Zeiss Victory RF Binoculars and Range App

December 06, 2019 By Tom Beckstrand

Having fewer pieces of gear on a hunt is always a blessing. What inevitably happens is the piece you need is at the bottom of the pack. Extra gear also means more weight. So, when I heard what Zeiss did with their Victory line of binoculars, I had to check them out.

Zeiss pulled off the single greatest gear elimination feat in recent memory. They managed to combine premium binoculars with a weather meter, a rangefinder and a ballistic calculator and pack it all into what looks like a regular set of binos.

Optics & Lasers

Spend some time stomping around the mountains in search of elusive four-legged critters, and the need for a good set of binoculars becomes readily apparent. Couple that with seeing game bedded down in shadow or being able to pick a set of antlers out of a bush, and you will need excellent resolution and contrast, too.

Zeiss Victory RF Binoculars — Photo by Mark Fingar

One of the premium binocular manufacturers in the world, Zeiss started this all-in-one project with a premium set of its binoculars as the foundation. The next piece of the puzzle Zeiss incorporated is an exceptional laser rangefinder.

My first stop when testing this rig was steel plates at a nearby range where plates run all the way to 1,000 yards and get as small as 1 MOA. I had no issues hitting even the small plates. Next was scanning a tree line at 1,400 yards. That’s farther than I’ll ever shoot at anything with fur, so I was impressed.

Zeiss’ specs for the binos state it can range out to 2,500 yards. I’m sure that’s accurate on reflective targets (like steel), but fur-bearing animals are much more difficult to range. I ranged the farthest cow (like in cattle) I could find in a nearby field and got the feeling that the binos had more to give.

Bringing It All Together

The next two items Zeiss pulled into the binoculars work together to give reliable come-ups: the weather meter and a ballistic calculator. A weather meter is vital because it records temperature, pressure and humidity. Without those three variables accurately measured and accounted for, any ballistic solution is just going to be a good guess.

The ballistic calculator Zeiss built into their binoculars is done completely in-house. Zeiss engineers even did the programming for the ballistic calculator.

That’s not something you hear every day. All ballistic calculators are not created equal, so I compared the data that came from the Zeiss bino with an Applied Ballistics Kestrel I have. Both devices read to within .1 mil of each other. Since both run off of either a G1 or G7 coefficient, it’s not surprising the solutions each generates are practically identical. I would rate the Zeiss ballistic calculator at least as accurate as the Applied Ballistics software.

While the binoculars can be used independently of other pieces of gear, getting them set up requires a smartphone or tablet. The trick to getting any ballistic calculator to work well is to feed it good data. Garbage in equals garbage out.

The key pieces of info you’ll need to get set up correctly are muzzle velocity (measure your own, don’t just pull it off the box of ammo), sight height (distance between centerline axis of the scope and centerline axis of the bore) and ballistic coefficient (BC). The Zeiss app comes with a healthy BC library, so you’ll likely just have to select the bullet you’re using from the drop-down menu.

Once the profile is built in the app, everything loads into the binoculars at the touch of a button. With the profile loaded into the binoculars, they are ready to function independently.

Zeiss’ Victory RF binoculars are my top pick for hunting binoculars. The features that made the decision easy were the image quality, the accurate on-board ballistic calculator and the excellent rangefinder. These binos work with any rifle/scope combination and greatly simplify a hunter’s life afield.

Victory RF Binoculars

Magnification: 10X
Objective: 42mm
Eye Relief: 17mm
Exit Pupil: 4.2mm
Field of View at 1,000 yards: 345 ft.
Length: 6.5 in.
Width: 4.8 in.
Weight: 32 oz.
MSRP: $3,400
Manufacturer: Zeiss, zeiss.com

First Look: Savage Arms Introduces their KLYM Series

Rifles

First Look: Savage Arms Introduces their KLYM Series

The Savage's KLYM series guns feature carbon fiber stocks that take lightweight mountain rifles to a whole new level.

