Swarovski vs. Leica

[251JDG]

Looking at getting a new scope mainly for deer hunting. Was looking at a Z5 or the Leica Magnus. Was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience with either and opinions on which they think is better. Also if anyone has any warranty stories that'd be taken into consideration as well.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

While the glass is probably about the same quality (I'm sure some people would argue this, but pretty damn close for most people's eyes), swaro gets the bump on everything else. The Leica turrets are going to adjust opposite as other scopes, meaning clockwise for up and counter for down. The adjustment for the Leica will also be in cm, which I'm not crazy about. Swaro is also known for having great customer service, Leica is spotty at best.

 

[sneaky]

Leica fixed their customer service issues, they are way better than they used to be. I would do a google search on tracking issues with the Z5. I have one and it will drive you nuts at times. I thought it was me at first, but it's a well documented issue.

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[251JDG]

Not really planning on dialing with either scope but thanks for the heads up on the Z5 issue. Would most likely be buying a model without the turrets. Also glad to know Leica's customer service is getting better.

 

[Jardo]

My z5 won’t return to zero. Customer service said it was fine and sent it back. Still won’t return to zero.

If your not dialing, you’ll like it. A zeiss V6 now lives on that rifle. Very pleased so far.


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[Travis2282]

I like my Z5 so far no issues! Only thing I would change is I got the 4w reticle which is a little thin for near dark hunting in timber.

 

[Rich M]

I had negative experience with Leica ER scope and warranty work last year.

Glass is excellent tho.

 

[CatlinBrewer]

I of course would have a biased opinion so am not going to try and sway you one way or the other, but will say they are two completely different animals. The Z5 is a 1" tube scope where Magnus is 30mm.

The Z5 like the Z3 was designed with weight in mind and marketed only in the US. The thought process was for the western hunter or those that just want a lighter weight rig.

The Magnus was designed for the low light / quick target European style hunting. This type of scope translates to an exceptional eastern whitetail scope where you aren't counting oz's but counting down minutes of ethical shooting. The 56mm Magnus is honestly the brightest/most crisp scope I have hunted with to date. With a bright moon you are varmint hunting without artificial light. Would I put the 56mm on a sheep gun? absolutely not because it certainly isn't light. Thats where the Z3 or 5 would thrive.

If for whitetail hunting and clarity / light gathering capability is your goal then you would need to look at the Z6 from Swaro to find anything close in terms of performance comparison to the Magnus, and leaving it justbetween the two brands.

 

[251JDG]

Also might be interested in the Leica Visus if anyone has any feedback on those as well.

 

[37N23E]

I just picked up the Leica Magnus 2.4-16X non-illuminated with 4a reticle and BDC turret - so far I have nothing bad to say about it... I have no experience with Swaro but either will probably be a winner. Let's not forget that the all-time sniper record holder used iron sights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simo_Häyhä

 

[1shotgear]

I don't do much hunting with the Leica scopes but I do shoot A Z5 5-25-52 BRH reticle witch I like a lot. I work for 1 SHOT GEAR witch is a dealer for both of those Brands and do love them both. I deal with customers scopes all the time that have taken a bad fall or just stopped working right. Of all the scope brands out there I do have to say Swarovski Optik is top three for helping out customers and making it right by you guys and girls. Leica I would say is 5th or 6th for there customer service in the Optik world witch is still good in my book.

 

[norcal7.3]

I wouldn't count out the leupold vx-6's either. Very good glass, definitely comparable to the swaro. Everyone knows how good the warranty and customer service is with leupold. I know its not a brand you listed, but I wouldn't count them out.

 

[Trial153]

This reminds me I got a new lecia ER 5 sitting around someplace that I should sell.

 

[Steve O]

I’ve got a pile of Swarovski,Leica, Zeiss optics. In rifle scopes I’ve replaced my Z5s with Leupold VX-6s. IMO Leupold rifle scopes are the best for hunting when you compare features, performance, and price.

 

[251JDG]

This reminds me I got a new lecia ER 5 sitting around someplace that I should sell.

If you might be interested in selling feel free to PM me a price. Still haven't pulled the trigger on one yet and would be open to buying a used one.

 

[CBECK61]

I've got a Z5 3.5-18 and a VX5 HD from leupold and love them both. Swaro is margianally brighter but I much prefer the turret system on the VX5. You only get 13.5moa out of the Z5 once you set the zero stop but get close to 40 out of the VX5. The vx5 also has a locking turret with is a huge benefit to a hunter. Both are very easy to get behind.

 

[Spitfire]

Leica is coming with the new rifle scope called Fortis. I asked a guy from Leica about it and it's supposed to have same glass and specs as Magnus only they've managed to do the production cheaper so the scope will be cheaper. Anyway I have a Leica Magnus 1-6x24 and it's superb especially for close range and quick shots. With 6x you still have enough for 150-200 yards and I don't shoot if it's more than that. Leica has better FOV, "eyebox" so you don't have to be so centered (good for quick shots), has better contrast and has a very crisp and clear picture. I did compare it to the Swarovski z8i 1-8x24 at a exhibition and I liked the Leica better actually, maybe personal preferences

 

[fwafwow]

Looking at getting a new scope mainly for deer hunting. Was looking at a Z5 or the Leica Magnus. Was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience with either and opinions on which they think is better. Also if anyone has any warranty stories that'd be taken into consideration as well.

What did you end up getting?

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[251JDG]

Doug ended up talking me out of the magnus. He said the Leica Visus was the way to go for shots under 300 yards or so and to save some money. I ended up with a Swarovski Z3 and a Steiner GS3. I’ve been impressed with both so far and Steiner has a pretty good rebate going on and with the sale price from Doug It’s a great value