This review contains sponsored content. Originally published in German on Geartester.de.
The NZ8 on the Bergara B14² CIMA CF during zeroing
With the NZ8 2-16x50 inception, Noblex presents a scope that has, on paper, everything a modern all-round optic needs: a wide magnification range, a large adjustment range, a rugged housing suited for clip-on devices, and refined illumination. A high quality neoprene cover to protect the scope is also included. I tested the scope over the past few weeks and want to walk you through it here.
Magnification, mechanics, and controls
The eightfold zoom (2-16x) covers nearly every hunting discipline, from driven hunts to stalking to sitting with clip-on technology. The scope comes with a 34mm tube, which allows for a large adjustment range: ± 135 cm at 100 m is available.
Interesting for night vision and thermal clip-ons: the objective bell measures 57mm in outer diameter and is reinforced, so add-on devices can be mounted without concern.
The reticle adjustment engages cleanly and with clear definition, the clicks are easy to feel directly.
The one drawback: there’s no optional exposed elevation turret, meaning the large adjustment range can’t be fully exploited for long-range use. Noblex does offer other scopes for that, though, like the 2.5-20x50 or the 2-12x50 ASV.
Changing magnification feels solid and premium, but is fairly stiff, anyone just resting the rifle rather than gripping it firmly could induce a slight tilt while turning the ring. That’s a matter of taste, and it does reliably prevent accidental magnification changes.
Reticle, illuminated dot, and parallax
View at 2x magnification, the very fine illuminated dot is clearly visible
Noblex uses a Reticle 4 with a fiber-optic illuminated dot that dims smoothly and steplessly. That makes the dot excellently suited to clip-on and behind-the-scope thermal add-ons, without glaring.
Parallax adjustment works between 25 m and infinity, with a marking at 100 m. The tilt sensor automatically switches off the illumination module when the rifle is tilted significantly.
One small downside shows up in winter: the outer caps stay fixed in place, and adjusting them takes some finger dexterity, with gloves on it gets a bit fiddly, though it still works.
The adjustment turret for illumination and parallax. The battery compartment sits outside, under the owl logo
Optical performance
The NZ8 comes across as bright and finely coated. Hunters with good eyesight in particular will find a 50mm objective more than sufficient for hunting use.
The eyebox is generously sized, which helps with fast target acquisition. Thanks to the low 2x starting magnification, the scope pairs perfectly with clip-on devices.
View through the NZ8 at 16x magnification
Ruggedness and mounting
The maximum tightening torque for the mounting rings is 1.6 Nm, too much pressure can damage the adjustment mechanism.
Note: thread locker changes the effective torque! Tables for that are easy to find online.
The reinforced objective housing is clearly built for use with clip-on technology. It feels clean and very premium in the hand.
Price and positioning
At an MSRP of 1,149 euros, the NZ8 sits clearly below many premium manufacturers, while delivering features you’d otherwise expect from higher price brackets.
Noblex traces its history back 150 years, with roots in VEB Carl Zeiss Jena.
That comes with German customer support and a manufacturing philosophy built around longevity.
That’s also reflected in Noblex’s 10-year replacement warranty.
Transparency note: Noblex provided me with the scope for this test period. There was no influence on the content or assessment.
Conclusion
Anyone looking for a scope that covers driven hunts, stalking, sitting, and night hunting with clip-on technology equally well gets a versatile tool at a fair price.
The fiber-optic illuminated dot, the eyebox, the reinforced housing, the eightfold magnification, and the large adjustment range speak for themselves.
Despite a few minor criticisms, the Noblex NZ8 2-16x50 impresses with an overall package that combines price, performance, and practical usability excellently.
For me, the NZ8 2-16x50 inception is a top candidate for young hunters, or for anyone looking for German engineering, support, and strong all-round qualities at an affordable price.