Handguns

Walther PDP Professional Law Enforcement Exclusive Duty Pistol

Handguns

Walther PDP Professional Law Enforcement Exclusive Duty Pistol

Walther's new Performance Duty Pistol line is quickly becoming a choice option for LE and civilian defensive use. To further support the LE mission, Walther is offering the PDP Professional exclusively to law enforcement. Out of the box, the slide is special cut for the Aimpoint ACRO red dot, which comes pre-installed on the PDP Professional. The entire package will be offered at a special discount for approved LE professionals.

Shotguns

The Do-All Scattergun: Winchester SXP Pump-Action Shotgun

Shotguns

The Do-All Scattergun: Winchester SXP Pump-Action Shotgun

When considering American sporting long arms, the name Winchester looms large among both shotgun and bolt-action rifle offerings. The spiritual successor to the classic Winchester Model 12 pump-action shotgun, the SXP family is replete with features and offers exceptional value. Two configurations to note are the SXP High Grade Field and the SXP Waterfowl Hunter Camo. Both guns are available in 12 or 20 gauge with 26- or 28-inch barrels. The biggest difference is the stock material, Turkish walnut for the High Grade and camouflaged composite for the Waterfowl. Also, the Waterfowl Hunter can be had with a 3-1/2-inch chamber for heavier duck and goose loads. Fast to shoot and easy on the shoulder, the SXP continues Winchester's legacy of excellence afield.

Handguns

High-Velocity Handgun: Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

Handguns

High-Velocity Handgun: Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

Beginning with revolvers and growing to include pistols, rifles and even a bullpup-style pump-action shotgun, Smith & Wesson's Military & Police (M&P) line has garnered a reputation for reliability in the hands of professional users and armed citizens, alike. Given its expansive catalog and a history that dates back to the mid-1800s, Smith & Wesson has been churning out a remarkable number of “firsts” in recent years. Add to that list its first 5.7x28mm firearm in the form of the M&P 5.7 pistol. The potential of the high-velocity cartridge is harnessed by S&W's brilliant Tempo barrel system, and the pistol offers an astounding 22-round capacity on top of standard features like the flat-face trigger and optic-ready slide. In form and function—including the new FDE finish—the M&P 5.7 continues the tradition of Smith & Wesson's military and police offerings, and ably expands the line to include the 5.7x28mm chambering.

Handguns

Classic Designs, Modern Features: Girsan Pistols From EAA

Handguns

Classic Designs, Modern Features: Girsan Pistols From EAA

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) has done a great job of partnering with foreign manufacturers to build and bring in firearms of interest to the U.S. market, and offer them at highly competitive prices. Girsan of Turkey is no exception. Three examples of the manufacturer's handguns available through EAA are the MCP35 PI LW, the MC 14T Tip-Up and the Witness2311. All these guns are modern renditions of classic firearms, updated to suit the needs and tastes of today's shooters. Featuring optic-ready slides, accessory rails and double-stack magazines, these Browning- and Beretta-inspired handguns want for nothing, and are more accessible than you may expect.

Handguns

The Original 5.7: FN Five-seveN MRD

Handguns

The Original 5.7: FN Five-seveN MRD

Popularity of the 5.7x28mm cartridge has never been greater, and shooters today owe a tip of the cap to the ammunition's creator, FN. Despite being the only game in town for nearly two decades, FN was not content to rest on its laurels. Recently, the company set out to update its 5.7 handgun offering, and the result is the FN Five-seveN MRD semiautomatic pistol. Utilizing delayed-blowback operation and a single-action trigger, the MRD is both accurate and a joy to shoot. Too, compared to earlier offerings, the MRD comes with enhanced ergonomics and an optic-ready slide. For those wanting to experience the power and precision of the 5.7x28mm cartridge and desire a high-quality handgun from the ammunition's original maker, look no further than the FN Five-seveN MRD.

