Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Zeiss HD5 vs Swarovski Z3

For those with experience how does the HD5 2-10x42 compare to the Z3 3-10x42 ? Brightness, clarity, repeatability, settings stability, overall performance ?

Zeiss is probably more rugged, glass is dead even but it is just a little heavier. I was skeptical about them when they were first introduced but it is hard to find someone that is dissatisfied with them. I used to like Swaro Z3's but they tend to go back for a factory redo more often then not.

Thanks. I have the HD but was toying with the idea of selling it and getting the Z3. Weight is one reason. The scope will go on Kimber action for my son, if I ever get it out together. But the more I’ve thought about it I think we’ll stick with the HD.

I bought these scopes in 2019:
17.6 ounces Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x42 Rapid-Z 800 $700
13 ounces Swarovski Optik Z3 3-10 x 42 BRH  $800



Loved the Swaro, hated the Zeiss

Had an HD5. Still have my Z3.

Too much bulk? Reticle? The HD i have has their version of Duplex. But. I’ve never hunted with one.

I'll bank on the Zeiss being a tougher scope that won't have to be returned.

I love my HD5 3-15x50 with Z800 on a 300 Weatherby for a few years now held zero killed several elk in rough country. Mine matches the trajectory all the way out to 800 yard. Tried the Z3 and wasn’t as impressed.

I owned both brands and models. To my eyes I thought the Z3 had slightly better glass than the HD5 and was easier to get behind, but to be honest I wasn't terribly impressed with either and sold them.

I won't buy another Z3 since I have had 4 4-12x50 and 1 3-10x42 and all the 4-12x50's went back for repair. Cartridges used were 30-06,25-06 and 300 wsm.

I have one z5 which has been mounted on 2 different rifles and not one issue.

I cant compare the two, but what I can say is I LOVE my HD5. When I sold my house, I was going to upgrade my hd5 for a Nightforce. However, i couldn't bring myself to do it, that's how much I love the HD5.

I've had a Z3 3-10X42 BRH on a Kimber Montana 6.5 Creedmoor for a couple years without any issues...but granted this is a set it and forget it scope though it is checked at the range prior to each hunting trip/outing.
I prefer a lightweight scope with a BDC type reticle on my mountain/lightweight rifles and am currently looking at the Maven RS.2 2-10X38 (the Maven riflescope line seems to have very good reviews in regards to optical clarity, brightness, and durability) to mount on a Fierce Fury in 7mm-08.

I had a 4-12x50 also and although I didn't have any issues with it the scope only had 40 MOA adjustments and it to went down the road. I also have a 3-18x44 Z5 which IMO is a much better/more rugged set & forget type scope than the Z3's.

This is my favorite scope that I own. The only problem I ever noticed was not being able to turn the power selection ring when it was minus 25f degrees. I never hunted with my Z3 when it was that cold so can't say if it would have had the same problem. However, I did sell the Z3 after hearing of numerous warranty returns here on the campfire.

I've not owned an HD-5, but do have two older Diavari 1" scopes that I like very much.
Between the kids and I we have 7 Z3's, most with the wonderful 4a reticle.
Years ago I sent one of my Z3's in for erector work and to clean some sand out of the focus, other than that as a set and forget scope the Z3's have been great with a nice bright view and easy to get behind and use.

+1

After selling my HD5 I purchased a Z3 for my 240 Weatherby Mag and like it a lot which led me to buy a Z5 for my 30-06 ULA and I like that one even better. It is a little heavier and more $$$ but a great scope.

So what’s an HD5 mounted but not used no ring marks worth these days?

I own several of the Zeiss HD5 and several Z3 scopes and for a 1 inch tube scope both are excelent scopes. The glass is great on both I never purchased a 2.5-10 allthough I wish I had. I have the 3-15x42 and 50mm versions. If weight is an issue go with the swarovski. The HD5 is definitely more robust and you can get target turrets that are solid as far as I've tested them too.

I purchased my first rifle scope a Redfield 3-9x40 in the late seventies. Since I've owned Burris, Luepolds, Swarovski and Zeiss. Sent back a Swaro great customer service. Sent back a Luepold great customer service. Never sent a Zeiss back. At this point I have more Zeiss than any other. That 3-9x40 conquest the generation before the HD5. I purchased at least 5 now that is a solid scope for less than $400.00 I have not seen its equal since. I have 5 HD5's, 3 Z3's and 4 Luepold VX3 all are good scopes.

I thought last year that I was having an issue with a 3-15 last year it was mounted on an accurate 260 rem with Talley lightweights I changed scopes and mounts and can say the problem was not the scope.

Good luck and shoot straight y'all