Zeiss Victory Harpia Spotting Scope Review [85mm Angled Body]

Zeiss Victory Harpia Spotting Scope 22-65x85mm — Image Credit - Zeiss

Viewing Configuration: Angled
Magnification: 22-65X
Power Variability: Variable
Adjustable Eyepieces: Yes
Eyepiece included: No
Objective Diameter: 85mm
Close Focus Distance: 11.48 feet
Length: 15.1 in
Weight: 68.2 oz
Field of View: 207.3-68.9 ft/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: Unknown/3.9-1.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Glass: Schott AG
Focus System: Center/Dual
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

Best Uses: For the Range, Bird Watching, Wildlife Observation, Hunting,

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Zeiss Victory Harpia 85 Spotting Scope Review

Once again, Zeiss comes out with something more expensive than their extravagant DiaScope that was recently discontinued. But, is the Victory Harpia worth the hype, and is any spotting scope worth the high price? We're about to find out!

The brand new spotter to 2018 is nothing short of a phenomenal magnum opus. We have always thought the Zeiss spotters were outstanding in and of themselves, but the Harpia has changed everything. Named after the Harpia eagle, the scope is in every way fitting of the name it bears. Large, powerful, and it can see distances like you would never believe unless you've peered through the eyes of a Harpia.

Man using Zeiss Harpia spotting scope — Image Credit - Zeiss

The lens system is elaborate - it's expected because it's a Zeiss. Just merely saying it has fluoride, extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated optics isn't doing the spotter justice. But, what you can expect is freakishly amazing detail even in the most impossible light and terrain conditions you can experience. The avid birder or serious wildlife photographer ought to have a Harpia on their wish list.

The focusing collar ring on the DiaScope has stayed with the Harpia providing the Dual-Speed-Focus-System. However, the zoom mechanism has changed. It's no longer in the eyepiece and has moved to the body of the scope by the focus collar, but we'll get into why that is in the Q&A.

Moving on, you have a constant 72 degree angle of viewing throughout the entire zoom range. You also have the interchangeable eyepiece system, 3x zoom factor, and incredible ruggedness and durability in the constructional integrity of the scope.

It's a very expensive spotting scope, so we will see how well it goes with the masses. But, if you have the money to get it, it'll be your scope for a lifetime. Just like Harpia eagles mate for life, you will never part from yours!

Pros:

Exceptional image quality
Excellent long ranging capability
World-class Schott glass
Top-secret coating formulas
Dual-Speed-Focus-System

Cons:

Price

Zeiss Victory Harpia 85 Q&A:

What Harpia models are available?

Zeiss has released this 85mm model and a 95mm one. The available eyepieces are the 22-65x for the 85mm spotter, and you have the 23-70x eyepiece for the 95mm spotter.

How to make Fast and Fine Focus Adjustments on the 22-65x85mm Zeiss Harpia Scope?

The clicking (inaudible) collar ring incorporates both fast and fine focusing adjustments. Rotate the collar at normal speed to focus for the target distance. Once done, make precise and exact adjustments for fine focusing to produce an ultra-sharp image.

Why is the Zoom on the Body of the 22-65x85mm Harpia Spotting Scope?

This is new, and it's known as the lens-zoom concept. There's a few parts to this. One benefit is that you can zoom and focus with one hand quickly and conveniently. It also eliminates the tunnel vision effect when you increase magnification that is also thanks to the wide 72 degree angle field of view across the entire power range. Additionally, it also allows for a more compact eyepiece design that inevitably would be more comfortable for a variety of users.

What is the Field of View on Zeiss's Harpia 85 Spotting Scope?

The linear field of view is 63.2 meters at its largest at 1000 meters. We did the math (with help from a calculator) and it converts to 207 feet. It's incredibly huge for a spotting scope of this power range and aperture. However, we've seen it listed elsewhere at 189 feet. Unless we did our math wrong, we're pretty sure it really is 207 feet. Expecting more from the Harpia may mean expecting more in field of view, right?

Does the Zeiss Harpia 85 spotting scope have LotuTec?

Absolutely! Rain, snow, dirt, oil, anything that gets slammed on there is going to come right off without damage. Oh, it's scratch-resistant too.

Is there an Included Carry Case with Zeiss's Harpia 85?

Don't expect additional freebies when you're dealing with a high-end brand. You'll have to purchase the case separately. It's a fitted cover case that's been specifically designed for the Harpia spotter. It's different in the fact that it comes in pieces. However, the eyepiece and objective lens covers can be securely attached to the case to ensure it doesn't flap around or get lost. It's not going to be a cheap buy either, but really, is anything cheap from Zeiss?

Is this Harpia 85 a good Spotting Scope for Hunting?

The heft of the spotter isn't a practical feature for a hunter. But, when you have this kind of quality and high-power with an extremely large aperture, weight will always be on the heavy side. However, for extreme long ranging glassing where you need critical detail and results to make strategic decisions to move or not to move on game, the Harpia is guaranteed to provide it.

Noteworthy Features:

Dual Speed Focus System for intricate, precise, and exact focusing
Incredible glass quality for true-to-life viewing
LotuTec coatings for external lens protection
Lens-zoom concept with power ring on body of scope
Brand new to 2018!

Our Verdict on the Zeiss Victory Harpia 85

The scoop on the scope is, the Zeiss Victory Harpia spotter is poised to be the ultimate optic for birders and wildlife observers who have the cash. The detail, image quality, and focusing capabilities of the spotter is beyond comparable to any on the market at the moment. Is it worthy of the high cost? If you have to ask that, you'll have to peer through a Harpia yourself to believe the answer.

Victory Harpia Side on — Image Credit - Zeiss

Swarovski better beware. The Harpia is a new force that it will have to compete with. The ATX/STX 65 mm spotters are awesome, and we love the interchangeable objective module features. But, then again, we love all of the Swaro spotters. Their glass is world-class!

While Zeiss has discontinued the DiaScope, they still have some high-end spotters worth checking out that don't cost quite as much. The Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 T Spotting Scope is another birder's dream optic. Priced at almost half the cost of the Harpia, it might be your next best option.

Zeiss never keeps their optics static and stale. This is why it's no surprise that the Harpia is here and is about to revolutionize the future - your spotting future!

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