Zeiss HD5 vs S&B Klassik

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owlowl

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Hi,

I'm considering a hunting mid range scope. Currently I have 2 contenders Schmidt & Bender Klassik 3-12 x 42 which has nothing bad I can think of, however I'm also looking at Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 and I have to say I'm not sure if S&B will be much better for twice the cost.

Unfortunately I can't find any retailer around with S&B so I can't even look at it in a store not to mention actual range time. So I would really appreciate if you guys can provide me with some tips.

I'm fine with features on both, I'm not looking for target turrets or ballistic illuminated reticles. My main concern is glass and build quality, I have no doubt in S&B, just not sure if its that much better. What do you think?

Backup plan is Swaro Z3 against HD5 or Z5 against S&B.
 
I am researching as well. I pretty well norrowed it down to the Zeiss HD which is hard to beat with the Lotec coating, and the price isn't all that bad either. What about the HD 3-15? It is only one oz heavier than the 2-10 and 3 power is low enough for pretty close up work plus you get get the 15 power for longer distances.
 
I just purchased a second Swarovski Z5 3.5-18X44, for my new Cooper in 7mmSTW. I considered the Conquest HD5, but the Swarovski BRH reticle was a better match for my 7mmSTW loads than any reticle that Zeiss offers.
 
I've handled HD5 in a store, it is a good glass, no argument. However, hunting turrets on it are meh at least. Click good, but small and markings are very cheap and plain, you wont be able to dial them accurately in a field. With target turrets HD5 has zero stop but if you use it you only have 16 moa adjustment up. Go figure.

For the ballistic reticles for Ziess or Swaro Z3 for that matter - I dont see the value. They only work at the specific zoom level for a given cartridge, you can't use it on ANY other zoom level since they are not FFP, the accuracy of you guessing the "proper 12.4x" is way less then dialing a turret, plus you can't use all the other zoom levels.
 
My son just purchased a new Zeiss HD5 5x25x50 at Prophet River Firearms. Clay advised that the optics are noticeably better with the new HD....................Can't wait to get it on the rifle and then off to the range. The Z-plex 800 reticle will gel great together on his Cooper Model 56, 7mm STW.
 
The Z-plex 800 reticle will gel great together on his Cooper Model 56, 7mm STW.
Click to expand...

Only if you are using bullets with a low B.C., or if you are downloading the 7mmstw. The trajectory of my loads is too flat for the Z-800 reticle.
 
owlowl said:
I've handled HD5 in a store, it is a good glass, no argument. However, hunting turrets on it are meh at least. Click good, but small and markings are very cheap and plain, you wont be able to dial them accurately in a field. With target turrets HD5 has zero stop but if you use it you only have 16 moa adjustment up. Go figure.

For the ballistic reticles for Ziess or Swaro Z3 for that matter - I dont see the value. They only work at the specific zoom level for a given cartridge, you can't use it on ANY other zoom level since they are not FFP, the accuracy of you guessing the "proper 12.4x" is way less then dialing a turret, plus you can't use all the other zoom levels.
Click to expand...

You can use any zoom level you like for the primary reticle, typically zeroes at 200 yards. The secondary reticles must be used at the appropriate zoom for your load but if paired properly with your cartridge, it will be near max zoom, typically the zoom you'd want to be shooting at long range anyhow. Having used ballistic reticles for several hears now I can assure you they are very accurate and very fast to use.....just range and shoot. One you get beyond 700 or 800 yards turrets definitely have the advantage but at ranges under that, the speed and simplicity goes to the ballistic reticle.
 
stubblejumper said:
Only if you are using bullets with a low B.C., or if you are downloading the 7mmstw. The trajectory of my loads is too flat for the Z-800 reticle.
Click to expand...


Ya he is mistaken....im getting the standard #20 plex Reticle....I like er old fashioned.

What cartridge is your Jackson custom classic getting chambered for?
 
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