Swarovski Z8i vs Z8i+

[CuriousBias]

A couple questions about Swaros Z8i lineup.

1. Does anyone know the differences between the Z8i and Z8i+ scopes? So far I can only determine there is a slight redesign of the illumination controls. Also it sounds like there are some vague optical improvements.
2. Is there any word around the campfire when the remaining Z8i optics will be updated to Z8i+?
3. Any recommendation on where to buy Swaro rail mount optics since they less popular in the USA?

Thanks!

[AxP]

The big difference between the Z8i and Z8i+ scopes is field of view, Z8i 1-8x24 has 42.5 m / Z8i+ 1-8x24 has 50 m, more 15%.
All the best.

[LAairhunter]

Don't quote me on this, as I may be wrong, but I think the Z8i+ scopes have a 34mm tube (and the optical advantages mentioned by AxP in the above post). The even newer Z8i P"new" scopes have 30mm tubes, but updated hardware in the back for controlling illumination and zooming. I don't think the Z8i P"new" scopes are any different optically (or, at least, I haven't seen any information to that extant in Swarovski's recent literature about the release of these scopes). I think the recently released Z8i P"new" scopes essentially are Z8i scopes updated with the rear control units of the 34mm tubed Z8i+ scopes (which were introduced a couple years ago).

M

[CuriousBias]

Thanks for sharing. I did a little more research and confirmed what AxP said. The "+" means wider field of view and the "P" means adjustable parallax. It looks like Swarovski just very recently updated the remaining Z8i models to the latest illumination and zoom controls. Interestingly, most models did not get the enchanted FOV and no "+" designation.

[LAairhunter]

I think that the inherent optical advantages that come with the "+" designation are owing to the 34mm tube, and I get the impression (in reading other forums) that people aren't too hip on the 34mm tube for hunting purposes. The complaints that I've seen voiced are that 34mm tubes are quite a bit heavier, require bigger rings, and look grotesquely large on hunting rifles. I don't really have an opinion in these regards (and, I use railed scopes which, I suspect, would negate some of the complaints about 34mm tubes), but I think these issues are what caused Zeiss to ultimately thin down their V8 line to 30mm tubes.

M

[CuriousBias]

You are right! I talked with Swarovski and the "+" does correspond to a larger 34mm tube.