The most basic characteristic of a given scope, magnification is simply a measure of how many times better you can see an object than with your naked eye. It's typically the first number you see in a scope's name. For example, the Zeiss ZM/Z 6x42 MC has a six-power magnification: Six times better than the naked eye.
Zeiss also offers a line of variable power scopes, which allow a range of magnification for different hunting situations. In these scopes, the first two numbers, separated by a hyphen, indicate the range of magnification. For example, the Diavari C 3-9x36 MC magnification can be adjusted as low as 3x, or as high as 9x.
On all Zeiss variable power scopes, the two designating numbers are listed from lowest to highest in magnification.
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