Swarovski Z5i 3.5-18x44

[_Tyler_]

Hello,

What are the overall thoughts on this scope from functionality, durability, performance? Also, does anyone know if the illuminated plex reticle is a wire reticle or etched?

I looked through a normal Z5 today and the glass was extremely clear and crisp. Compared it to a Zeiss V4 and it was noticeably better and brighter.

Is there anything else in this range that’s illuminated that may be better?

Wanted to see what others thought before I give away $1,700 lol

 

[_Tyler_]

Anyone?

 

[jjjones7]

it really depends on what you want out of a riflescope. If you’re looking for excellent optics that is relatively lightweight to hunt moderate ranges (13 moa up from your zero stop) it should serve you well. One drawback if you will is that it doesn’t come with moa markings on the turret however they can be added. I’d opt for the 4W reticle as you’ll have a reference for wind. We have a couple shop scopes (Z5 not Z5I) that have 10’s of thousands of rounds on (the majority of them are lightweight magnums) and they’re still going strong. While I don’t consider it a great bang for your $ it is still a good usable scope. Would really like to see an update to the Z5’s. Other than their excellent optics they just aren’t keeping up with the trends (features) of modern riflescopes

 

[_Tyler_]

My shots will range anywhere from about 50 yards to 400 yard maximum. I don’t see myself dialing for elevation as I would just push my zero out further if I’m going to be hunting muleys from 300-400 yards. I’m really looking for top quality glass that is clear, crisp, and bright. That’s my main priority. Heavy brush around where I am so I need the animal to kind of “pop” in the image so to speak.

 

[MaraviaDave]

At what range would you zero your scope, if you were planning to hunt Mule Deer?

 

[_Tyler_]

Using a 6.8 western… probably 250. I’d have to run the numbers in a ballistic calculator to see where I’m flattest through the ranges.

 

[jjjones7]

I personally would never change my zero especially with a scope with exposed dialing turrets. The Swaro does come with dot rings you can set up with dots set for specific yardages. The main thing would be putting your specific info into a ballistic calculator and then verifying the data it gives you and setting the rings appropriately. As for pop I guess that is subjective. I personally don’t get a positive color pop out of any optics nor do I necessarily want it. The reason for higher end optics for me is more of what I don’t see with resolution and definition definitely being better

 

[_Tyler_]

I’m not interested in dialing or exposed turrets. I would purchase capped turrets. Hence the reason for changing a zero if I’m hunting on different sides of Washington. Ranges for deer hunting are vastly different from west side to east side at least where I hunt. Basically I’m looking for best clarity, resolution, and brightness.

 

[_Tyler_]

Basically at this point I’m looking at the Z5i, VX6-HD (because of the locking turrets) and the Leica Amplus 6….

 

[jjjones7]

If your ranges vary that much I’d definitely consider dialing. The reason so many scopes offer it is because it is vastly superior to changing zeros. That being said it is your gun set it up how you want. If you are looking at straight optical quality a Schmidt and bender Klassik will outclass the Z5 and be less money. They are heavier though. VX6 or the Amplus don’t compare optically for me.

 

[Elite]

I have heard of tracking issues. Definitely not a scope deigned to be dialed a lot

 

[_Tyler_]

Elite, I was looking through old posts and you said some positive things regarding the Leica. Is that still the case? Seems to be a fantastic option all things considered.

 

[Deywalker]

I bought the Z5 3.5-18x44 a while ago. I bought it for glass and based off a certain review from a content creator I trusted for things like that at the time. the glass is good, but the build quality is poorer than fixed power scopes that I've bought for almost 1/7th the price I paid for the Swaro.

 

[MaraviaDave]

Glass quality is absolutely, undeniably, super-duper important. Like, maybe the seventh most important consideration when selecting a scope. The eighth most important thing is, do you get a free sticker for your truck, when you purchase the scope.