ZeroTech Trace Advanced 4-24×50 TREMOR3 Review

Last updated on August 17th, 2026

This ZeroTech Trace Advanced 4-24×50 TREMOR3 review is based on six weeks and several range trips with the scope on my Sako TRG 22 A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor. I used the reticle for rapid elevation and wind holds, worked the turrets through repeated corrections and assessed the glass across the zoom range.

The scope’s strongest combination is its 790g weight, clear Japanese-made optical system, tactile 0.1 MRAD elevation turret and TREMOR3 reticle. The main warning is just as important: the TREMOR3 version reviewed here is not illuminated. ZeroTech’s separate RMG version is the illuminated option.

Field verdict: the Trace Advanced 4-24×50 is a strong long-range and PRS crossover when you genuinely use a detailed holdover reticle. Choose TREMOR3 for fast correction tools and accept the learning curve; choose the RMG version when a simpler illuminated reticle better fits your shooting.

My Test Setup

The scope stayed on a rifle capable of showing control or zero problems, and no issue appeared during the review period. I still separate that evidence from a laboratory claim. A formal tall-target test measures whether each marked 0.1 MRAD produces exactly the expected movement; my test confirms normal function and return during actual range use.

ZeroTech Trace Advanced 4-24×50 Specifications

The 30mm tube and 790g body distinguish this model from the much heavier current 5-30×56. It gives up magnification and adjustment travel, but the complete rifle remains easier to carry and move between positions. For many shooters, 4-24x is also a more useful working range than a headline 30x setting used only occasionally.

Build Quality and Handling

Fit and finish on the review scope were in line with more expensive precision optics I have used. The magnification ring had enough resistance to avoid accidental movement without becoming difficult to turn. The removable lever gave a repeatable point of contact and made a large zoom change easier from behind the rifle.

The parallax control is firm. That is preferable to a loose side focus that moves against a bag or barricade, although it asks for a deliberate grip. The 20m minimum is particularly useful for rimfire training, close zeroing and dry practice on scaled targets.

ZeroTech includes Tenebraex flip-up covers. They are more robust than the common lightweight snap-on style, rotate to the preferred position and remain one of the package details I would otherwise pay to add. A 50mm sunshade is also listed in the current package.

Weight and Rifle Balance

At 790g, the 4-24×50 is not a lightweight hunting scope, but it is relatively restrained for a premium long-range optic with exposed elevation, zero stop and detailed FFP reticle. It balanced naturally on the heavy Sako and did not add the pronounced top-heavy feel of some 34mm, 56mm competition scopes.

Weight should still be calculated as a system. Add rings, a rail, level and any data holder before deciding the setup is light. On a match rifle or supported long-range rifle the 790g figure is attractive. On a mountain rifle, a simpler hunting scope can save hundreds of grams and offer a cleaner low-light reticle.

Glass Quality

The image was sharp and clear through the range I actually used, with natural colour and good contrast. I did not observe distracting chromatic aberration during the review period. Resolution remained useful at high magnification, although environmental mirage still decided whether 24x produced more information than a lower setting.

The 50mm objective and 2.1mm exit pupil at 24x explain why maximum power becomes more demanding in fading light. Dropping to 12-18x gives a larger exit pupil, more forgiving head position and often a steadier image. A quality high-power scope is valuable because the middle remains strong, not because the dial must stay at the maximum.

The lenses are fully multi-coated, argon-purged and protected by ZeroTech’s Weathershield treatment. Those are useful design features. My review supports the visible clarity of this sample, but it does not independently measure transmission percentage or coating durability.

TREMOR3 Reticle in Real Use

TREMOR3 is the reason to choose this exact version. It combines measured elevation and windage references with wind dots and ranging tools designed to speed corrections. On changing-distance targets I could hold a new elevation and wind value without leaving the scope to dial both axes.

That speed appears only after the reticle has been learned. A new user sees a dense field of marks; a practised user sees repeatable references. I like it when target distance and wind change quickly, but I would not recommend paying for TREMOR3 and then using only the central cross.

