ZEISS is known across the globe as a leader and innovator in optics and lens technology. From their medical lenses to their sports optics, users are often amazed at the clarity and functionality that any ZEISS product has. With the introduction of the newly redesigned Victory RF (rangefinder) Binocular, ZEISS has set the bar higher for the competition in the market place. Hunters, casual shooters, as well as long range competition shooters can benefit from the technology that is packed into these binoculars.
When consumers think about having a rangefinder and binocular as one unit they often wonder where the company skimped to make it possible or at a price point that people can afford. With these new Victory RF Binoculars, ZEISS spared no expense and cut not corners to make these the best rangefinder and binocular combination on the planet.
The rangefinder functionality is what helps to set ZEISS apart from others making products in the same optics category. One of the most innovative features that is built into these binoculars is Bluetooth connectivity. When using the ZEISS Hunting App on your phone, you can adjust all of the setting for the rangefinder as well as use your location information to help calculate a more accurate range. Air pressure and temperature are used based on information from the app to give you precise range readings.
The ZEISS Victory RF binocular has 9 ballistic profiles built into it. In the manual, you can find the right profile based on the ballistics for your rifle. However, you have the ability to in the app to create a specific profile for your rifle, ammunition, and scope to provide pinpoint accuracy when the moment of truth comes. When the rangefinder locks onto your target, it can provide multiple options for the information you see. This is configurable via app or in the setting on the binocular. When setting up using the app, you can actually set it up to show three pieces of information and not the standard two when setting up in the menu on the device.
- Distance
- Distance & angle
- Distance & equivalent horizontal distance
- Distance & holdover in cm/in
- Distance & holdover in MOA
- Distance & holdover in MIL
- Distance & number of clicks
Based on the type of scope that you have, you can setup the reading to show your holdover or the number of clicks needed based on the range for your target. If you are using a ZEISS riflescope with a ballistic turret you will be able to accurately adjust your scope based on the conditions when using the ZEISS Victory RF Binocular. The rangefinder will read from 10 to 2,500 yards. That is all dependent on the actual target being ranged.
While putting this much technology into the binocular, ZEISS didn’t downgrade the glass that is used in the binocular. The Victory RF Binocular has a very similar optics package when compared to their Victory SF binoculars. There is one aspect that suffers a little bit when comparing the RF and the SF. The Victory SF has a light transmission of 92% while the RF is 85%. With the laser and return sensor that is built in, it absorbs some of the light. This will make a small difference at dusk and dawn.
The binoculars feature a durable and lightweight magnesium frame. Inside the housing is ZEISS’s FL glass and Abbe-Koenig prism system. The outside lenses have ZEISS’s exclusive LotuTec and T* coatings to help protect the glass as well as gather additional light. The ergonomics on the new Victory RF Binoculars are greatly improved from the preview version. They are much more compact and the buttons used to operate the rangefinder are a lot easier to access. You are also able to switch the buttons based on your preference.
In comparing the Victory RF Binocular versus a standalone rangefinder, I found that the Victory RF is extremely accurate. One difference that I did note was that my standalone rangefinder calculated distances within a tenth of a yard. That won’t make much of a difference when calculating the shot on a target. Another thing that I noticed that was different is the lack of a “bow” mode for archery hunters. I am confident however that the display showing distance and equivalent horizontal distance will allow an archery hunter to select the correct pin for the ranged distance.
There are 4 different models of the Victory RF Binoculars. These are the 8×42, 10×42, 8×54, and 10×54. The prices range from $3,349 to $3,599. While this isn’t a cheap purchase, ZEISS backs the binoculars with an industry leading limited and transferable warranty. On top of that, their NO-FAULT policy provides coverage for the first five years. No matter what happens to them during the course of intended use, ZEISS will fix it. You can be confident that you will have an outstanding pair of binoculars for many years of use. As a hunter, I am always looking for ways to cut weight in my pack or the chance to carry less gadgets into the field. The fact that I never leave for a trip into the field without my binoculars and rangefinder make the Victory RF Binoculars perfect for the way I hunt. Now I get to carry just one piece of glass that will do it all versus having to change which piece of equipment I am using when on the hunt to punch a tag. I am confident that this will help increase my success in the field.