Handguns

Best Ever Carry Gun? SIG Sauer P365 XMACRO

Handguns

Best Ever Carry Gun? SIG Sauer P365 XMACRO

SIG Sauer turned the polymer-frame pistol market on its ear when it launched the slim, high-capacity P365 micro-compact pistol. What ensued was a race to develop the best carry pistol, period. And, while the micro-compact design was ideal for many users, some shooters desired a little larger grip and additional onboard capacity. Here, the modular P365 design excelled, and the XMacro configuration utilizes the same firing system, but wears a larger frame, slide and barrel. Boasting 17-round capacity, an optic-ready slide and a dustcover accessory rail, the compact XMacro offers full-size utility in a portable package.

Suppressors

Buy One, Get One: Silencer Central Banish 22K-V2

Suppressors

Buy One, Get One: Silencer Central Banish 22K-V2

Silencer Central is giving away suppressors! Many new suppressor shoppers struggle between purchasing a versatile .30-caliber can or a lifetime of enjoyment in the form of a .22-caliber muzzle muffler. Struggle no more. With the qualifying purchase of a center-fire suppressor, Silencer Central is including a free Banish 22K-V2 rimfire suppressor. Customers simply pay the extra tax stamp fee, then sit back as Silencer Central simplifies suppressor shopping. The Banish 22K-V2 features all-titanium construction, four user-serviceable baffles for noise reduction, and a pint-size 3.25-inch profile, ideal for use on rimfire pistols.

Handguns

Chromatic Classic: Auto-Ordnance Stainless 1911

Handguns

Chromatic Classic: Auto-Ordnance Stainless 1911

All metal, just the way John Moses Browning intended. Followers of the .45 may rejoice as Auto-Ordnance has introduced a 1911 built primarily from forged and machined stainless steel, and chambered in the only caliber that matters. Features include a 5-inch barrel for a proper Government-size profile, as well as a full-length guide rod, extended beavertail, 20 lines-per-inch front- and backstrap checkering, and skeletonized triggers and hammers. The Stainless 1911s are available in four flavors: Savage Stainless, Northern Lights, Black Cherry, and Burnt Bronze. All the guns come with aluminum stocks and three-dot day sights, except the Savage Stainless which includes G-10 grips and is optionally available with night sights. The Auto-Ordnance Stainless 1911s are sure to stand out in a crowd.

Handguns

Free Ammo! Walther PDP Special

Handguns

Free Ammo! Walther PDP Special

Ultimately replacing the acclaimed PPQ family of semiautomatic pistols, Walther's PDP platform has become the brand's flagship handgun. Available in configurations for duty and defense, concealed carry and even competition, the PDP has been nothing short of a homerun for Walther and an exemplar of ergonomics and excellent triggers among its polymer-frame, striker-fire peers. Standing out in the lineup are the F-Series pistols. Available in 3.5- and 4-inch configurations, the F-Series PDPs were designed for shooters with smaller hands or reduced grip strength. In particular, Walther consulted with women in firearms industry, honing the F-Series to fit their needs. Changes included a reduced grip circumference, shorter trigger reach, and an easier-to-rack slide assembly made possible by an innovative two-piece striker system. The end result has been a hit with male and female shooters, alike. Now, qualified purchases of any PDP pistol will also include 100 rounds of ammunition to help buyers save money and shoot more.

Optics

Training Tips and Tools

Optics

Training Tips and Tools

Eric Poole, Editor of Guns and Ammo Magazine meets with Buck Buckner, Aimpoint Director of Training to discuss training tips when using a red dot sight. Using the tools built into our biology, red dots offer a faster and easier sight lineup from draw to trigger pull.

Optics

Simplicity vs Complexity

Optics

Simplicity vs Complexity

Eric Poole, Editor of Guns and Ammo Magazine meets with Buck Buckner, Aimpoint Director of Training to discuss the simplicities of using a red dot. From faster target acquisition to a simpler movement to get on target.