MINOX ZA 3 & ZA 5 Riflescopes

It is with great pleasure that we announce the introduction of the New MINOX ZA Series Riflescopes. The MINOX ZA Series Riflescopes are well featured & deliver high performance.

High Quality at Affordable Prices with Features Hunters Want Most!
Advanced German engineering and design
Assembled in the USA
Up to 5x magnification zoom ranges
Rugged aero-space grade aluminum 1� mono-tube construction
Hard anodized black matte non-glare finish
Legendary German SCHOTT optical glass
Fully, multi-coated lens elements, up to 21 layers
Argon gas purged for water and fog-proof performance in any environment
Large, finger adjustable windage & elevation controls
Precise predictable/repeatable reticle movements
� MOA adjustment ZA 3 and ZA 5 2-10x50 & 3-15x42
1/8 MOZ adjustment ZA 5 4-20x50 only
Safe and versatile long four inch + eye relief
Rubber cushioned fast-focus eyepiece
Positive soft-touch enhanced variable power ring
All models available with PLEX or MINOX BDC reticles
All models packed with the added protection of a Scopecoat cover

Models & Prices:
66000 ZA 3 3-9x40 PLEX $399
66001 ZA 3 3-9x40 BDC $419
66010 ZA 5 2-10x40 PLEX $479
66011 ZA 5 2-10x40 BDC $509
66020 ZA 5 3-15x42 PLEX $499
66021 ZA5 3-15x42 BDC $529
66030 ZA 5 4-20x50 PLEX $699
66031 ZA 5 4-20x50 BDC$729

These will start becoming available in the next month or so. Please feel free to give a call with any questions or to pre-order.

Very interesting. Any additional specs anywhere Doug?

Who's doing the assembly in the USA?

Chinese glass?

Says in the specs listed that the glass is coming from the Schott factory in Germany...

I wonder if they are side focus or AO???

Because of the highly competitive nature of the riflescope market Minox cannot provide specific information relating to their manufacturing relationships. The important point is that the ZA Riflescopes are a MINOX product � engineered in Germany and assembled in the US to Minox' demanding standards by an experienced partner. Minox' rigorous testing and continual quality control inspections insure that the ZA Riflescopes meet the quality and performance standards of the MINOX brand. Minox' confidence in the performance and durability of these products is backed up by their MINOX Lifetime Total Coverage Warranty.

BTW, the ZA 5 4-20x50 is side focus (SF)

lenses fabricated from schott glass could be made in China on Chinese machines either CNC optics machines or traditional pitch-lap polishing machines but I reckon the former these days. It could be German glass, Chinese labor and Chinese AR coating, or maybe coating in the US. To me looking at the technical capabilities in China these days they would be fine optics made from good material.

The key questions are: How much does the 3 x 9 weight, How long is it, what is its eye relief? If I look thru it and it looks good then why not. As I am up for another scope I would like to compare the 3 x 9 to the 3 x 9 DiavariMC currently on my new Kimber.

Says 4"+ eye relief above, but I'm like you, I'm really interested in the weight, length, and overall look. I'm guessing it's going to be real similar to the Zeiss Conquest though.

Technical Data ZA 3 3-9x40
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66000
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66001
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/4" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 9
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 3
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 40
Parallax setting or adjustment range 100 yds
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 4.4
Exit pupil low 13.3
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 31.5
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 10.5
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 12 3/16"
Main tube length (b) 5 9/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 3/16"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 1 7/8"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 13.6 oz
Finish Matte


Technical Data ZA 5 2-10x40
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66010
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66011
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/4" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 72 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 72 MOA
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 10
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 2
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 40
Parallax setting or adjustment range 100 yds
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 4.0
Exit pupil low 20.0
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 47.5
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 9.4
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 12 3/16"
Main tube length (b) 5 9/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 3/16"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 1 7/8"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 12 oz
Finish Matte



Technical Data ZA 5 3-15x42
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66020
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66021
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/4" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 15
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 3
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 42
Parallax setting or adjustment range 100 yds
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 2.8
Exit pupil low 14.0
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 31.5
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 6.3
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 12 3/16"
Main tube length (b) 5 9/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 1/6"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3 1/8"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 2 1/16"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 17 oz
Finish Matte



Technical Data ZA 5 4-20x50-SF
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66030
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66031
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/8" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 80 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 80 MOA
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 20
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 4
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 50
Parallax setting or adjustment range 25 yds-∞
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 2.5
Exit pupil low 12.5
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 23.6
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 4.7
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 13 1/8"
Main tube length (b) 5 13/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 7/16"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3 13/16"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 2 3/8"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 25 oz
Finish Matte

If the stats on that 2-10x40 are correct. Sign me up for one...

