Leupold vx6 vs Swarovski z3
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Problem with the google search is you get a bunch of guys who have one or the other - blinded by brand locality. I'm hoping to find guys with both or who have had both, or even shop employees with access to both for a proper side by side comparison.
IMHO once you hit a certain price point in optics, it gets very, very difficult to tell one from the other. At least with my eyes. I think the best way to check between scopes is to mount them on a study fixed stand and focus in on one of those resolution test charts specifically made for optics. Taking your time. Flipping back & forth while standing at the gun counter wouldn't be the same thing.
Josh I have the Z3 3.5-10 and its a BEAUTY ! - BUT I do not have a VX6 to compare - BUT I do have a New VX3 i 4.5-14 and it is very Bright too ! RJ
Not quite the same, but I've owned a z5 3-18x44 and currently own a vx6 3-18x44. I've been flamed here before for saying it, but the Swarovski had little if anything optically over the Leupold and sucked in every other area of feature. For instance:
1) firedot with motion switch (don't burn thru batteries as quickly) Easily trumps the 1-2% brighter glass on the Swarovski, in low light conditions for me, it's not the animal that was tough to see, it was the reticle. I used a mark AR firedot on my crossbow also.
2) turret - the cds ability on the Leupold was far superior to the color dot turret on the Swarovski. Now you can get cds with zero lock so you don't have to worry about it, or they can be used capped. Plus the custom dial option. Much more flexible
3) tube - 30mm tube is stronger than 1". Maybe optically better also, I'm no expert.
4) Leupold alumina caps - best way to protect your investment.
5) weight - compared to anything with similar features and illum, Leupold usually wins in the light weight category.
6) LOOKS! - someone here said it best, the Leupold finishes a rifle with great lines, like a cummerbund sets off a tuxedo. Classy
The only other advice I would give is check out the VXR 4-12x40. It is only lacking 2x at the low end, which has never been an issue for me. All the other features are there and it only weights about 15 ounces. $400 cheaper at cabelas.
1) firedot with motion switch (don't burn thru batteries as quickly) Easily trumps the 1-2% brighter glass on the Swarovski, in low light conditions for me, it's not the animal that was tough to see, it was the reticle. I used a mark AR firedot on my crossbow also.
2) turret - the cds ability on the Leupold was far superior to the color dot turret on the Swarovski. Now you can get cds with zero lock so you don't have to worry about it, or they can be used capped. Plus the custom dial option. Much more flexible
3) tube - 30mm tube is stronger than 1". Maybe optically better also, I'm no expert.
4) Leupold alumina caps - best way to protect your investment.
5) weight - compared to anything with similar features and illum, Leupold usually wins in the light weight category.
6) LOOKS! - someone here said it best, the Leupold finishes a rifle with great lines, like a cummerbund sets off a tuxedo. Classy
The only other advice I would give is check out the VXR 4-12x40. It is only lacking 2x at the low end, which has never been an issue for me. All the other features are there and it only weights about 15 ounces. $400 cheaper at cabelas.
Silvertip13
Regular
- Location
- Fort McMurray
Swarovski wins by a hair in the sharpness category
Ive owned the Vx6 and the Z5 and I couldn't see any difference. I'm not a huge fan of Korth but Swarovski warranty if needed can many months..Leupold is weeks. I'd buy the VX6 if I was doing it again, I really liked the firedot for coyotes..was pretty cool.
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Agreed. I missed a coyote once with sightron 8-32 LRMOA, 2 weeks later switched to a nightforce. I kept it for a while, but it was just too heavy. Leupold offered everything I wanted in a lighter weight. My coyote head mount was in blowing snow at daylight at 370 yards, and would not have been a shot without the firedot.
I agree. I run the vx6 2-12-42 CDS ZL with red dot, and also a Z5 3-18-44 BT. I like the VX6 setup for timber hunting for quick acquisition and nice bold reticle! It shines over the Swarovski in the bush. Reticle on the Z5 is skinny. The turret on the Leupold with the ZL is great and a step above the Swarovski. It's more robust hands down! The warranty also a point to Leupold, back in two weeks from Korth. Great to deal with. I lost the rubber on the eyepiece and it was back in no time. The 18x on the Z5 shines if long range for sure. The VX6 get more elavation per turn due to the 30 mm tube. Glass is so close I can't tell the difference in low light. In low light the VX 6 with illuminated dot and thicker reticle is superior. It's to close to call for me I'll keeping going back and forth for now, haha
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I agree. I run the vx6 2-12-42 CDS ZL with red dot, and also a Z5 3-18-44 BT. I like the VX6 setup for timber hunting for quick acquisition and nice bold reticle! It shines over the Swarovski in the bush. Reticle on the Z5 is skinny. The turret on the Leupold with the ZL is great and a step above the Swarovski. It's more robust hands down! The warranty also a point to Leupold, back in two weeks from Korth. Great to deal with. I lost the rubber on the eyepiece and it was back in no time. The 18x on the Z5 shines if long range for sure. The VX6 get more elavation per turn due to the 30 mm tube. Glass is so close I can't tell the difference in low light. In low light the VX 6 with illuminated dot and thicker reticle is superior. It's to close to call for me I'll keeping going back and forth for now, haha
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Nice problem to have! Is that 2 similar rifles, or 2 scopes on the same rifle? Looks like a nice lightweight rig in Mcmillan (edge?).
Yes that's the same rifle. Just switched the scopes around to send out the VX6 for the rubber on eyepiece. The rifle is lightweight at 6lb/10 oz with rings. It's an edge stock.
To the OP. You are looking at the BC reticle on the VX6. What reticle are you looking at on the Z3? Just asking as I find the BRX/BRH to busy for me. Ziess has it covered by at least putting the yardage number beside the hash mark, big plus in my opinion. The Leupold BC reticle is nice, just enough going on in there for shooting to 500yds. I don't think the clarity and resolution with a Z3 can be to far from the Z5, and I find the Z5 very bright and sharp.
Also you can see from the pics that the VX6 just fits into those talley rings on a long action, short scope. Just something to consider. It works for me. The VX 6 power ring is super stiff compared to the Z5. If you are counting ounces for a lightweight rifle the Swarovski will be lighter.
