Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
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Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
I have decided to pick between the Swaro Z8i 2-16x50 and the Zeiss Victory V8 1.8-14x50. I will be going with a railed version for my R8 and using the Henneberger rail mount. I will be using the optic on a R8 with a semi-weight 450 Bushmaster barrel made by J. Sip & Sons as well as a match contour Blaser barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor in the future.
I am leaning towards the Swarovski but would love to hear opinions from the community!
I am leaning towards the Swarovski but would love to hear opinions from the community!
Columbus, OH
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
I don’t have a Victory V8 , but I do have both a Zeiss Victory HT 2.5-10 x 50 and a Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18 x 56.
They are both fantastic scopes, but I would have to say that my son (who seems to do pretty much all the shooting nowadays and thinks I am his pack horse) is more accurate at the rifle range with the Swarovski. I think this is more than likely a result of more magnification than an indication of one being better than the other.
As my son has got older (just turned 18) he has more confidence with long range shots, so I wanted a scope with a bit bit better long range capability than the Victory HT. Most of our hunting is in low light at either end of the day, so in the end I bought a scope that has good low light capability but also some longer range capability - rather than buying a more dedicated long range scope that could possibly be used in low light.
I looked at Zero Compromise Optics and the new Leica PRS, but these are more designed for long range use, and not really suited to our style of hunting. You cannot look at a Zeiss Victory V8 here in New Zealand without buying it first as no-one stocks them, it has to be ordered as I would like to have compared them.
In the end I guess they are both great scopes and you will be happy with either. It probably comes down to whether you prefer the longer, more slender Swarovski look or the shorter fatter Zeiss V8 look.
The ASV turret on the V8 has a lot more elevation (I think around twice as much) as the HT turret - the HT was a wee bit limiting. The turret on the Swarovski is good but you do have to remember to return it to your zero point prior to removing it.
They are both fantastic scopes, but I would have to say that my son (who seems to do pretty much all the shooting nowadays and thinks I am his pack horse) is more accurate at the rifle range with the Swarovski. I think this is more than likely a result of more magnification than an indication of one being better than the other.
As my son has got older (just turned 18) he has more confidence with long range shots, so I wanted a scope with a bit bit better long range capability than the Victory HT. Most of our hunting is in low light at either end of the day, so in the end I bought a scope that has good low light capability but also some longer range capability - rather than buying a more dedicated long range scope that could possibly be used in low light.
I looked at Zero Compromise Optics and the new Leica PRS, but these are more designed for long range use, and not really suited to our style of hunting. You cannot look at a Zeiss Victory V8 here in New Zealand without buying it first as no-one stocks them, it has to be ordered as I would like to have compared them.
In the end I guess they are both great scopes and you will be happy with either. It probably comes down to whether you prefer the longer, more slender Swarovski look or the shorter fatter Zeiss V8 look.
The ASV turret on the V8 has a lot more elevation (I think around twice as much) as the HT turret - the HT was a wee bit limiting. The turret on the Swarovski is good but you do have to remember to return it to your zero point prior to removing it.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
I haven't had a V8 but I've had the HT and the Swarovski Z6i was better than the HT. The Z6i was easier to focus on both the target as well as the reticle. I've been told that you don't need the reticle to be in focus. I prefer a crisp red dot rather than a pinkish moon on the crosshairs.
Never bought a V8 mainly due to their weight. I prefer a lightweight scope that can do the job and the Swarovskis Z8i models have it down so much better than anyone else ever dreamed of. Nobody comes close and the focusing ability both on the reticle and the target is easily done.
The mounting system on the Swarovski is IMO much better since you have the 'teeth' to lock the scope in place rather than simply compressing everything to stay where it's supposed to.
Lastly support from Swarovskis shop has been far better than the service I received from Zeiss in the past. Granted it's been a while since I used either one so things might have changed.
Never bought a V8 mainly due to their weight. I prefer a lightweight scope that can do the job and the Swarovskis Z8i models have it down so much better than anyone else ever dreamed of. Nobody comes close and the focusing ability both on the reticle and the target is easily done.
The mounting system on the Swarovski is IMO much better since you have the 'teeth' to lock the scope in place rather than simply compressing everything to stay where it's supposed to.
Lastly support from Swarovskis shop has been far better than the service I received from Zeiss in the past. Granted it's been a while since I used either one so things might have changed.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
Form and function between the two are very close, but I’d give the win to the Z8i.
Aesthetically the V8 is bigger, bulkier and heavier.
The Z8i is far more stylish and just suits a Blaser hunting rifle.
I’d only put the V8 on a heavy barrelled long range Blaser set up if I had to. But if I had that set up I would not pick either to be honest.
Aesthetically the V8 is bigger, bulkier and heavier.
The Z8i is far more stylish and just suits a Blaser hunting rifle.
I’d only put the V8 on a heavy barrelled long range Blaser set up if I had to. But if I had that set up I would not pick either to be honest.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
I genuinely doubt there is much in it optically. I selected the Z8i over other brands because of the aftersales service. Swarovski's warranty and aftersales are pretty faultless. I would weigh this in any choice you might make.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
I am running 2 Swarovski Z8i on my rifles and one Zeiss (but not the V8) - no doubt, I will always grab another Z8i if I have the rifle for it...! It is by far the scope with the most brilliant and sharp optical image, comparable with the best binoculars. I have looked through the V8 on trade shows and could not see such a picture with them.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
Unfortunately the Z8i has the same ridiculously thin 4Ai reticle as the Z6i.
The Swaro may provide a better image, but for a hunting reticle at moderate ranges, the Zeiss No 60 beats it hands down. The reticles in the Z3 and the Z5 are fine, and why Swaro persist with spider web thin reticles in their premium lines is a mystery to me.
I own Z5s and have owned Z3s, but that unnecessarily thin reticle is deal breaker for me with the Z6i and the Z8i.
The Swaro may provide a better image, but for a hunting reticle at moderate ranges, the Zeiss No 60 beats it hands down. The reticles in the Z3 and the Z5 are fine, and why Swaro persist with spider web thin reticles in their premium lines is a mystery to me.
I own Z5s and have owned Z3s, but that unnecessarily thin reticle is deal breaker for me with the Z6i and the Z8i.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
Because a very large number of customers want those thin reticles !!! Me too.secondtry wrote: ↑Sat Sep 26, 2020 5:50 pm Unfortunately the Z8i has the same ridiculously thin 4Ai reticle as the Z6i.
The Swaro may provide a better image, but for a hunting reticle at moderate ranges, the Zeiss No 60 beats it hands down. The reticles in the Z3 and the Z5 are fine, and why Swaro persist with spider web thin reticles in their premium lines is a mystery to me.
I own Z5s and have owned Z3s, but that unnecessarily thin reticle is deal breaker for me with the Z6i and the Z8i.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
Interesting point about the Swarovski reticles.
I have a early model Z5, nice fine A4 reticle.
My mate buys one about 2 year ago and it’s A4 is thick, comparable to a Zeiss reticle.
From my enquires I was advised that they made the Z5 reticle thicker due to public demand.
I was VERY pleased to see the Z8i having the fine reticle again. Personal preference of course , and if light is low or I’m shooting under spotlight I just turn the illumination on.
Perfect ( for me).
I have a early model Z5, nice fine A4 reticle.
My mate buys one about 2 year ago and it’s A4 is thick, comparable to a Zeiss reticle.
From my enquires I was advised that they made the Z5 reticle thicker due to public demand.
I was VERY pleased to see the Z8i having the fine reticle again. Personal preference of course , and if light is low or I’m shooting under spotlight I just turn the illumination on.
Perfect ( for me).
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
Yes. I feel the same way. I am interested in the Z8 & Z6 scopes, but find the No 4 reticle too thin to be practical. I dont own one for that reason. My son has a Z3 on one of his rifles, and I like that reticle fine.secondtry wrote: ↑Sat Sep 26, 2020 5:50 pm Unfortunately the Z8i has the same ridiculously thin 4Ai reticle as the Z6i.
The Swaro may provide a better image, but for a hunting reticle at moderate ranges, the Zeiss No 60 beats it hands down. The reticles in the Z3 and the Z5 are fine, and why Swaro persist with spider web thin reticles in their premium lines is a mystery to me.
I own Z5s and have owned Z3s, but that unnecessarily thin reticle is deal breaker for me with the Z6i and the Z8i.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
Odd, I've never noticed the reticles being thin. They are just there. This will probably begin to annoy me now....
/Vaughan
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
Never had an issue with the 4A reticle. Kinda wish the plex reticle sin the Z5s was thinner.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
The no 4 reticle is my favorate, and thats pretty much all I use on my hunting scopes. Seems like most of the recent model high end brands have moved to a very thin version of the no 4 reticle. I have noticed this a couple of time in recent years at shows. I looked through Swaros, Leicas and Kahles, and they all looked too small to me. By contrast, I have 5 older model Kahles scopes, and all of them have reticles that are heavy enough. I can through the rifle to my shoulder, and the reticle is very easy to pick up.
S&B do a heavier version of their no 4, and also a no 7 which is a finer version. I think its good to have the option, but no one else seems to offer that.
S&B do a heavier version of their no 4, and also a no 7 which is a finer version. I think its good to have the option, but no one else seems to offer that.
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
I had the swarovski Z6i and sold it and now have the zeiss V8 and HT, in daytime swaro rules, but in low light conditions zeiss is the boss...
Don't like Swarovski invisible reticles ...
Both zeiss and Swaro scopes don't have enough elevation for long shots and it annoys me so much that I'm thinking to move into S&B territory........ I just can't understand why so little elevation, even $500 scopes have more elevation available !!!!!
Don't like Swarovski invisible reticles ...
Both zeiss and Swaro scopes don't have enough elevation for long shots and it annoys me so much that I'm thinking to move into S&B territory........ I just can't understand why so little elevation, even $500 scopes have more elevation available !!!!!
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Re: Swarovski Z8i vs. Zeiss Victory V8
blaser270wbymag wrote: ↑Fri Oct 16, 2020 11:37 pm I had the swarovski Z6i and sold it and now have the zeiss V8 and HT, in daytime swaro rules, but in low light conditions zeiss is the boss...
Don't like Swarovski invisible reticles ...
Both zeiss and Swaro scopes don't have enough elevation for long shots and it annoys me so much that I'm thinking to move into S&B territory........ I just can't understand why so little elevation, even $500 scopes have more elevation available !!!!!
Not wrong,
My Zeiss v8 maxes out at about 1100 m with the 300wby. Lucky it only has enough energy out to around 850m .