Swarovski Z3/Z5?

[Dubbo]

How much better are the Z3s and Z5s compared to a Leupold VX3i?
In terms of optics and mechanics.

 

[Clark]

Zeiss HD 3x15 rapid Z 800 scope must be used on 12X for the reticle to have meaning...... Zeiss on the phone could not say that. I had to figure it out. They wanted to enter my bullet weight into their computer program.

No more Swarovski for me, just more VX-6HD Leupolds for me on the expensive builds, VX3i on the cheap builds.

 

[ken158]

Had great luck with Swarovski Z5 models, I consider the Z3 equal to Leupold

 

[XTR]

I have two Z3s and a Z5 with BRX/BRH reticles. I love them. Awesome glass, great reticle for hunting, light weight.

Zeiss HD 3x15 rapid Z 800 scope must be used on 12X for the reticle to have meaning...... Zeiss on the phone could not say that. I had to figure it out. They wanted to enter my bullet weight into their computer program.

No more Swarovski for me, just more VX-6HD Leupolds for me on the expensive builds, VX3i on the cheap builds.

Do you realize that these are not the same company?

 

[Shrek]

I haven’t used any Leupold scopes in twenty years but all of my Swarovski have performed perfectly and the glass is outstanding. I have a half dozen Z3 BT’s and two Z5 BT’s. I haven’t really beat any of the scopes but I haven’t babied them either. I use climbers to hunt out of most of the time and carry them in and out most days. Scopes get bumped and banged against them quite a bit and work fine. I have confidence in my Swarovski scopes.
BTW , I started with Zeiss for European glass but their erectors failed me repeatedly. I’ll never own another Zeiss scope.

 

[Dubbo]

Those Z5s do seem nice
Yeah not a fan of Zeiss either

 

[Mauser06]

Put a Z3 3-10x42 on my go-to big game rifle after the season. Replaced a V3i 2.5-8x36.

The z3 to my eyes is definitely clearer, crisper and brighter. Haven't ran a tracking test or anything but it zeroed like it should have.


Worth the price? Eh. Ive ran the 2.5-8x36 for years and never had an issue. Picked up the z3 used at a decent price. I do like it and going to keep it for atleast a season. It's survived 50rds of 358win from a sub 6 pound rig so far. I mention that as I've read some about them failing...