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donsm70 Offline OP
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Cameraland has some good deals on Swarovski scopes.

Other than the name factor, how would you compare the GLASS on Leupold 3Xi vs Swarovski Z3? I'm talking 3.5-10x40 or 42.

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The VX-6 would be a better comparison, and the Z3 edges this one out as well in the lowest light (they are VERY close in good daylight). The VX-3i is a bit below those 2 in terms of resolving power, perceived brightness and edge-to-edge sharpness.

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In my opinion, the view through a Z3 is superior. It just feels more open. Whether or not the glass is any better is open to debate. I strongly prefer the eyepiece and reticles in Z3. I have grown to really dislike Leupold's duplex.

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I have both and the Z3 is better in my opinion

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I have the 3-10 in both and prefer the Z3. If considering it from a price aspect, the Leupold is the way to go. It's close in performance for less than half the price.

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Either one will get you past legal shooting light IME. Pick the one with the reticle that suits you best.


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donsm70 Offline OP
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Thanks for the responses.

I already own the Leupold, so maybe I will just stick with it.

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Originally Posted by BobbyTomek
The VX-6 would be a better comparison, and the Z3 edges this one out as well in the lowest light (they are VERY close in good daylight). The VX-3i is a bit below those 2 in terms of resolving power, perceived brightness and edge-to-edge sharpness.



Bobby,

Have you looked at the VX-5HD? If so how did it stack up?

Sorry to the OP for the tangent.

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No, I have not...but maybe a bit later down the road I will.

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I've owned both and a vx6, the Z3 is far superior to a vx3i. I prefer the Z3 to the vx6 (haven't tried the new HD)

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I shot a buck last year at dark...dark...moving across my peanut field towards some does. My rifle had a 35-40 year old Vari X II 3x9 on it...I was packing up to leave when this happened and I was wondering if I could pick the buck up, by chance, in the scope...Low and behold I could see him perfectly at 110 yards. I own Swaros, Schmidts, etc...but am amazed a scope with such "old" technology sealed the deal.

[Linked Image]

Last edited by Godogs57; 05/24/17.

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Folks, frankly speaking, if compared Leupold 3xi and Swarovski Z3 for low light; I will definitely choose Leupold again and again if taken into account their prize differences. I have owned the two of them and I was really disappointed by the prize of Swarovski Z3 which is almost twice what Leupold 3xi cost and in low light condition, Leupold became so superior over Swarovski. What about the warranty? Leupold has a lifetime warranty and Swarovski at its prize has ten years warranty. To me, it's a cheat. But I am not concluding for anyone else except for myself - take note (smile). I hope I made a point!

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I have the Leupolds, plenty good for hunting.

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Originally Posted by Godogs57
I shot a buck last year at dark...dark...moving across my peanut field towards some does. My rifle had a 35-40 year old Vari X II 3x9 on it...I was packing up to leave when this happened and I was wondering if I could pick the buck up, by chance, in the scope...Low and behold I could see him perfectly at 110 yards. I own Swaros, Schmidts, etc...but am amazed a scope with such "old" technology sealed the deal.

[Linked Image]


Forget scopes, how about that Deer! Pretty much my dream whitetail buck! Congrats!

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the other thing is how bold is the reticle? You can have the best glass in the world but if you cannot see the aiming point or see it fast enough at the time you need to use it, then you are screwed. My take is that the better hunting scope would have the best easiest to see under most conditions aiming point.


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Originally Posted by jimmyp
the other thing is how bold is the reticle? You can have the best glass in the world but if you cannot see the aiming point or see it fast enough at the time you need to use it, then you are screwed. My take is that the better hunting scope would have the best easiest to see under most conditions aiming point.


You'd be wrong.


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Between your desired comparisons of the 2, the Z3.


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Godogs, that is one bodacious buck my man.


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I own multiples of both. They're obviously both great scopes but there is no comparison optically. The Z3 is much easier to get behind and provides a clearer, brighter image to my eye. That said I don't think you'll miss an opportunity at an animal if you use a VX3i. I often shoot each scope back to back at the range while the barrels cool on different rifles and the optical difference becomes apparent quickly.

I've never had problems losing zero with either. Both track OK.

Only downsides I see with Z3 is eyepiece is larger and can leave less room to operate a bolt with gloves on. I use the Z3's on 3 lug guns with low bolt lift for that reason.

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NO COMPARISON. Leupold is great in plenty of light. Swarovski/Kahles are awesome when there is NONE. I have actually taken two rifles with both scopes into a stand so I could see for myself if the Swarovski was REALLY that much better. It is. I do not own any Leupolds any more for that reason.


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