Thread: Swarovski 3-18 alternatives

Originally Posted by flock

Settled for the 4.5 -- 22 X Vortex Razor light, FFP, ilumination, great reticle, zero stop, locking torrets, 22 ounces. Only the March beats it at way more money.

No everything beats it even minox

Lots of Vortex haters, seems you either like them or you dont

Originally Posted by flock

Lots of Vortex haters, seems you either like them or you dont

It's a running joke. The lht/razor line are great scopes, just not popular here in nz

Yup sorry Rob but ya after "pixy dust" with those specs mate, trust me this has haunted me for years & the Z5 is pretty much the pinnacle ( but yes it's not perfect by any means )

To get anything with - decent glass / reticle, 20moa dialing & robust you will need to up the weight to 600 - 700 + grams, there's plenty of nice scopes n this range.

If you want FFP your options are very limited, especially if you want lightweight.

March 3-24 or Vortex LHT 4.5-22 are your only real options.

Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18 is another option but pretty pricey and getting pretty heavy.

Yup exactly

like this https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....-18x52-106530/

If reasonable price means cheaper than the $2400 for a z5, look at the zeiss v4, 4-16x44.
About $1200 over here, another $100 ish for the powered version.
Shorter tube, 640 grams.
Nice glass, dial well.


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What about the Swarovski Z5 5-25x52 at 495gms, especially if you are thinking to shoot out to 800
My mate reckoned that NZ Hunter are running these on some of their rifles.
I have (2) of the Z5 2.4-12 , my eyes just didn’t like the Z5 3.5-18 I had, especially when the magnification was increased.

Originally Posted by Staffnurse41

What about the Swarovski Z5 5-25x52 at 495gms, especially if you are thinking to shoot out to 800
My mate reckoned that NZ Hunter are running these on some of their rifles.
I have (2) of the Z5 2.4-12 , my eyes just didn’t like the Z5 3.5-18 I had, especially when the magnification was increased.

A 5X bottom end doesn’t suit many of us. While I actually need and appreciate more than 25X as an F-Open shooter, 3.5x is the max that will deliver in fast action at less than 30yds. 18X is adequate for deer out to 600yds in most cases.

I have a couple of 5-25s on varmint guns but am more than happy with the 3.5-18 on my .280 AI.


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Schmidt and bender meta 3-18x42
700 grams but it is built solid. I'm happy with the extra weight for "reliability" which is my number 1 attribute I need in a scope

Originally Posted by Gkp

Schmidt and bender meta 3-18x42
700 grams but it is built solid. I'm happy with the extra weight for "reliability" which is my number 1 attribute I need in a scope

Looked at them. I'm interested in getting a new boat at somepoint in my life so don't want to re mortgage.

Flutting a bolt and barrel would save around 6 oz, or 170g. Then you can get a any scope and not worry about added weight.

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.

Originally Posted by Eat Meater

Flutting a bolt and barrel would save around 6 oz, or 170g. Then you can get a any scope and not worry about added weight.

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.

The more grams the better!

Nz ammo just advertised a GPO 3-18x44 which looks good depending on the $

Yip march for you late 500 grams but FFP the weights not worth the drama with the z5