Rifle Scopes Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

Lowlight

HMFIC of this Shit
Staff member
Moderator
Supporter
Minuteman
  • Apr 12, 2001
    36,321
    44,034
    Base of the Rockies
    www.snipershide.com
    <h3>Zeiss Tactical - Hensoldt 4-16X 56 FF</h3>
    <object id="objVeeplePlayer" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="450" height="289" align="middle"><param name="width" value="450"/><param name="height" value="289"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="movie" value="http://www.veeple.com/swf/VeeplePlayer.swf?siteId=5GLGxNj8HEg%253D&videoId=f10007bc-7344-400d-a5f0-32c796444ba1&userId=&baseUrl=http://www.veeple.com/&showSpots=1&showViewBar=1&showTabBar=1&autoPlay=0&allowAddComments=1&allowShare=1&allowEmbedding=1&allowFullscreen=1&allowRating=1&stopPlayingOnInteractiveClick=0&displayRelatedVideos=0&showWorm=0&showLogo=0&logoIcon=1&whiteLabel=0&showTabClickableObjects=1&showTabDetails=1&showTabComments=1&playerMode=player&playerWidth=450&playerHeight=289&isFlex=0&recordEvents=1&scaleMode=maintainAspectRatio&deploymentUrl=http://www.snipershide.com"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed id="embVeeplePlayer" src="http://www.veeple.com/swf/VeeplePlayer.swf?siteId=5GLGxNj8HEg%253D&videoId=f10007bc-7344-400d-a5f0-32c796444ba1&userId=&baseUrl=http://www.veeple.com/&showSpots=1&showViewBar=1&showTabBar=1&autoPlay=0&allowAddComments=1&allowShare=1&allowEmbedding=1&allowFullscreen=1&allowRating=1&stopPlayingOnInteractiveClick=0&displayRelatedVideos=0&showWorm=0&showLogo=0&logoIcon=1&whiteLabel=0&showTabClickableObjects=1&showTabDetails=1&showTabComments=1&playerMode=player&playerWidth=450&playerHeight=289&isFlex=0&recordEvents=1&scaleMode=maintainAspectRatio&deploymentUrl=http://www.snipershide.com" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="450" height="289" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" menu="false" allowFullScreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object>



    Earlier in the year we reviewed both the 3-12X 56 FF scope and the Spotter 60 for the site and its members. Outstanding products each of them we started out by putting the 3-12X though its paces down at Rifles Only. You can find a series of videos as well as a review on Sniper's Hide. Needless to say the scope performed with flying colors, even after tossing it off the roof of the Rifles Only Shoot House. So, in talking with Nathan, I asked to look at the 4-16X 56 FF scope as I wanted to compare this model to the previous 3-12X as well compare it to a similar tactical scope, namely the S&B 4-16X. This is probably one of the biggest debates we see on the Sniper's Hide forums. "How does "X" scope compare to "Y" brand" because the choices are ever increasing people want to know where to place their hard earned money. It's a completely understandable question, none of the high end tactical scopes are inexpensive. Doesn't matter if you're talking S&B, USO, Nightforce, or Zeiss / Hensoldt, they are all expensive relatively speaking. Let's face it, at a bare minimum you're going to spend over $2000 and that's nothing to sneeze at. That is why we have these reviews, so the members of Sniper's Hide can make the best decision possible even though many can't just run down to the local gun shop and see these scopes. Hopefully the information, and video will give you a better understanding of what you are looking at. </p>
    You can find the complete review on the home page of the site... http://www.snipershide.com

    As always this is an interactive video, click on the Acrobat files to download the spec sheets for the scope, or follow the links for the Zeiss Hensoldt Page or to SWFA directly for details on cost and availability.
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    Interesting..My Hensoldts optics are quite a bit noticeably better than my Scmidt 4-16x42. especially in the lower light which is to be expected with a larger objective but also the resolutuion is better..everyone who saw both agreed.
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    Thanks for taking the time to do an unbiased review; of quite possibly two of the best scopes in the market! Most of us don't have an opportunity to peer thru one! Mad skills w/ the video also! Just curious; what is the correct pronounciation for Hensoldt???
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    It's always interesting to see how people interpret what is said or what they see like in the video.

    As I never mentioned anything about one being better than the other, or ones' resolution being superior, however if you bothered to have read the complete review you might have seen these two paragraphs with some qualifying statements, none of which were in the video.
    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right off the bat I am here to tell you, the Zeiss / Hensoldt is an outstanding piece of glass. In fact I would consider the Zeiss line of scopes to be the standard to which every other companies sets to achieve. Now, I personally consider the idea of glass clarity to be highly subjective. And fully understand you can't just make a blanket statement regarding the view through a scope. Each company has different product lines, which vary in quality, as well they strive to achieve something a little unique to set them apart from the rest. These small differences I believe in many cases to be so small they are beyond most people's ability to tell one apart from the other simply by looking through the scope. However there are some small differences I feel can be seen, and in most cases these differences come down to optical design of the overall package. Certain designs allow for a better picture than others, and in my opinion Zeiss has their optical design down pat. I have to say it's rock solid and it shows. If I had to pick one thing, I would say it's my favorite aspect of the Zeiss / Hensoldt line. When you drop down behind their scope the image just pops.</div></div>

