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ZEISS vs Swarovski Z6 for new hunting scope

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01 March 2009, 01:09
PATRIOT76
ZEISS vs Swarovski Z6 for new hunting scope
Trying to decide between a Diavari 2.5-10x42 or a Z6 in 1.7-10x42.

I can get the zeiss a couple hundred dollars cheaper.

Which do you like better and why?

THX
01 March 2009, 02:58
DB Bill
1) I'm about 90% sure the Z6 is a 2nd focal-plane scope and that's a positive for me...don'e know about the Zeiss.

2) I've had several Swarovski's (both 30mm and 1") and like the images I see thru the tube. I've also had 2 of the 30mm Zeiss's and, to me, the colors were off a bit ---- had a definite "cast" to the colors, 3 Swarovski's and 2 Zeiss are a small sample but I'd go with the Swaovski.

But you need to put your eye behind both of them and see which view sutis your eyes.


DB Bill aka Bill George
01 March 2009, 03:03
enfieldspares
Depends on what rifle it is for. Position of adjusting knobs, length of 'scope and relationship of that to eye relief.

Also available reticles and lastly maybe the weight of the 'scope and cost of 30mm vs 1" rings and are said rings available with/without a set back and/or in the correct height that suits you and for the mount base system you have.

Then, finally, which maker has the best real world back-up and repair turnaround.

That's all that really matters as each will be as high a quality as the other.
01 March 2009, 13:17
Alex.Y
like enfield said, both are damn fine optics.

if it were me i would have to say z6,

a mate bought his first one the other day and first impressions were very good, the clarity is incredible.

for a tidy no fuss clear scope for my stalking rifle it will be a z6 of some description

all the people that have had issues with swaros and sent them back, and to be honest that's not many, the service has been great.

iv have had the same dilemma recently and the shortlist was zeiss and swarovski, now ive compared the two side by side ive made my decision.

ive no sound technical reasoning, just liked the swaro alot more.

good luck with your choice.
01 March 2009, 16:44
D99
I think the Z6 is slightly better than the Divari T model. I have spent quite a few nights looking through the Z6 and the Divari T model and your going to pay a bit more but image in the Z6 is slightly better. I will say this the Divari gathers more light!
02 March 2009, 00:59
Artemis1
They are both great but my favourite is Kahles CSX Helia. It is just great in all segments and I'd say tougher.


Hunting is a lifestyle more than anything else. http://www.artemis-hunting.com/
02 March 2009, 01:30
Pete E
Its only a pity that Zeiss and Swarovski no longer a life time warrenty here in the UK and Europe...They now come with 10 years as standard, which I think is even less than Meopta?

As for the Z6, I looked at it as was a little dissapointed with some of its features, in particular I thought that the heavy reticule wasn't particularly "heavy". I will say that the illuminated reticule version on Z6i series is outstanding though, by far the best system I have seen. In the end the thing I disliked the most was the reticule in the 2nd focal plane and much prefer the arrangement in my Swarovski 3-12x50PH

I went with a Zeiss Davari as it had more of the features I was looking for and I particularly like the hardened lens coatings and their water shedding ability...

Construction and build quality wise, I doubt theres much between them and really it comes down to individual preferences...



Men of Harlech
02 March 2009, 18:35
PATRIOT76
I bought the zeiss
02 March 2009, 18:54
mho
quote:
Originally posted by Pete E:
In the end the thing I disliked the most was the reticule in the 2nd focal plane and much prefer the arrangement in my Swarovski 3-12x50PH


Either scope is an outstanding product. If you are hunting at long range, a reticle in the 2nd focal plane is often an advantage, as they tend to cover less of the target at high magnification.

If, like me, you'd use one of these scopes for low light hunting, I agree with Pete's comment above. No doubt about it, the Swaro is an outstanding product, but I dislike the reliance on illuminated reticles for low light hunting. The unlit Swaro reticle is not a low light construction. Illuminated reticles is one of these things industry has managed to make us invest in - some extra advantages for a lot of extra cash and additional uncertainty about reliability. IMHO, it is two-edged sword.

- mike


*********************
The rifle is a noble weapon... It entices its bearer into primeval forests, into mountains and deserts untenanted by man. - Horace Kephart