Zeiss Dialyt Spotting Scope Review [18-45x65mm

Zeiss Dialyt 18-45x65 spotting scope — Image Credit - Zeiss

Viewing Configuration: Straight
Magnification: 18-45X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: No
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 65 mm
Close Focus Distance: 32.8 feet
Length: 15.55 inches
Weight: 42.15 ounces
Field of View: 120-69 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: Not Listed/ 3.6-1.4 mm
Optics Coatings: Multi-Coated
Glass: Not Listed
Focus System: Collar/Single Focus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: No

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation

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Zeiss Dialyt Spotting Scope

This Zeiss Dialyt 18-45X65 Field Spotter has an alignment sight, tripod connection, and is fully weatherproof. It also has a Monobloc construction, delivers high resolution images, and can be used free-hand at high magnifications.

Online, there are few reviews, but they reveal some very high opinions of the Dialyt spotting scope. The reviewer base is small but it has an overall and extremely impressive rating.

As the only Dialyt model of its kind, it's definitely going to be reviewed here. Additionally, it's also the most popular Zeiss spotting scope in the market right now. And it is one of our favorites too! It earned a spot on our list of the 'Best Spotting Scopes Under $2000'.

If you're ready for everything there is to know about the Dialyt, including its strengths and its weaknesses, here's the fully-detailed Q&A.

Pros:

Price
Hand-held device
Fully weatherproof
One-piece unit
Rapid lens focus technology

Cons:

Not digiscope adaptable

Dialyt Field Spotter 18-45X65 Q&A:

Does the eyepiece come with the scope purchase?

Yes, the 18-45X eyepiece does come with the purchase of the Dialyt scope body. But, it's because it's the only eyepiece available for this model.

The eyepiece is built-in instead of being an attachable or detachable piece, and it actually contributes to the durability and ruggedness of the scope. The potential for damage and weakness here is limited.

Also, it has an ideal magnification range for most hunters that want a little bit more reach than what binoculars offer. At 18X power, you can scan the area to quickly spot your target, and then hone on in for up-close details at 45X power with a tripod if needed.

Side note: for hunters, 60X is rarely needed while out in the field.

What outdoor activities is the Dialyt 18-45x65 suitable for?

You can pretty much use this spotting scope for hunting, shooting, and even some birding and nature observing activities. But, the nice thing about it is, it's specifically made for the hunt, to be a practical optic for while you're on the go.

The low magnifications provide you with an excellent free-hand device which adds to the hunting factor. At around 25-30X power, the shake you'd see while glassing is about equivalent to that of a 10X binocular. For viewing at 45X, you'd want to pull out a well-built tripod.

Is the Dialyt 18-45x65 a durable scope?

Don't take its light weight of 42.15 ounces and its 15.55 inch length as a sign of weakness. It has a very robust and hardy build that's practically unmatched in spotting scopes.

The durable armor covering and its Monobloc construction make it a beast in harsh and unforgiving weather and terrain. It's so durable and tough that it doesn't even come with a cover case for while it's in use - why? It doesn't need one - it can hold its own.

It's also fully waterproof to submersion and fog-proof, even when going from sudden temperature changes. This is extremely important to hunters that roam high mountain terrain.

Would Zeiss's Dialyt spotting scope be a good scope for shooting at the range?

On a shake-free and quality tripod, this scope can get you clear and precise images beyond 1000 yards - the glass is excellent. It's also been purported that you can read clearly with it on an object the size of a license plate at 1200 yards, and even see clearly at two miles with this Dialyt.

So, for long distance use at the shooting range, it could work, but...

The main function of this scope is for quick target acquisition for fast-moving and unpredictable hunting circumstances. Because of this, it's not made with the same optical strengths as that of a scope made for extended hours of glassing like the Victory DiaScope that would be excellent for the range.

Short answer - it's less for a visionary and glassing experience and more for identification and spotting convenience while out in the field.

Is there an angled model of the Zeiss Dialyt scope?

No. This is the only available Dialyt model and it has the straight design. Although, this may be a downer for you, don't be so quick to dismiss the straight design for preferences over the angled.

A couple advantages of having a straight field scope is it's faster and easier to locate and track moving targets like birds, deer, etc.

It's also much easier to use a straight scope versus and angled one when you're confined to a blind or some sort of covert position.

Lastly, it's much easier to use when you're on high, steep angles looking down, such as from a tree stand or a cliff-side.

Is the 18-45x65 Dialyt an entry level scope?

Well, as much as Zeiss can be considered entry level, I guess you could call this Dialyt their basic and entry level spotting scope.

But, it's only entry level in the fact that it's easy to use by hunters of all skill levels, it has a clean and streamlined design, and it's much cheaper. In fact, spending double the price on other premium brands' scopes, will only get you perhaps a marginal difference in optical quality.

Entry level or not, this Dialyt has excellent value.

Should I choose the Dialyt spotting scope over Zeiss binoculars?

I can see where this question would be relevant. Binoculars are lighter and are free-hand optics most of the time. It's also convenient to tote around your neck or a large hunting vest pocket.

But, why not think about getting rid of your binoculars for this spotting scope instead? This spotting scope goes much further in magnification, can be used free-hand, and can also be used with a tripod.

And, this Dialyt is also made to function and perform at maximum speed with its alignment sight and rapid lens focusing technology. It can also be attached to the shoulder strap for easy toting and fast accessibility.

Why doesn't the Zeiss Dialyt have high-contrast lenses, HD, and Extra Low Dispersion glass?

You might notice that although the lens and glass quality of the Dialyt is the very best, it's still not outfitted with fancy multi-layer coatings that can really make your image rival that of a nature magazine.

This is a hunters tool, and it's made for quick use, mainly for identifying fine details of game at long distances. In this way, even with its "limited" coatings, it has brilliant high resolution image quality - that is, image sharpness over the entire field of view throughout the entire magnification range.

But, to be clear, this isn't a scope made for the serious nature observer or magazine photographer. For ED glass with HD effects and several other technologies to help improve color fidelity etc, it could cost you two to three times what you pay for this Dialyt.

Noteworthy Features:

Can be used 18-25X free-hand for quick and fast glassing
Monobloc construction and non-slip, shock-absorbing armor for ultimate protection for use in rugged terrain
Built-in eyepiece adds to ruggedness and durability of scope
Fully waterproof and fogproof for use in the harshest weather and climates
Eye caps are threaded through neck strap for convenience
Extremely high resolution image quality
Backed by the Carl Zeiss Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty

Our Verdict On The Zeiss Dialyt 18-45x65

The scoop on the scope is, the Zeiss Dialyt Field Spotter is a nifty gadget. You get more reach than a binocular, but you also get the convenience of an unobtrusive spotting scope design. However, you won't be able to take pictures with it. While it's made for the hunter, birdwatchers and nature observers will appreciate being able to pull the Dialyt out and glass with it as they stroll.

However, the Conquest Gavia 85 would be an excellent option for the serious birder. Set this baby up, and nothing will be out of your glassing reach. But, it will be quite the price difference for the additional bonus features.

You can count on Zeiss to provide a spotting scope that's perfect for you and that's ideal for your outdoor obsession. Be it birding, hunting, target shooting, or stalking, you'll be set to go. Just don't stalk people - we meant animals!

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