2016 Optic of the Year: Zeiss Terra XB75 Crossbow Scope

by
posted on May 6, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
zeiss_gba_f.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Optic of the Year: Zeiss Terra XB75 Crossbow Scope
Modern crossbows store far more energy than those of old but crossbow scope advancements have not kept pace—until now. Zeiss’ Terra XB75 2X-7X-32mm scope ($443) is a low-profile, 13-ounce marvel sporting a patented ballistic reticle with aiming points from 20-75 yards in 2.5-yard increments—based on the chronographed speed of our crossbow.

Six crosshairs represent 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 yards; the top of the bottom reticle wire is the 75-yard mark. The top and bottom of each crosshair are 2.5-yard marks. The ocular ring is marked with bow speeds from 275-425 fps. Zeiss engineers matched the subtensions of the reticle and magnification to speed, so dialing up speed also increases magnification.

Calibration is not complicated, either, as AH Senior Editor Karen Mehall Phillips learned (“Hardware,” September ’15). “In a short time I was hitting the target exactly where I aimed at various yardages,” she wrote. She toted the scope mounted on a Mission crossbow to a South Africa waterhole. “I put the reticle’s 25-yard mark behind the shoulder of a warthog at 24 yards and squeezed—and secured my birthday present!”

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

SLR Subbrand Feature
SLR Subbrand Feature

New for 2026: Winchester Supreme Long Range

New for 2026, Winchester introduces its Supreme Long Range rifle ammunition line. Centered around the BC MAX projectile, Winchester has designed this ammunition with the consistency needed for longer shots in mind.

EOTech Announces Ultra-Compact Vudu 4-12x36mm

The new-for-2026 EOTech Vudu 4-12x36mm's overall length sits at only 7.1 inches, makes this optic ideal on even the shortest rifle or AR-pistol.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD Binocular

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD Binoculars, available in three size options, each with two magnification levels.

Retay USA Expands Gamelander Rifle Series

For 2026, Retay USA announced the expansion of its Gamelander rifle line to include a dedicated series of straight-walled chamberings.

Knight & Hale Reintroduces Moonshiner Alongside New Pot Calls

Knight & Hale Game Calls has announced the return of a fan favorite: The Moonshiner. Alongside this iconic call, Knight & Hale has also introduced a new lineup of pot calls and strikers designed to deliver unmatched realism, durability and versatility in the turkey woods.

First Look: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

Whoever is behind the Henry Repeating Arms wheel these days needs to be given their own set of keys. The boys in Rice Lake have just announced two new product families of lever-action rifles: Protect and Provide.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.