Trying to decide on a scope for a new Cooper 270 Win. I am a big fan of Swarovski Scopes but would consider a Zeiss or Leupold also. I am trying to decide on power and reticle. I am looking at the Z3 4-12X50 and Z5 3.5-18X44, can't decide on BRH vs BT (ballistic reticle vs turret). I doubt I'd be shooting at an animal over 400yds, but I do like practicing at 500-600yds. Thoughts, suggestions?

I have the Zeiss HD5 3-15x42 with target turrets on my 270 win makes a great package out to 600 which is about as far as I will shoot anything. Better glass than the Z3 IMO. Have been interested in the same Z5 the turrets look interesting but I don't know. The warranty on the ZEISS might be an issue but probably not.

Good luck and shoot straight

Bob

I have a couple each of the Z3 and Z5s. I like the Z3s and they are great scopes but once you go Z5, it's hard going back! Seriously, consider what balances/looks the best on your rifle.

I've got a bunch of Z3's and have been very happy with them, I'm sure the Z5 is a great scope as well, just depends on your needs.

All the glass you are considering will serve you well. See what balances best on the rifle and look each reticle carefully to see which one you feel best with. I run a lot of Z3's, 5's and a 6i. All are really outstanding glass. I think the BRH is the best hunting reticle for distances under 500 yards.

Z5 BT with Outdoorsman turret. I found the duplex to be sorta fine, sent it back for #4.





Z3 BT, Sharpie marked yardage. Acetone takes it off. Cheaper than custom turret, works about as well. Z3 duplex better than Z5, still kinda fine, but useable.

IME, Swaro, Zeiss and Leupold CS, all great, warranties top notch.

CS between the three wouldn't affect which scope I bought.

DF

DF,
How have you found the tracking and RTZ to be on that z5?
Nice looking setup btw...

I'm looking to possibly get a z5 and I'm wondering about the difference in the glass. I've got several z3's and I'm happy with them but my eyesight isn't great and I wonder if I'd even be able to see the difference.

I have a Z3 4-12X50 on a .223 and Z5 3.5-18X44 on a .270 both with BRH reticles.

Swarovski told me the glass was the same, the differences are internal. Besides the obvious power zoom difference the Z5 uses 4 coil springs the same that the Z6 uses. The Z3 uses 2. The Z5 is a more durable scope.

I also have few Zeiss Victory and a Conquest HD scope as well as a few Leica scopes. They are all very good scopes. The Zeiss Victory HT is the brightest and best for low light, Swaro has great resolution and clarity but I prefer the clarity and contrast of Leica's above the others.

No issues with either one, although I don't do a lot of knob twisting.

They seem to track well and return to zero.

The Z5 may be better than the Z3, I just don't see the big difference some report. They're both very good.

I have two Victory scopes and for sure they're bright, great glass. The Zeiss may be ahead of these but doesn't blow them away. The VX-6, at least in my view, is as good as the Swaro's, the VX-6 duplex is better.

A point I was trying to make, the custom turret looks nice, but writing the yardage on the aluminum discs with a Sharpie works just as well. And, with some acetone, you can erase and start over, with the turret, you have to order another one.

DF

I've never handled a Leica. From your description, it must be very good, as you're comparing it to some great glass.

The Leica CS does give me some concern. You'd think a company making a high end product would have their CS competitive with the competition.

DF

That's a good idear, DF. I don't twist much for hunting either, but do, and would rather turn a turret than do the ballistic reticle. Tried that, ain't smart enough. Leupold dotz are good for me, though, on a rifle for moving.

I tried a Leica an earlier version and found flare to be an issue. However, Bobby Tomek has a recent production model and reports it is no longer a problem. Gave it very high marks across the board.

They could improve their website email response time...

Do also like the Swaro 4a in the Z3 over that skinny plex.

fwiw, imho, bwthfdik, the Z5's magnification range is over the top. For me, at least, 6x for the larger FOV gets more use than 10x in the daylight, but 10x is plenty. Do use 9-10x in very low light w/a 50 or 56mm provided a stout low light reticle like the Swaro 4a or a red dot that adjusts very very low and subtends 1/2" or preferably less, like the new Zeiss.

I, too, respect Bobby's opinion on the Leica.

Would love to check one out.

I wish the Euro's would check out the VX-6 duplex.

Long range target shooters may like the real fine duplex.

I think hunters would vote for a Leupold style duplex, at least that's my vote.

DF

I could live with Zeiss' #20 plex in just about everything...hard to get it in a Swaro, though...:)

I just checked the Leica 2-10x50 on line. That thing weighs 22 oz...!!!

The VX-6 is lighter by a bunch.

My Victory Zeiss are both first focal plane and the std. reticle works pretty well, the thin center wires appearing to become more prominant as the power is increased (actually they stay the same, the magnification increases). Seems a lot of the new Zeiss are SFP. I see the new V8 with an eight power range, that's a bunch.

Alpha Euro prices seem more competitive now. They had been in the $2-3K range, the Leica noted above was $999 at Europtic.

DF

I agree, based on side by side looking at an optics chart.

I'm a fan of the Z5 BT 4W configuration.