The Pz.Z.F. 1, or Panzer Zielfernrohr 1,was a German telescopic sight mounted on the MG 34 machine gun during World War II. It was specifically designed for use in bunkers and German panzers like the Panzerkampfwagen II (or Panzer II), particularly on the pedestal or ball mounts installed in fortifications or tank turrets. It was also installed in the thickly armored sechschartenturm used in different bunker types.
The Pz.Z.F. 1 was used with the Panzerlauf MG 34 in the Kugellafette, the Ball mount in the German tanks. The sturdy optic was fitted into an armored mount, seeing the outside through the armored ball. It was first used in the hull of the Panzer II tanks. It was produced by Zeiss-Ikon AG, Goerzwerk, located in Berlin-Zehlendorf.
Technical Features:
Magnification: 2.5x
Field of View: 28°
Design: Monocular
Length: approx. 80 cm
Weight: approx. 7 kg
Manufacturer: Zeiss-Ikon
Use and Significance
The Panzer Zielfernrohr 1 enabled precise target acquisition at long distances, which was particularly advantageous in static defensive positions. The 2.5x magnification and wide field of view allowed riflemen to effectively target and engage targets. Its robust construction and integration into the fortress infrastructure or tank turrets made it an important component of German defensive and offensive strategy.
