Minox ZE5i 2-10x50 Riflescope Illuminated German 4 Reticle 66564

Minox ZE5i 2-10x50 Review

The ZE5i 2-10x50 rifle scope is a long-awaited addition to the Minox scope lineup.  The ZE5i 2-10x50 is designed and manufactured in Wetzlar, Germany with the best components available, and performance to rival its German counterparts.  First impressions are usually the most important, and Minox didn't cut any corners with this scope.  It ships in a custom wooden box, much like the APO HG binoculars, but not as flamboyant.  Rather than include a Scopecoat or bikini caps with each ZE5i, Minox requests that you register your purchase with the manufacturer to receive your choice of Scopecoat or bikini caps.  This may seem a little backwards, but it gives the buyer incentive to register the scope, thereby protecting it from damage or defects.

The ZE5i 2-10x50 is exactly what you'd expect from a German-built rifle scope.  The one piece anodized aluminum body features a 30mm main body tube that clearly says MADE IN GERMANY.  At just under 1.5 pounds and 12.75" in length, the scope is solid yet not too heavy.  Construction quality is excellent, and the focus ring, magnification ring, turrets, and illumination switch are all extremely precise and smooth - moreso than the ZA5 models.  The feel of the focus and magnification rings gives a feeling of extremely tight tolerances, and somehow achieves the magical combination where they are tight and stay where they are set, yet feel effortless to adjust.  There is no grinding or unexpected resistance throughout their ranges.  

The turrets are labeled well, and provide excellent tacticle and audible feedback on every click.  Unlike the ZA and ZV scopes, the turrets on the ZE5i 2-10x50 are labeled in centimeters at 100 meters, instead of 1/4 inches at 100 yards.  This scope also includes the reindexing feature found on the turrets in the rest of the Minox rifle scope models, but this one differs by utilizing a single set screw on top of the turret instead of multiple allen screws.  We're a fan of this slight change, since it makes the job of rezeroing easier.  You're less likely to accidentally adjust the turret while tightening the screw with this system.

The ZE5i 2-10x50 also includes an illuminated center dot on the German #4 reticle, with an "off" position between each numbered setting. We never considered this type of system before, but we can see the advantage of this.  If you only utilize one setting, you only have to turn the knob one click to go from off to your preferred brightness.  Another feature that we think is pretty ingenious is the dual battery system utlized by the 2-10x50.  The battery compartment holds two CR2032 3v batteries, but only one is used to power the scope.  If you're out in the field on the hunt of a lifetime, and your illumination isn't working, open the battery compartment, flip the battery around, and the spare battery is now powering the scope.  Very cool, and an intuitive addition that we'd like to see in other scopes.

Now, the optics.  We gave a lot of praise to the ZA5 line (especially considering the price), but the ZE5i 2-10x50 is in a completely different class of optics.  The rolling ball effect (also called globe effect, tunnel vision, and a host of other names) is not present on the ZE5i 2-10x50 at 2x magnification, which is good news and a welcome improvement over the ZA5 2-10x50.  Edge to edge clarity is at the top of the list of scopes we've reviewed.  Color bias is very true to real life, but there is some hint of warmth that some people may or may not notice, it's that close to true color.  On 10x magnificaiton on a high contrast background, chromatic aberration is light to moderate during rapid movement.  

Overall, the Minox ZE5i 2-10x50 is the most impressive of all the Minox riflescopes we've reviewed to this point, and we feel that the combination of build quality, optical performance, and German heritage make this rifle scope a direct competitor to the other Made in Germany scopes on the market.  

The ZE5i 2-10x50 rifle scope includes wooden box, two CR 2032 batteries, cleaning cloth, and factory inspection certificate.  Each Minox ZE5i scope is covered by the Minox Comfort Service Warranty, which covers registered products from accidental damage or defects.

Minox ZE5i 2-10x50 Owner's Manual

Click here for Minox riflescope reticle subtensions