Because it is FFP, the subtensions remain valid throughout the zoom range. The reticle becomes visually finer as magnification drops, and the reviewed TREMOR3 variant has no illumination. Against a dark background at last light, a simpler illuminated RMG can be easier to find.

TREMOR3 vs RMG

Choose the reticle around the correction method, not resale fashion. A dial-elevation-and-hold-wind shooter may be faster with RMG. A shooter who understands wind dots and wants to make rapid complete holds can exploit TREMOR3.

Elevation Turret, Capped Windage and Zero Stop

The elevation turret has tactile, audible clicks and large, readable numbering. Half-MRAD labels help prevent a quick correction landing on the wrong line, while 10 MRAD per revolution is simple to track. The zero stop provides a positive reference after dialling above the base zero.

Windage is capped. That fits TREMOR3 use because the reticle is designed to carry wind corrections, and the cap prevents an unnoticed change while the rifle is moved. The listed 23 MRAD of elevation travel is enough for many centrefire applications, but available usable travel also depends on the rail, ring alignment and where the zero sits inside the adjustment range.

Across several trips I made rapid elevation and windage changes and did not observe a point-of-impact problem. The scope returned to the working zero as expected. I would still run a measured tall-target test on any scope being prepared for serious competition, then record the actual correction factor if it differs from the markings.

What It Does Well

• Clear, high-resolution image in the reviewed sample.
• Useful 4-24x range with a broad 4x field of view.
• TREMOR3 provides rapid complete hold solutions after training.
• Tactile 0.1 MRAD elevation turret and practical zero stop.
• Capped windage protects the setting and suits reticle holds.
• Low 20m parallax minimum.
• 790g is relatively manageable for this class.
• Tenebraex covers and throw lever are included.

Drawbacks

• The TREMOR3 version is not illuminated.
• The reticle is unnecessarily complex for a shooter who only dials elevation.
• A 30mm tube limits total travel compared with some 34mm competition scopes.
• The firm parallax control takes more effort than a light hunting turret.
• 790g is still substantial on a carry-focused rifle.
• The practical range checks do not replace calibrated tracking measurement.

Who Should Buy It?

Start with the ZeroTech scopes review hub for the complete model comparison. Choose the Trace Advanced 5-30×56 when maximum elevation and a larger 56mm competition format matter more than weight, or compare the Trace 3-18×50 LR Hunter for a lighter hunting-focused rifle. The older 4.5-27×50 review covers a different generation, while the long-range scope guide adds competing brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ZeroTech 4-24×50 TREMOR3 illuminated?

No. The current official specification lists no illumination for the TREMOR3 version. The separate RMG version is the illuminated choice. Check the exact SKU before ordering.

Did it track correctly?

I saw no point-of-impact issue during repeated elevation and windage changes over several range trips, and it returned to the working zero. I did not perform a calibrated tall-target test, so I do not claim a measured tracking percentage.

Is TREMOR3 worth it?

It is worth it for a shooter who will learn and use its wind dots, measured holds and correction tools. It is poor value for someone who wants an uncluttered centre and dials every elevation change.

Is 4-24x enough for long-range shooting?

Yes. Twenty-four power is enough to resolve small targets in suitable conditions, while the 4x low end and wide field are useful on changing-distance stages. Mirage often makes the middle of the range more useful than maximum power.

Where can I check current pricing?

The existing retailer path is retained here: check the latest OpticsPlanet listing. Confirm that the listing is the 4-24×50 TREMOR3, not an RMG or different Trace model.

Video Review

The original video below shows the reviewed scope and reticle context on the rifle.

Final Verdict

After six weeks and several range trips, the ZeroTech Trace Advanced 4-24×50 TREMOR3 impressed me with its glass, control feel, practical zero return and unusually useful balance for a long-range optic. It stayed manageable on the Sako while providing the features I expect from a serious precision scope.

The buying decision turns on the reticle. TREMOR3 is excellent when its information is understood and used, but it is non-illuminated and visually dense. Buyers who want a cleaner or lower-light solution should choose the RMG version rather than forcing the wrong reticle into their shooting method.