If you follow PrecisionRifle you will know that ZeroTech is a favorite of mine, I see them as Australia’s version of Vortex Optics. They offer great value in their optics range and the reason I like them is because their Australian owned. ZeroTech was founded in 2018 and have made a name for themselves designing and building scopes and red dot sights for hunters and sport shooters.
The Zerotech Thrive HD 1-4×24 Variable Prism is reported as the world’s first true variable-magnification prism sight. What this means is that it offers the durability and clarity of a prism scope combined with the flexibility of a 1-4x zoom range. It’s aimed at those who need a versatile hunting optic, from close-quarter shots to mid-range, all in a compact package.
Another reason I like them, ZeroTech back their scopes with an unconditional lifetime warranty, promising to repair or replace the scope for any reason, no paperwork required, and regardless of whether you are the original owner.
ZeroTech @ PrecisionRifle
- ZeroTech Trace HALO Relex Sight
- ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8×24 LPVO
- ZeroTech Thrive 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
In this overview, we will cover the construction, optical performance, reticle design, turret controls, and my experience using it in the field mounted on a .223 Taipan X. By the end, you will know what this scope offers and how it performs in field conditions.
Construction
The Zerotech Thrive HD 1-4×24 Variable Prism scope is a solid piece of kit, I truly mean that. Holding this in your hand you can instantly tell its durable. It uses a tough aluminium alloy body with a matte black anodised finish. It measures 15 centimetres long (6″) and weighs around 540 grams, which is compact but on the heavier side for a usual 1-4x LPVO optic, but this isn’t the typical LPVO. The scope comes with an integrated Picatinny mount with a quick-detach lever. This system makes mounting easy, just clamp it onto your rail. On my .223 Taipan X, the mount stayed tight and maintained zero even after repeated recoil and rough handling.
You’re probably thinking, it looks like its on the rifle backward. The magnification ring however is located at the front of the scope, rather than near the eyepiece. It turns smoothly and covers the full 1x to 4x range with less than half a turn. It has good grip and is easy to adjust, even wearing gloves. At the back of the scope, a fast-focus dioptre ring lets you fine-tune the focus of the reticle. It holds its position well once set. The finish low glare, and all markings on the scope are clean and easy to read.
The scope is fully waterproof and nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging. After several trips into the field, including some hard knocks and wet weather, its held up without any signs of damage or shifting point of impact. The construction is clearly designed for hard use.
Glass Performance
The optical clarity of the Zerotech Thrive HD 1-4×24 is impressive. At 1x, the image looks almost identical to the naked eye. There is no noticeable distortion at the edges, and the image remains flat and natural. The field of view at 1x is wide and helps with fast target acquisition. Colours look natural, with no green or blue tint. Contrast is strong, and the resolution remains high across the magnification range. At 4x, details stay sharp right out to the edges.
In low light conditions, the fully multi coated lenses do a good job pulling in available light. There is very little chromatic aberration, even when looking at bright edges against a dark background. The image remains crisp and bright, whether looking through at first light or shooting later in the afternoon. Overall, the glass quality easily competes with more expensive traditional scopes.
Reticle and Illumination
The Thrive HD 1-4×24 uses an etched RAP-R reticle set in the second focal plane. This means the reticle stays the same size at all magnifications. It is simple and clean, with a central aiming point designed for quick target acquisition without cluttering the view.
The reticle is always visible, even if the battery dies, thanks to the etched design. This is a big plus for a serious hunting or working rifle. Illumination is available in both red and green. The brightness levels are adjustable through two small rubberised buttons located on the side of the scope. It is quick to use once you get familiar with it.
The reticle illumination is clear and even, with no noticeable bleed or washout. It is bright enough for low light and heavy shade but not overpowering. In full sun, I found the black etched reticle is usually enough without turning on illumination. Having both red and green options is a nice touch, especially when background colours change throughout the day. The reticle works very well for its intended purpose: fast aiming at low magnification, and steady, precise shots at 4x.
Turrets and Adjustments
The Thrive HD 1-4×24 uses capped turrets. They are low profile and protected under screw on covers. This setup prevents accidental bumps from shifting your zero, ideal for a field scope. Each click adjusts by ½ MOA, which is about half an inch at 100 yards. The clicks are positive and easy to feel, even with gloves. There is no sponginess, every adjustment is clean and sharp.
The scope has plenty of internal adjustment range with a total of 100 MOA of elevation. That is more than enough for any normal use with a .223 rifle, whether hunting or target shooting. The turret markings are easy to read, but since this scope is designed to be more set-and-forget, most users will rarely need to dial after initial zeroing. The turrets feel reliable and consistent.
Parallax is fixed at 100 yards. There is no adjustable parallax system, but for a 1-4x optic, it is not needed. Targets remain clear and focused from about 25 metres out to well beyond 300 metres. Eye relief is 77 millimetres or 3″. It is comfortable and forgiving at 1x. It gets a little tighter at 4x, but you still have enough room to stay safe from scope bite, even under recoil.
Conclusion
After using the Zerotech 1-4×24 Variable Prism scope in the field on my .223 Taipan X, I can say it is a well thought out optic that works as intended. It holds zero, it offers a bright, clear sight picture, and it feels tough enough to trust in real world conditions. The combination of a true 1-4x range in a prism design is unique, and it brings real benefits. You get the ruggedness and reliability of a prism, but with the versatility of variable magnification.
Glass quality is excellent for the price. The RAP-R reticle is simple and effective. Illumination works well without being distracting. The turrets are reliable, even if you probably will not use them much after zeroing. The scope is a little heavy for its size, but considering it includes an integrated mount, it balances out. You don’t have to worry about ring alignment or extra mounting parts.
If you are looking for a strong, simple, and effective optic for your hunting or working rifle, the Zerotech Thrive HD 1-4×24 Variable Prism scope is well worth considering. It offers great value for what it delivers and brings something genuinely new to the market.
PRECISIONRIFLE