Thanks Doug!

Got any pictures?

No images yet, just got the press release. I'm hoping for high res files Monday.

We're accepting orders and should be able to ship mid January. We are VERY excited about these scopes.

Any chance of minox coming out with turrets for them?

Wonder why the 2-10 weighs less than the 3-9?

And has more adjustment.

Since I can't get through to these guys that they need to build some fixed power scopes in addition to variables, I'll have to settle for one of those Minox 3-9's.
Specs look very good, and with easily turned power rings too...
The price is sure right.

Either way, it sounds like nobody was sleeping at Minox when they spec'ed em. I like that 4+ inch eye relief.

I was concerned about he size of the ocular, but the eyepiece diameter is quoted as 1 9/16" which is right in line with the Leupolds which is 1.6".

Good info clark98ut. Thanks.

Doug if the 2-10 x 40 really 12 ounces? I would like to see that one for sure. The Objective is almost 2 inches in diam, wonder if low talleys would work.

+1. 12oz's sounds real nice. Odd that it's lighter than the 3-9x40 when the specs seem to all match up on the size.

JCM

Let's get the first installment of these scopes in. Minox seems to have listened to what people have been saying when these were designed and have put of a product that will make the other scope makers take notice of.
They have taken their time and, IMO, done this correctly and I am sure over time will become a major player in the riflescope side of the industry.

Looks like Minox has been reading the 'Fire.

Was thinking the same Rick

Novel concept - actually producing what your customers want! Grin...

Doug,

That 2-10x40 sounds tempting....

Any info on the BDC reticle?

DJ

Just got some images

Clean looking design..

RD, you have to know that the fast focus is schitt and will not stay focused. Also, the 4" constant eye relief really makes the eyebox unusable.......haven't you learned anything around here?

I'll try one of those, been nothing but happy with the 2 HG bino's I own.

They're certainly nicely priced if the quality matches up with the HG bino I've tried.

Minox seems to have their show together pretty well. I have been very impressed with all their gear with which I have experience.

I like the looks and specs on those scopes.

DJ

Is the reticle 1st or 2nd focal plain?

Reticle is in the 2nd plane, (thus non-magnifying with power increase).

I'd make a couple tweaks but that's just me.

Exactly!

And, I already know the debate in the marketing department with regards to where the logo resides and, the "we need to denote that the glass is from Schott"........"It'll help differentiate us from the competition"

Nooooooooooo, ya'll need to make a scope with plenty of eye relief, decent glass, repeatable and consistent adjustments (which they've likely done with this scope) and back it up with great customer service.

A handsome piece that doesn't look like a billboard certainly doesn't hurt.

The 3-15x42 caught my eye for my 223, but I see it is not parallax adjustable.

One thing I know for certain, Minox has great customer service! I bought a spotting scope secondhand that was damaged in transit (eyepiece wouldn't lock in to place) and they replaced it with a brand new scope body, no questions asked, and it was in my hands in a matter of a few days.

OK, I just received the following from my contact at Minox:

Attached are what I have for reticle images. For the BDC reticle basic drop approximations can be made for a 30 caliber center fire rifle; sighted �dead on� at 100 yards the first stadia line would be 200 yards, and the 2nd stadia line would approximate 300 yards. The up-right hash marks on the center line approximates the bullet drift for a 10 mph crosswind and the ends of the lower stadia lines approximate the effect of the same 10 mph crosswind at 200 and 300 yards. These approximates apply with the power settings of the 3-9 and 2-10 at maximum magnification, with the 3-15 it is at 10x and with the 4-20 it is at 16x.

All ballistic reticles can only provide accurate drop points from test shooting the specific weapon upon which it is mounted. Even then it only is accurate for the same ammo and will vary with temperature, altitude, and barometric pressure. Most shooters understand that such reticles are a tool which needs to calibrated and not a magic wand out of the box.

Personally I would probably sight a big game rifle to be dead on at 200 yards and then test shoot to determine point of impact at the additional stadia lines.

BDC:

Plex:

I hope this helps. Let me know if you've got additional questions.

Excellent I'm a big Minox fan. If the specs are correct for the 2-10 I'll take one for sure, I do wish they would put the logo on the turret though....................547.

I like that BDC reticle. On most of my scopes I like to use the elevation turret for range adjustments, but having a mark on the horizontal crosshair is really helpful for minor hold-offs for wind. I had a Mark 4 with the Tactical Milling Reticle and I used those horizontal hashmarks all the time.

-Dan

I just received the following from Minox:

Attached you will find a revised Specifications Sheet for the ZA Riflescopes. Please note the changes made in the weights listed for each model. The initial information was developed from engineering design documents. The new information provided was determined by actually weighing production samples. The greatest change is with the ZA 5 4-20x50 SF which was listed at 25 ounces but actually weighs only 18.9 ounces!

Also you will note an added line in the Windage/Elevation section which states the image plane placement of the reticles. All ZA models place the reticle in the second image plane which provides for a consistent (non-magnifying) visual reticle size at all power settings. This is the �classic� placement of reticles in American style riflescopes.

Please let me know if you have questions or require additional information

Technical Data ZA 3 3-9x40
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66000
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66001
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/4" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Reticle/Image Plane 2nd
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 9
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 3
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 40
Parallax setting or adjustment range 100 yds
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 4.4
Exit pupil low 13.3
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 31.5
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 10.5
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 12 3/16"
Main tube length (b) 5 9/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 3/16"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 1 7/8"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 12.8 oz
Finish Matte

Technical Data ZA 5 2-10x40
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66010
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66011
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/4" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 72 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 72 MOA
Reticle/Image Plane 2nd
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 10
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 2
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 40
Parallax setting or adjustment range 100 yds
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 4.0
Exit pupil low 20.0
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 47.5
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 9.4
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 12 3/16"
Main tube length (b) 5 9/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 3/16"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 1 7/8"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 13.1 oz
Finish Matte

Technical Data ZA 5 3-15x42
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66020
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66021
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/4" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 60 MOA
Reticle/Image Plane 2nd
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 15
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 3
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 42
Parallax setting or adjustment range 100 yds
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 2.8
Exit pupil low 14.0
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 31.5
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 6.3
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 12 3/16"
Main tube length (b) 5 9/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 1/6"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3 1/8"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 2 1/16"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 13.7 oz
Finish Matte

Technical Data ZA 5 4-20x50-SF
Order Number
With MinoPlex Reticle #66030
With MINOX BDC Reticle #66031
Windage/Elevation
Reticle Adjustment/per Click 1/8" at 100 yards
Windage reticle travel - total 80 MOA
Elevation reticle travel - total 80 MOA
Reticle/Image Plane 2nd
Power Selector
Magnification high power (+/- 5%) 20
Magnification low power (+/- 5%) 4
Objective Lens
Clear aperture (mm) 50
Parallax setting or adjustment range 25 yds-∞
Eyepiece
Eye relief >4.0
Exit pupil high 2.5
Exit pupil low 12.5
Eyepiece - diopter (min) -2
Eyepiece + diopter (min) 1.5
Image
Field of View Low Power - ft@100 yds 23.6
Field of View High Power - ft@100 yds 4.7
Lens Coating
Fully multicoated w/M* Coating yes
Mechanical
Main tube diameter 1 inch
Overall length (a) 13 1/8"
Main tube length (b) 5 13/16"
Front mounting distance (c) 2 7/16"
Rear mounting distance (d) 2 3/16"
Objective bell length (e) 3 13/16"
Eyepiece assembly length (f) 3 9/16"
Objective diameter (g) 2 3/8"
Eyepiece diameter (h) 1 9/16"
Weight 18.9 oz
Finish Matte

I was disappointed by this also. 15x scope with no side focus is fairly unusual, isnt it?

Zeiss had one a while back and I don't think it did all that well either.

Doug, hope Santa was good to you. I got the email on the Minox intro and that was news to me.

SKane, 'Decent Glass?' In today's competitive market, I would think we can expect OUTSTANDING glass to be in most any new intro from a major mfg. Look thru a Leupold Yosemite proves that....but agreed to your comments.

Being a Fixed Power fan, I am w/Don, and would like to see fixed powers i.e. a good 4x and a 6x of some sorts. Knowing the masses like variables I will not hold my breath, but if they mfg. one and it's quality, I will take a hard look, as I will if Conquest line intro's a 6x via Zeiss.

Doug, nice to see a clean quality well spec'd scope w/o a price tag of one major mfg. I saw intro'd at last years SHOT.

