VX5 vs Z3 BRH

[DougP]

Hey guys, I haven’t seen any threads discussing these 2 scopes before, so here goes...

I’m looking to extend my range by either learning to dial or using a BDC-type scope.

I would like to get some opinions on the new VX5 HD vs the swaro Z3 BRH. Other than extending my range a bit, I’m primarily seeking superior low light performance and low weight.

The VX5 is 2-10x42 and 16.4 oz
The Swaro Z3 is 2-10x42 and 12.7 oz
Or 4-12x50 and 14.5 oz.

This scope will be going on a Ruger m77 308 that is in the process of going on a major diet with an ultralight stock and some contouring/skelatonizing.

As I look at the specs above, I’m pretty sure I’ll be going with a swaro. I have access to a pretty good deal on the Leupold, so that’s why it’s in consideration.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dane2992]

In the same boat as you. I've looked over pretty much every scope company from Leupold, Swarovski, Nightforce, athlon, vortex, Bushnell. I'm leaning towards Leupold due to the pricing. Would like the higher end Nightforce or Swarovski but money can only permit only so much.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Hey guys, I haven’t seen any threads discussing these 2 scopes before, so here goes...

I’m looking to extend my range by either learning to dial or using a BDC-type scope.

I would like to get some opinions on the new VX5 HD vs the swaro Z3 BRH. Other than extending my range a bit, I’m primarily seeking superior low light performance and low weight.

The VX5 is 2-10x42 and 16.4 oz
The Swaro Z3 is 2-10x42 and 12.7 oz
Or 4-12x50 and 14.5 oz.

This scope will be going on a Ruger m77 308 that is in the process of going on a major diet with an ultralight stock and some contouring/skelatonizing.

As I look at the specs above, I’m pretty sure I’ll be going with a swaro. I have access to a pretty good deal on the Leupold, so that’s why it’s in consideration.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I went through the same exact thing - ended up going with a little less nice rifle and put the money towards that Z3 you mentioned. I don’t have experience with the VX5 but I don’t think you’re really going wrong either way. For me, I wanted a really light scope with that type of reticle - once I looked at/through the BRH, I really liked it and went that way.

There might be someone that could give you a more technical reason - I wanted light and sleek and swaro was it.

Now that Maven released that 2-10 RS.2 ultralight scope, I’d seriously look hard at that as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Matt Cashell]

I like the BRH. I have the 4-12 Z3 with it and as long as you understand it’s limitations, it can really help extend your range to 600ish yards. I ring steel with it at that range on the old Uglystick (Savage 7 Mag).

The Z3 has excellent optical performance that hits above its price point for sure.

For me, a solid tracking scope is needed to get the necessary precision for shooting solutions past that range.

 

[DougP]

Thanks for the input. One thing I should have mentioned is that I’d be happy with reliable shooting out to 500 yards (eventually). Realistically, I don’t enjoy shooting enough to put in the time to go super long range.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Matt Cashell]

Thanks for the input. One thing I should have mentioned is that I’d be happy with reliable shooting out to 500 yards (eventually). Realistically, I don’t enjoy shooting enough to put in the time to go super long range.

It is hard to beat a Z3 BRH for your uses in that case.

The specs on the new Maven Rs.2 does look like a good fit too, but haven’t had one in hand yet to know for sure.

 

[DougP]

That’s where I’m leaning. Now to decide between the 42 and 50!?

Any guess as to how many minutes of shooting light would be gained by going to the 50? Odds are it would be after legal light anyway, but you never know...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Matt Cashell]

Any guess as to how many minutes of shooting light would be gained by going to the 50? Odds are it would be after legal light anyway, but you never know...

The 50 will only have a brightness advantage at the same power as the 42.

For example, the 50 at 10x will be slightly brighter than the 42 at 10x because the 50 will have a larger 5mm exit pupil compared to the 4.2mm exit pupil of the 42 at 10x.

However, the 42 at 10x will be similarly bright to the 50mm at 12x, because they both will have exit pupils around 4.2mm on those settings.

Either one will get you to last light. If you need more brightness, turn down the magnification.

 

[Axlrod]

I have a z3, z5, and z6 the glass is as good as I have seen. The only thing I would say is the z3 doesnt have side focus and for my eyes i need it when I was younger it was no big deal.

 

[lilharcher]

Have owned both scopes and would definitely recommend the vx5HD over the z3 for the two primary reasons:
1) 30mm tube on the vx5HD - for my eyes (and a few independent reviews), the 30mm vx5HD out performed the 1" z3 tube during low light conditions.
2) vx5HD has a target turret, which provides increased functionality........depending on the reticle, you can HOLD or DIAL for elevation. The z3 is hold only.

IMO - the 3.5 ounces of added weight is more than made up for by the increased functionality.

 

[Clarktar]

Have owned both scopes and would definitely recommend the vx5HD over the z3 for the two primary reasons:
1) 30mm tube on the vx5HD - for my eyes (and a few independent reviews), the 30mm vx5HD out performed the 1" z3 tube during low light conditions.
2) vx5HD has a target turret, which provides increased functionality........depending on the reticle, you can HOLD or DIAL for elevation. The z3 is hold only.

IMO - the 3.5 ounces of added weight is more than made up for by the increased functionality.

My z3 has a ballistic turrent that allows one to dial. Has three pre-sets that a person can use for yardage they want to quickly turn to...

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Matt Cashell]

1) 30mm tube on the vx5HD - for my eyes (and a few independent reviews), the 30mm vx5HD out performed the 1" z3 tube during low light conditions.

Any brightness difference visible has nothing to do with tube size. A larger tube does allow for more elevation and windage adjustment.

 

[lilharcher]

Allows you to dial to three preset distances.....owned a z3 and z6, with the z6 having the ballistic turret......liked the glass on the z6 but absolutely hated the pre set ballistic turret b/c it wasn’t practical in a hunting situation, and the one revolution was too limiting for my use. Until the x5 came out, swaro was behind the competition with respect to functionality, not glass of course.

My z3 has a ballistic turrent that allows one to dial. Has three pre-sets that a person can use for yardage they want to quickly turn to...

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Clarktar]

The z3 dials.... You can use the presets or just dial.

I completely agree they were/are behind other optic brands when it comes to long range scopes and repeatable dialing. Just wanted to clarify the scopes do allow a user to dial for elevation.

Allows you to dial to three preset distances.....owned a z3 and z6, with the z6 having the ballistic turret......liked the glass on the z6 but absolutely hated the pre set ballistic turret b/c it wasn’t practical in a hunting situation, and the one revolution was too limiting for my use. Until the x5 came out, swaro was behind the competition with respect to functionality, not glass of course.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk