I am thinking of getting a Z5 on my blaser k95 30/06 barrel. Have a Z3 on my 6.5 creedmoor - like it a lot.

Anyone have a Z5 ? Any thoughts on Z5 versus Z3 ?

Thanks

Mike

Same glass but beefed up internals in the Z5. Be glad to chat with you about it, 516-217-1000

quote:

Originally posted by gr8fuldoug:
Same glass but beefed up internals in the Z5. Be glad to chat with you about it, 516-217-1000

So the Z3 and Z5 have the same glass? Can you give any more detail on what is "beefed up" in the Z5?

Thanks

The 5 has a heavier duty erector system

I have a multitude of Z-5s on all of my current rifles. They are all 3.5X18 44mm BT, with the Plex reticle. I also have custom Turrets on each of them, which I ordered post-purchase from Outdoormans in Phoenix. With the scope zeroed at 200 yards, I can dial up to nearly 800 yards with the custom ballistic turret. I range find with my Swarovski or Leica rangefinding binos and then dial up the distance on the Z-5. The price of a new Z-5 at $1299.00 is a good deal, in my opinion. I order mine from SportOptics in La. No tax, free shipping. I do not believe that you can order the custom turret for the Z-3.

I have several of both models. Mounted on .300 W Mag, 30.06, .270W, and soon .243W. All but one have BRH reticles. No difference in lens quality ( fantastic clarity ) my eyes can detect, same low light performance with both models. Only advantage with Z5 is higher magnification, although personally 12X is the most I use, and potential to upgrade some Z5 features if you want to. Advantage with Z3 is shorter overall length, lighter weight. Went with these scopes due to having the best optical quality / magnification range ratio in lightweight package. Overall weight matter to me as I hike and walk a lot of hilly and mountaneous terrain with my hunting. These scopes have endured fairly rugged conditions at times but so far are holding up really well.

Couple of points. Both are 1" tubes but a k95 you want a light and compact scope. Perfect IMHO is the 3-9x36 or a 42mm objective size. The 50mm is getting on the bulky side - I have an older Habicht 4-12x50 still on a 1" tube and its just on side of bulky. My 3-9x36 Nova is just as bright, but more compact.

The other one to look at is the Schmidt & Bender Summit 2.5-10x40 also on a 1" tube - these also have good eye relief.

quote:

Originally posted by gr8fuldoug:
The 5 has a heavier duty erector system

Z5 uses a coil spring erector system (as does the Z6) whereas the Z3 uses leaf springs. The coil spring system is more robust and better suited for the heavy recoiling rifles - 300 WM, etc.

FWIW, Swaro introduced a new Z5, the 2.4-12x50 earlier this year.