My gut impression is this truly will get the attention of the other optic players, and competition is always a great thing for the consumer, better quality products at ever better value pricing.

Hate I cannot get to SHOT this year to see them. Agree to the PA would be a very nice addition on any glass that is 12x or higher on the high side.

Happy New Year's to all! It looks like an exciting time in new products, already off to a nice start

Hmmmm, if no Minox fixed, would a 1.5-6x42 be too much to ask?

Good comments all the way around but I wondered about your above statement. Really how much better is a 1.5 x 6 than a 2 x 10?? Seems you'd be giving up a lot on top for only a .5 reduction on the bottom end. I'm not a magnification freak but I'd take a 2x10 anyday over 1 1.5 x 6. But a fixed 4x would be nice . . .

I am thinking I'll have to try a 2-10 as well.....
I actually unlike most like the BDC they offer. Don't know if as much as the Lupy LR-dot but would have to use it to see..

Cfran, good point - though if the top end of a 1.5-6x is only 60% of a 2-10x, would it not make sense to price the former at $288? (Afterall, Minox is offering the 3-9 at 87.5% of the cost of the 2-10, to accept a 10% reduction in top end power). A 1.5-6x42 at $288 would only be fair

If not, a nice 4x and/or 6x at a Leupold 6x or Zeiss 4x price point would really be a nice option to have IMO.

I think Minox will be selling their share of these new scopes and expect the durability to be consistent with other brands.

If they are taking requests I agree on the 4x, 6x, and 1.5-6....as follows:

4x40 at about 10.5 oz's
6x42 at about 11oz's
1.5-6x42 at about 11.5oz's
...all on 1 inch tubes.

I don't have much use for more than 6x and I like LARGE exit pupils. The 2-10 could be turned up to only 6x, but for simplicity (my preference) I'd prefer it stop there. Understand that others prefer to crank it up though.....and that's ok.

JCM

Im wondering if you can get any specifics about the dimensions of the reticles. The BDC crosshairs look a little heavy but hopefully they arent!

I spoke with my contact at Minox and his reply was:

"We can provide specifications (and will) as to the reticle subtension for all of the scopes. That information is of course useful for making ranging estimates and �holdover� approximations. However, those specifications can only give an approximation to the visual appearance (weight) of the reticle stadia markings when making scope to scope spec comparisons � unless the magnification and field of view of the scopes are identical.

I do not have a Zeiss Conquest plex reticle at hand to make a visual (subjective) comparison. However, to my eye the MinoPlex appears to be of about the same weight of a Leupold standard plex and a bit lighter/finer then the heavy section of a Rapid-Z in a Zeiss 3-9.

A chart with subtension approximations for all the scopes will follow soon".

So, if you're looking through one, does that mean there might be one in the mail to me?

It means you are getting the first one I get to send out + because you contacted with the first pre-order you will be EXTRA pleased when you receive it.

Doug,
How many do you think you will get in? I am seriously considering the 3X15X42....man that looks sweet.....

You da man Doug! I'm very anxious to put this one through the ringer. I'm thinking it's first assignment will be atop my braked 7WSM.

-Dan

I will get in a few of every version

Well, I am very impressed with the ProMaster Elite ED bino's I got from you this year......now looking for a good scope.....

Great, Doug, just great.

Here I'm about to order a Conquest from you, and you go and confuse me!

Jeff,
I can only imagine what you'd say if I sold you the Conquest and then after you mounted it I informed you about these Minox' Better I make sure you're all in the know up front.
I think Zeiss is in for some real competition

I'm glad you told us so quickly. Choices are a good thing.

I've come to trust my Conquests as far as holding zero, tracking repeatability, etc. The things that only use over a period of time will prove out... If the Minox riflescopes are optically as good as my 13x56's, then they'll have THAT covered... The other stuff remains to be seen. Though it'd be a surprise if a major brand new design screwed those things up; plenty of good products out there to reverse-engineer.

Pretty exciting scopes! Glad you are out on the bleeding edge on these, Doug. Thanks!!

That's what I'm here for....To separate out what's new and what's new and worth paying attention to.



REVISED CHART:

Question for you optics experts, when looking at the subtension chart, for all scopes the thin section stays the same between the standard and BDC reticle (as the power increases) EXCEPT on the 4-20 scope. On that one, at 4 power the bdc starts out wider than the standard reticle but still ends up thinner at 20x, how can that be?