    and
    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Both scopes have 34mm main tubes, however the Zeiss has a 56mm objective while the S&B has a 42mm or 50mm. Does this make a big difference, probably not as much as you think, and in many cases becomes a issue of personal preference. There are some that would <span style="font-weight: bold">welcome the 56mm objective for that few extra minutes of lowlight capability, while others want the small objective profile. </span>That is up the individual to decide. Realizing of course that both are limited to the 34mm ring heights out there and as seen in the video review posted, the Zeiss will mount with no issue using any rings out there including the lowest models from Seekins Precision or Badger Ordnance. The objective bell will still clear the barrel.</div></div>

    I suppose it's what people key in on, they have something in their head from the start and just assume based on something they don't hear or see... it was obvious to me I made note of the optical clarity of the Zeiss.

    For the rest enjoy.
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man, I wish there were more reticle options. </div></div>

    Hell with the option, I just wish I had more money!
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    So, Lowlight...
    If they were both on the counter and the shop owner says "Take your pick, this ones on the house" Which do you choose?

    A friend of mine has the 6-24 Hensoldt on a s 82A1 and I have shot it...it was awesome.

    I think I will be ordering a Hensoldt soon but in the sf. I have a rangefinder and I like a thin cross hair at max magnification.

    I wonder, at 16x would the cross hair completely cover a egg at 100yds, 200yds?

    Your knowledge is always appreciated,

    Chad
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    Lowlight,

    Have you tried the Hensoldt 6-24x56/72, and if so, how do you compare it to the Zeiss Diavari T* 6-24x56/72? Below are my two Zeiss Diavaris', one illuminated on the Sako TRG and the other non-illuminated on the AR10.
    GEDC0026.jpg
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    I have the Diavari 72. If you read Scott's (of Liberty Optics) writeup on the Diavari 72, it is practically the same scope as the Hendsoldt 72 with only a few differences.

    Same:
    1. Glass
    2. Tube
    3. Adjustment range
    4. Variable illumination and illumination knob

    Differences:
    1. 0.5 cm per click for the Diavari versus 1 cm per click for the Hendsoldt
    2. Windage and Elevation knobs slightly different
    3. Somewhat different reticle with the windage dope ontop of the mildot for the Hendsoldt.
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    For my needs I can live with those feature differences. Prior to the Hensoldt being available here in the states, I consider buying one out of the country but had among other things warranty concerns. That's when I decided on the Zeiss Diavari T* to replace my Nightforce scopes. That's good to hear.
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CanPopper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Diavari 72. If you read Scott's (of Liberty Optics) writeup on the Diavari 72, it is practically the same scope as the Hendsoldt 72 with only a few differences.

    Same:
    1. Glass
    2. Tube
    3. Adjustment range
    4. Variable illumination and illumination knob

    Differences:
    1. 0.5 cm per click for the Diavari versus 1 cm per click for the Hendsoldt
    2. Windage and Elevation knobs slightly different
    3. Somewhat different reticle with the windage dope ontop of the mildot for the Hendsoldt.
    </div></div>

    The differences are a little more in depth than this. The similarities are the tube and the basic optical design, but that is about where it ends. One is designed for sporting use and the other for military use.

    Different coatings, different illumination system, different turrets, different internal mechanicals to allow for greater travel, etc.

    I hope that helps.

    Best regards,

    Nathan Hunt
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    Nathan,

    We are so glad you were able to pull off what was previsouly thought to be impossible, (bringing Zeiss Hensoldt to the U.S. market), our customers are glad too.

    Frank,

    Great video and written review of that HEINZholt.
    Wink.gif


    Chris Farris
     
    Re: Looking at the Zeiss Tactical Hensoldt 4-16X56 FF

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HuDisCo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CanPopper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Diavari 72. If you read Scott's (of Liberty Optics) writeup on the Diavari 72, it is practically the same scope as the Hendsoldt 72 with only a few differences.

    Same:
    1. Glass
    2. Tube
    3. Adjustment range
    4. Variable illumination and illumination knob

    Differences:
    1. 0.5 cm per click for the Diavari versus 1 cm per click for the Hendsoldt
    2. Windage and Elevation knobs slightly different
    3. Somewhat different reticle with the windage dope ontop of the mildot for the Hendsoldt.
    </div></div>

    The differences are a little more in depth than this. The similarities are the tube and the basic optical design, but that is about where it ends. One is designed for sporting use and the other for military use.

    Different coatings, different illumination system, different turrets, different internal mechanicals to allow for greater travel, etc.

    I hope that helps.

    Best regards,

    Nathan Hunt</div></div>

    etc, $12,000.00!