The Z-Point sight is powered on and off, and its dot brightness is regulated by way of the single Zeiss banner button (above), which is located on the unit’s left side.

    With rapid-acquisition sighting systems steadily gaining favor in both military and sporting circles, the interest in such products is growing exponentially. The Zeiss Z-Point represents not only that highly respected manufacturer’s entry into that market, but also a unique and interesting approach to the product category. The Z-Point, originally developed for the German military, is used as an optional sighting system for the H&K MP7 PDW. The Z-Point was designed by Hensoldt, which is owned by Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc.

The Z-Point is designed to easily snap on and off any standard Picatinny rail by way of a single, spring-loaded, push-button clamp that “rocks” over the rail.

    It is a non-magnifying reflex sight that does not use holographic technology nor emit a beam. The diode that produces the “red dot” is located in the unit’s rear glass pane. The Z-Point has a polymer housing with an integrated tube body of high-strength aluminum that makes for a lightweight and impact-resistant sight—as well as one that is extremely compact. The optic weighs a mere 3 1/2 ozs. and measures a scant 2 1/2” long, 1 3/4” high and 1 1/2” wide.
    One innovative technical aspect of the Z-Point is its illumination system. It utilizes a hybrid power supply that operates from both a solar cell and a conventional lithium battery, and it features an illumination regulation system that automatically adjusts the brightness of the dot. Depending on how much light is available, the built-in sensor—located in the solar panel—determines whether the unit should draw current from the battery or from the solar cell. If the unit is pointed at a bright background the dot becomes instantly brighter; if pointed at a dark background it becomes instantly dimmer. The brightness of the dot can also be adjusted manually, but then no longer automatically adjusts until the unit is reset by being restarted. Also, the dot switches off automatically after three hours of disuse.

The Z-Point utilizes a hybrid power supply that employs both a lithium battery and a solar cell.

    The Z-Point is designed to easily snap on and off any standard Picatinny rail by way of a single, spring-loaded, push-button clamp that “rocks” over the rail. The push pad on the side of the unit acts as both the on/off switch and the dot intensity regulator. One button press turns the unit on, another press and hold turns the unit off. A double press and hold increases the dot’s brightness and a triple press and hold decreases the dot’s brightness.
    For testing we mounted the Z-Point on a flat-top DPMS A-15 rifle. The optic attached easily and proved simple to use. Also, the illumination regulation system worked effectively in both bright and dark surroundings. For adjustments to point of aim/impact, the Z-Point utilizes simple set screws, which fix the windage and elevation changes. Audible or mechanical clicks are not part of the design.

For adjustment of point of aim/impact, the Z-Point has simple set-screw windage and elevation adjustments. Audible or mechanical clicks are not part of the design.

    As Zeiss claims that the Z-Point is waterproof, we immersed it in 110 degree water for 10 minutes and then placed it in a freezer for 10 more. There was no leakage, bubbling or -fogging.
    The Z-Point represents an interesting approach to the rapid-acquisition sight, and it has a lot going for it. It is small, light and incredibly simple to use.
    Available from: Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. (Dept. AR), 13005 N. Kingston Ave., Chester, VA 23836; (800) 441-3005; www.zeiss.com. Price: $450.