Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski Z5 or...

I'm looking for a scope for (mostly) whitetails. I hunt some areas that are low light and some areas that are open, long range. My requirements are a variable that ranges to a higher power and a lightweight scope. The Z5 5-25x52 is at the top of my budget range. Please talk me into or out of this scope. Any polite, alternate suggestions would be appreciated! Also, is the Z5 appreciably better than the Z3?

Z5 is better than Z3. Got'em both, 3.5-18x44 BT and 4-12x50 BT.

Instead of going "Hubble" for WT's and still wanting high power, I'd probably get a VX-6 3-18. Easier on your budget and the glass is Z5 quality if not better. It would probably take a Z6 to run with a VX-6.

VX-6's are 30mm instead of 1", but they are streamline and not as heavy as some in their class. You'll have to check the weights on line. Swaros are pretty light, especially the 1" versions.

You'll get more scope for your buck with a VX-6, IMO.

I've posted before that my next Swaro will probably be another VX-6...

DF

I would do the z5 over the z3 all day. Look at the 3.5-18x 44. Good price point for a nice versatile scope. Better guts in a z5 than z3.

What's the difference?

I have a z5 5-25X52 and a VX-6 4-24X52. The VX-6 definitely has better glass to me. But they seem to punk out in low light about the same time. The z5 is lighter than the VX-6 by about 4-5 ounces.

Extra lense for the 5x zoom and the coil springs instead of a leaf spring on the erector tube.

the 3.5-18x44 has excellent glass and is under 1 lb. I don't see why you need more than 18 power on a hunting rifle, and 3.5 would be better for any close shots you might encounter.

The Z5 and Z3 have the same quality glass and same coatings. Only the internals are different.

I have a z5 5-25 and couldn't be happier. I would recommend the #4 reticle as the duplex will fade out in low light. The z5 is at the top of the game in the low light department.
I would also say to check out the meopta lineup if you want a comparable scope for a few less bucks. I have had good luck out of either model and they are almost equal in low light.

Second NMSSHOOTER with the Z5 and the Meopta recommendation. I have a Z5 3.5-18 and a Meopta Meostar 4-12 and they are both great glass. Weight is not an issue with either of them and they both "fit" well on a sporter rifle. When you get into the bigger scopes with a 20+ high blend they have to be big and somewhat heavy. They are fine on a long range rig but not fully practice in most whitetail situations.

I just took delivery on the Swaro 3.5-18x44 BT with 4W reticle which, they call The Sheep Hunter. I mounted it and have shot it for about 10 rounds. So far I like it. It tracks great.

I am not oblivious to earlier Swarovski shortcomings. Instead of shying from them I believe their optical qualities make them worth the price. Their warranties are above reproach.

At 15 oz, what's not to like?

+1

Dirtfarmer,



I should have caught this the first time. I agree.