Swaro Z3 vs Z5 BT

[General RE LEE]

I’m looking at either a Z3 4-12x50 BT or a Z5 2.4-12x50 BT. Z3 has a plex reticle and Z5 has 4W reticle.

Which one would you choose for durability and reliability of the BT system and reticles?

Is the glass the same?

How is the 4W in low light hunting scenarios like in the woods at 29 minutes after sunset?

Would 16 ounces (Z5) still be considered light on a Tikka T3 Lite .308


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[fwafwow]

No experience with the Z3, or that particular Z5, but fwiw, my new Z5 3.5-18x44 is great in low light - all the way to 29 min after sundown.

 

[General RE LEE]

Man the more I browse various forums I hear about failures with Swarovski reticles. Maybe the Z5 will be more durable.

VX5i HD or Swaro Z5 for a ballistic turret option is a tough decision.


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[Brendan]

Failure isn't with the reticles, it's with the erectors / dialing mechanism. I don't think the Z5 is substantially different from the Z3 in that regard, you'd need to go to the X5 from what I understand.

I love my Z3 and Z5 for glass quality and low-light performance, but they're both BDC (BRX-H) reticles and would not be my choice for dialing.

Which one would you choose for durability and reliability of the BT system and reticles?

I'd choose Nightforce or SWFA. If sticking with Swaro, the X5.

 

[General RE LEE]

Failure isn't with the reticles, it's with the erectors / dialing mechanism. I don't think the Z5 is substantially different from the Z3 in that regard, you'd need to go to the X5 from what I understand.

I love my Z3 and Z5 for glass quality and low-light performance, but they're both BDC (BRX-H) reticles and would not be my choice for dialing.



I'd choose Nightforce or SWFA. If sticking with Swaro, the X5.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge on the subject but from what I understand the Z5 has Springs in the erector vs the leaf in the Z3. Not sure what that means or if I even said that exactly right but there is a difference.


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[Brendan]

I apologize for my lack of knowledge on the subject but from what I understand the Z5 has Springs in the erector vs the leaf in the Z3. Not sure what that means or if I even said that exactly right but there is a difference.

Whether or not they're different - there are frequent issues reported with them. Neither would be my choice if you want to dial. Great scopes if you want a BDC reticle - I own one of each.

 

[Brendan]

Knock yourself out, and read here.... Some good info.

Lightweight scope that dials with zero stop, does it exist?

I posted this on Longrangehunting.com also and am looking for ideas. I know they exist but doesn't seem to be many out there. When I say lightweight I'm thinking under 20 ounces and would prefer a pound or less. I don't need tons of magnification, something in the 12-15 on the top end would...

www.rokslide.com

 

[timberlinehunter]

So are the Swaro scopes with the BDC reticles problematic? Is it just the scopes that dial?


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[General RE LEE]

Thanks. I’m starting to lean more on VX5HD with CDS ZL2 turret vs a Swaro.


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[Brendan]

So are the Swaro scopes with the BDC reticles problematic? Is it just the scopes that dial?

I think it's just the dialing. I don't know if I've seen anyone report a failure after a BDC scope was sighted in and locked down.

If the BDC reticles suck, I probably don't want to know

 

[General RE LEE]

I think the Leupold VX5 HD 2.5-10 with fire dot reticle with CDS ZL2 turret will be more than enough scope for hunting deer here in Tennessee. Sure the Swaro may have better glass but I’ve spent 2 days reading reviews and there are some folks having problems with the Swaro BT turrets. Seems the Leupold might be a more precise dial for long range hunting.


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[Brendan]

I think the Leupold VX5 HD 2.5-10 with fire dot reticle with CDS ZL2 turret will be more than enough scope for hunting deer here in Tennessee. Sure the Swaro may have better glass but I’ve spent 2 days reading reviews and there are some folks having problems with the Swaro BT turrets. Seems the Leupold might be a more precise dial for long range hunting.


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For hunting deer in Tennessee you're probably better off getting a BDC scope and not a dial / CDS. How far will you be shooting?

Go read the thread I linked, lots of good discussion.

 

[brsnow]

Thanks. I’m starting to lean more on VX5HD with CDS ZL2 turret vs a Swaro.


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you would be just getting more issues.

 

[General RE LEE]

For hunting deer in Tennessee you're probably better off getting a BDC scope and not a dial / CDS. How far will you be shooting?

Go read the thread I linked, lots of good discussion.

I’m not a fan of BDC reticles. The BRH reticle of the Swaro is pretty ugly.


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[General RE LEE]

Something I’ve noticed from the pics of the Swaro Z5 turret is it is black vs the Z3 turret is white. Looks like black would be more challenging to make marks with a Sharpie.


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[ndlawrence]

Something I’ve noticed from the pics of the Swaro Z5 turret is it is black vs the Z3 turret is white. Looks like black would be more challenging to make marks with a Sharpie.


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I've seen both scopes with both colors.

 

[brsnow]

I’m not a fan of BDC reticles. The BRH reticle of the Swaro is pretty ugly.


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you want to be pretty or functional/accurate?

 

[General RE LEE]

you want to be pretty or functional/accurate?

I don’t like busy reticles.


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[brsnow]

I don’t like busy reticles.


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Earlier you today you didn’t know the difference between reticle and erectors and now you options on them....lol

 

[General RE LEE]

Earlier you today you didn’t know the difference between reticle and erectors and now you options on them....lol

Dang my bad I wasn’t aware I was sharing the forum with such greatness as you.

I’ve shot BDC scopes before and I’m not a fan. I also don’t think I’m the first one.


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