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

1892

Carl Zeiss builds the first riflescopes (based on the Beaulieu-Marconnay design) for sniper rifles and machine guns.
1900

Prism sight for rifles
1902

M. Hensoldt & Söhne unveils "Solar," the first riflescope with prism erecting system.
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.
1921

Riflescopes with switchable magnification were launched for the first time for hunting: the Zieldovier and Zieldosechs.
1922

Two hunting riflescopes with variable magnification: the Zielmulti and Zielmultar. First riflescope featuring high magnification and maximum twilight performance: the Zielacht.
1936

Feather-light models 4x31 and 6x42 made from robust light metal for the first time with milled assembly rail.
1954

The D-models are brought to market, with "double" reticle adjustment (height and side).
1976

The Z/ZA models feature a centered reticle that is always in the center of the field of view.
1987

The first bullet drop compensator (BDC) is launched.
1990

The inner rail is unveiled. It constitutes what is probably the most perfect technical assembly to date.
1994

Reticle illumination is launched.
1998

The first Varipoint model features an illuinated reticle for day and night.
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.
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.
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.
2003

The Z-point reflex sight for drive hunts.
2006

Diarange with illuminated reticle and laser rangefinders.
2009

Varipoint iC: Frist riflescope that "communicates" with the weapon.
2010

Duralyt models as gateway to the ZEISS premium class.
2012

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

History of riflescopes

How it all began

Milestones

1892

1900

1902

1907

1920

1921

1922

1936

1954

1976

1987

1990

1994

1998

1998

2001

2003

2003

2006

2009

2010

2012