Minox ZA5i HD 3-15x50 SF Rifle Scope Illuminated Plex Reticle 66446

Minox ZA5i HD 3-15x50 SF Rifle Scope Review

The Minox ZA5i HD 3-15x50 SF is one of the first of the new 30mm ZA5 HD rifle scopes that we received in 2014.  The ZA5 HD has been highly anticipated, and the ZA5i seems to live up to the hype.  A hefty 30mm tube, matte black anodized finish, and tight tolerances give this scope a polished look that is a nod to the European heritage of Minox.  With a weight of 21.2 ounces and a length of 12.75 inches (~105mm maximum ring spacing), it's solid but not too beefy.  Just enough weight and size to imply quality.

What makes this scope different from the rest of the ZA5 HD rifle scope family is the illuminated reticle.  This scope is only one of four illuminated scopes in the entire ZA5 HD lineup, all of which feature the illuminated Minox Mino-Plex reticle, which is a standard plex reticle with illuminated center dot. 

Before we discuss the illumination, let's cover the basic functionality of the ZA5i 3-15x50 SF.  This is one of the first Minox ZA5 HD rifle scopes we received in 2014, and we're very happy with what Minox has done to improve over the original ZA5 rifle scopes.  The ZA5i 3-15x50 HD maintains a lot of the aesthetics of its predecessor, with a rubber eyepiece ring and rubber magnification adjustment ring.  Both the eyepiece and magnification adjustment are smooth, precise, and easy to adjust without any excess play or tightness.  Easy to set, easy to adjust on the fly, and stays where you adjust it.

One of the major gripes with the Minox ZV3 rifle scopes was the metal magnification adjustment ring, which made it hard for hunters to adjust magnification while wearing gloves.  Thankfully, Minox opted for the rubber ring on the ZA5i 3-15x50.  The second biggest complaint we had with the initial run of ZV3 rifle scopes was that the magnification adjustment ring was a little too tight.  Not only did Minox correct this issue with the later runs of the ZV3 scopes, they seem to have nailed it with the ZA5i 3-15x50.  Every click is heard and felt throughout the entire 60 MOA of windage and elevation adjustment. In addition, the turrets on this new version are much shorter than previous versions.  The turret caps have the same raised rubber ridges as the old ZA5, which was something we really liked.  We're glad to see that Minox kept this design feature in the new ZA5i HD.

This model is one of the ZA5 HD scopes that includes a side focus in addition to the quick focus eyepiece.  The focus knob is marked at 25 yards, 50 yards, 100 yards, 200 yards, 300 yards, and infinity.  There seemed to be a little resistance at first, but it quickly adjusted with a turn from minimum to maximum.  

The illumination on this rifle scope is an excellent example of what an illuminated rifle scope should be.  The available illumination settings on the Minox ZA5i HD 3-15x50 HD range from 1 to 6, with an off setting in between each intensity.  This allows the shooter to switch the illuminated reticle off between brightness settings, so that you always have your preffered brightness only one click away, instead of having to cycle through higher or lower settings to reach your personal favorite.  

The illuminated reticle isn't that bright.  We tested all the brightness settings on this scope on a January afternoon in clear conditions in full sunlight, and found that the brightest setting (#6 on the illumination dial) is very visibile in shady settings, and only slightly visible when set against a completely white background.  Some might have issue with the highest setting not being visible in the brightest conditions, and assume the brightness is not enough, but we have to argue that an illuminated reticle is not necessary against a white background, no matter what anybody says.  In fact, a reticle that is too bright can affect your vision in low light situations.  A reticle that is just visible enough to quickly aim and shoot is perfect.

We found the reticle to be very sharp regardless of light conditions, and the lowest illumination setting is perfect for hunting in the early morning/late evening minutes of legal hunting time.  

Combine the illumination of the Minox ZA5i HD 3-15x50 SF with the HD glass within and the whole package is starting to look pretty good.  At first we were worried that we overhyped these scopes, and set our expectations too high.  But once we looked through the ZA5i HD 3-15x50, we knew we were right.  Clarity and sharpness are absolutely nothing short of spectacular.  Color bias is about as true to life as you can possibly get.  Minox has been criticized in the past for the Minox tunnel effect, but those critics will be happy to know that the view through this scope is completely flat.  And a full four inches of eye relief makes for comfortable viewing.

We did a quick side-by-side comparison at 3x power with the new Minox ZV3 3-9x50 (compare at $229) and found that the ZA5i 3-15x50 has a slightly wider field of view that it's value priced cousin.  Some may not notice, but it jumped out at us right away, probably because we were looking for it.  While both scopes contain some excellent glass, there is a slight edge in sharpness on the ZA5i due to the high definition glass.  

What else is included in the package?  Well, you get a neoprene Scopecoat, owner's manual, mounting instructions, hex key/Allen wrench, cleaning cloth, and one of the best scopes you're going to find at this price.  We think that Minox has hit a home run with the ZA5i 3-15x50.  

Mounting your Minox Rifle Scope

DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN SCOPE MOUNTING RINGS
When tightening the scope rings on your Minox rifle scope, tighten only to 13 to 15 inch pounds of torque as measured with a torque tool, or no more than finger tight
when holding the short end of the hex key/Allen wrench provided. Over-tightening the ring assembly can damage your Minox rifle scope and will void the scope warranty. Damage caused as a result of not following proper mounting procedures is not covered by your Minox warranty.

Click here for Minox riflescope reticle subtensions