Swarovski z5i+ vs z8i+

[777dogman]

Looking into these two high end scopes in either 3.5 x18 x 50 or 3.5 x 28 x 50 for long range hunting. Does anyone have any real world experience with either of these or the previous models in the same power range?

 

[llbaker21]

I do have a couple 3.5-28 z8i. I absolutely love the scope. After shooting one of mine two friends have switched to them as well. My eyes see extremely well through these scopes and my simple brain likes the simple 4A and 4W reticles with he ability to dial for yardage. I have never had any issues with them but they do seem more vulnerable to damage than some other optics like Nightforce and Kahles. The switch for the illumination in particular seems somewhat flimsy. That is something I am willing to risk given how much I enjoy them. The 28 power is more power than I need for hunting purposes but it has come in handy once when trying to evaluate a mule deer after leaving my spotting scope behind to save weight.

There are many great scopes on the market and I imagine there are others that I would enjoy as much or more than these but I have not found one. A plus to these scopes is that they seem to carry their value well based on what I see listed on this site so you could resell it if you don't find the same joy I have. Good luck!

 

[mariodpu17]

Which direction did you end up going with? Im considering the Z8i 3.5-28x50 or Z5i+ 5-25x56

 

[Pronghunter]

I have the new Z5i +. So far it’s been excellent. Glass is great. Twisted and turned pretty aggressively for the last couple of months on the turrets. No issues. Tried to bump and bang it a tad (not a drop test). Definitely an upgrade over the original Z5i.
I’d buy another for sure. And that’s with currently owning everything from NF, S&B, Kahles, ZCO, and everything in between. It’s an excellent lightweight hunting optic.