic with similar dimensions and power rating. This model is a few years old, but it is still in the manufacturer’s lineup. The ZEISS low-light performance was outstanding on similar power settings. This was what I took away from the three-optic evaluation. The white snow was still white and crisp, the resolution was excellent and the images were easy to identify. The first competitor comparison optic performed well as well. However, the second added optic showed a tint of yellowing to the image. This was something I hadn’t noticed in daylight use with that optic. Overall, I believe ZEISS has created an optic that will work in the market it was designed for. It is a solid optic, which feels very durable and repeatable. In my testing, the ZEISS LRP 525-56’s functions performed as expected. The optical quality is excellent and produces a bright, clear image. The ZEISS LRP 525-56 is a top-quality optic for shooters who are looking for a new, high-end optic. Installation in Zeiss Rings
Jim secured the scope in high-quality ZEISS rings that have an integral bubble level. After completing the initial Tall Target test, Jim took the scope out to the field. The accuracy and repeatability of the 0.1 MRAD elevation, windage click values was confirmed by this test. Jim also enjoyed the positive clicks with both the elevation and windage knobs. Jim shared his thoughts with us: “The scope works well, it tracks well and the turrets move accurately. All functions work well, including elevation, windage, and parallax. The LRP scope is similar to other ZEISS products that I have used. Jim also noted that the ZEISS S5 scope resisted solar flare well. “This is important for PRS matches, where we get that low afternoon sun.”
Scope mounted in ZEISS rings. Bubble level. An optional sunshade can be attached to the front.
Jim is testing the ZEISS LRP’s weatherproofing and ruggedness in harsh winter conditions. To keep the snow off his feet, he’s using a tripod. Smooth traversing allows for easy viewing of many terrains and objects. This optic can shoot at extreme ranges without needing holdovers.
* I was able to see in this test that the reticle had a measured gap of 9.8 Mils between my previous two groups (not 10, though those were actually 36). ten Mils is 36 100. The shooting results using only the reticle lines confirmed what I saw. I now had two groups measuring 36.6? apart. The “take-away” here is that I can calculate the error if I only have to hold the reticle, at a minimum of 0.1 mil per 5 mils. This error could cause problems. Although some may believe so, competitions are rarely held at more than 5 mils during shooting stages. A 0.1 Mil click at 100 yards is 0.36 inches, a full Mil 3.6 inches, and ten Mils 36?.
Similar Posts:Tags: Elite Accuracy, First Focal Plane, Jim See, PRS Scope Test, Zeiss 5-25x56mm scope, Zeiss FFP Scope, Zeiss LRP 525-56, Zeiss PRS Scope, Zeiss Scope, Zeiss Sport Optics
