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History of riflescopes

How it all began

Since 1904, ZEISS has been a pioneer in riflescopes for hunting. It has secured its pole position thanks to innovations and extremely high quality standards. Milestones achieved by the company include two hunting riflescopes in 1922 with variable magnification: the Zielmulti/Zielmultar and the Zielacht, the first riflescope to combine high magnification with maximum twilight performance.

The new inner mounting rail that ZEISS unveiled in 1990 was revolutionary due to its simple and rapid riflescope mounting feature. The Victory Varipoint model with its groundbreaking red targeting dot for day and night use was a resounding success when it was launched in 1998.

In 2012, the VICTORY HT riflescope delivered extreme light transmission greater than 95%. Today, ZEISS offers a wide range of riflescopes for hunting and long-range shooting, from 1.1x wide-angle magnification to 24x magnification with a 72 mm objective lens diameter for long range in low light.

Riflescopes today

Milestones

  • Construction of the first riflescopes

    1892

    Carl Zeiss builds the first riflescopes (based on the Beaulieu-Marconnay design) for sniper rifles and machine guns.

  • Prism sight for rifles

    1900

    Prism sight for rifles

  • Riflescope with prism erecting system

    1902

    M. Hensoldt & Söhne unveils "Solar," the first riflescope with prism erecting system.

  • Pancratic riflescope

    1907

    Carl Zeiss builds its first pancratic riflescopes with variable magnification for the military.

  • First refracting riflescope

    1920

    The first refracting riflescopes from Carl Zeiss: the Zielvier and Zielsechs.

  • Riflescope with switchable magnification

    1921

    Riflescopes with switchable magnification were launched for the first time for hunting: the Zieldovier and Zieldosechs.

  • Hunting riflescope

    1922

    Two hunting riflescopes with variable magnification: the Zielmulti and Zielmultar. First riflescope featuring high magnification and maximum twilight performance: the Zielacht.

  • Feather-light models

    1936

    Feather-light models 4x31 and 6x42 made from robust light metal for the first time with milled assembly rail.

  • D-model with "double" reticle adjustment

    1954

    The D-models are brought to market, with "double" reticle adjustment (height and side).

  • Z/ZA models

    1976

    The Z/ZA models feature a centered reticle that is always in the center of the field of view.

  • First bullet drop compensator (BDC)

    1987

    The first bullet drop compensator (BDC) is launched.

  • Inner rail

    1990

    The inner rail is unveiled. It constitutes what is probably the most perfect technical assembly to date.

  • Reticle illumination

    1994

    Reticle illumination is launched.

  • First Varipoint model

    1998

    The first Varipoint model features an illuinated reticle for day and night.

  • New Victory riflescopes

    1998

    The new Victory Diavari riflescopes are considerably lighter (up to 30%) and shorter, and provide larger fields of view (up to 35%) and extended eye relief (up to 12%) than predecessor models.

  • Conquest riflescope for American hunting rifles

    2001

    The Conquest riflescopes intended primarily for American hunting conditions are unveiled. Powerful, light and compact, with superior transmission values and top quality – all of them at an attractive price.

  • Diavari V 6-24x56 riflescope

    2003

    The top-of-the-line model of the Varipoint series (3–12x56) is brought to market. With the powerful Diavari V 6–24x56 tele-riflescope, ZEISS offers targeting optics for long-range precision shooting.

  • Z-point reflex sight

    2003

    The Z-point reflex sight for drive hunts.

  • Diarange with illuminated reticle and laser rangefinders.

    2006

    Diarange with illuminated reticle and laser rangefinders.

  • Varipoint iC

    2009

    Varipoint iC: Frist riflescope that "communicates" with the weapon.

  • Duralyt models

    2010

    Duralyt models as gateway to the ZEISS premium class.

  • VICTORY HT riflescope

    2012

    For the first time, VICTORY HT riflescopes achieve transmission values of 95 percent and offer the world’s finest illuminated dot.