Swarovski Scope Buying Consideration Questions

[JohnJohnson]

What don’t you like about the vx5? I am trying to decide between a vx5 and an lht in 3-15. Maybe I should hold off and get something else.

Here's their respective droptest threads.

Thread 'Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44mm (#2) Field Evaluation'

Aug 24, 2025

This is a field evaluation of the second Leupold VX5-HD 3-15x44mm scope. This scope was sent to Ryan Avery for an evaluation.


The scope:



Turrets: Leupold’s Zero-Lock elevation turret. The button must be pushed to move them off zero. The windage turret is capped and Leupold’s standard resettable.







Reticle: Standard duplex with Firedot illumination.



Illuminated




Drop Evaluation RTZ and “Tracking”:


For an explanation see- Scope Field Eval Explanation and Standards


The “test”...

• Formidilosus
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

Thread 'Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm Field Eval'

Feb 14, 2022

Ryan Avery asked if I would review this scope in the same vein as the Meopta Optika 6 and Tanget Theta evaluations and I agreed. I get queried about these scopes almost as much as any, and even though I have seen poor performance from the prior LHT’s, this is a different design and will be looked at with objectivity.

This thread will be similar to the others; focusing almost exclusively on correct function, and less on looks or “glass”. Those topics are beaten to death and they have little to do with use as an aiming device. It will be mounted correctly on a rifle/rifles that...

• Formidilosus
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

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[mountaineer273]

What don’t you like about the vx5? I am trying to decide between a vx5 and an lht in 3-15. Maybe I should hold off and get something else.

The durability being questionable is what I don’t like. Also is what has turned me away from replacing it with a Swarovski. I don’t want to have to worry as much about my scope not holding zero.

 

[Livejust]

The durability being questionable is what I don’t like. Also is what has turned me away from replacing it with a Swarovski. I don’t want to have to worry as much about my scope not holding zero.

Ok. Thanks for the input. Did you ever have issues with the scope you have posted or are you just concerned due to it being an issue with others? I can’t DM since I don’t use rokslide enough.

 

[mountaineer273]

I thought at one point that I might’ve been having issues with it but I think it was just me using an unstable rest. Once I zeroed it properly off of a good steady rest, it worked well both on the range and in the field. Decent groups and the CDS worked well for getting several 200+ yard shots on deer this season.

 

[mountaineer273]

Ok. Thanks for the input. Did you ever have issues with the scope you have posted or are you just concerned due to it being an issue with others? I can’t DM since I don’t use rokslide enough.

I will also add that I was content with keeping the Leupold or going to Swarovski based on what guys in my camp like until I watched Desert Dog Outdoor’s scope tier list video that came out recently. That video got me thinking that I should just get something that consistently passes durability tests so I don’t have to worry about that as much.

 

[andrews1958]

I have had fantastic luck with Swarovski scopes. Pricey but well worth it.

 

[Livejust]

I will also add that I was content with keeping the Leupold or going to Swarovski based on what guys in my camp like until I watched Desert Dog Outdoor’s scope tier list video that came out recently. That video got me thinking that I should just get something that consistently passes durability tests so I don’t have to worry about that as much.

Ok. I am interested in your scope but can’t message or respond to that thread yet. Not sure how this all works.

 

[mountaineer273]

Ok. I am interested in your scope but can’t message or respond to that thread yet. Not sure how this all works.

You have to be a forum member for at least a week and have ten posts I believe. It opened up automatically for me after a week.

 

[Livejust]

I will also add that I was content with keeping the Leupold or going to Swarovski based on what guys in my camp like until I watched Desert Dog Outdoor’s scope tier list video that came out recently. That video got me thinking that I should just get something that consistently passes durability tests so I don’t have to worry about that as much.

Ok. I am interested in your scope but can’t message or respond to that thread yet. Not sure how this all works.

 

[Livejust]

You have to be a forum member for at least a week and have ten posts I believe. It opened up automatically for me after a week.I

 

[Livejust]

I better start commenting on threads…I have been a member for years and just read posts.

 

[mountaineer273]

I better start commenting on threads…I have been a member for years and just read posts.

I get it. I’ve been reading threads on here for years before actually joining.

 

[slm9s]

Maybe I missed it, but what kind of hunting do you do? Sit in a stand, dark timber, open desert? I hunt a lot of dark timber for elk so I feel an illuminated reticle is a benefit if not a requirement.
I used a Swaro Z6i 2-12 for 2 seasons, but it was 8 years ago so my opinion isn't too helpful but I loved the image quality but didn't dial other than to zero it.
BTW, my go-to hunting scope is the Vortex Razor LHT 3-15 mil/mil, I'd suggest you check one out.
Good luck.

 

[Livejust]

I get it. I’ve been reading threads on here for

I get it. I’ve been reading threads on here for years before actually joining.

Thanks. I will message you about your scope when I get that permission.

 

[mountaineer273]

Maybe I missed it, but what kind of hunting do you do? Sit in a stand, dark timber, open desert? I hunt a lot of dark timber for elk so I feel an illuminated reticle is a benefit if not a requirement.
I used a Swaro Z6i 2-12 for 2 seasons, but it was 8 years ago so my opinion isn't too helpful but I loved the image quality but didn't dial other than to zero it.
BTW, my go-to hunting scope is the Vortex Razor LHT 3-15 mil/mil, I'd suggest you check one out.
Good luck.

I hunt a variety of places here in WV. The several properties that I hunt range from thick hardwoods and brushy area to vast open clear cuts that we watch from tower blinds and one has 500-600+ yard shots. I am also accumulating preference points for an eventual Wyoming elk hunt. One kind of needs a jack of all trades scope for my needs.