Swarovski Rifle Scopes - High End Hunting Optics

Maker of high end outdoor optics including: binoculars, range finders, and spotting scopes; Swarovski rifle scopes are not easy on the wallet with the least expensive Z3 series models selling for $750+ and the more pricey Z6 models with illuminated reticles priced around the $3000 mark. While the majority of hunters probably will never spend that much for a rifle scope there definitely is a market for these ultra high end rifle scopes among professional hunters, guides, and some hardcore hunters. Some people will argue that an animal killed with a $100 scope is just as dead as an animal killed with a $1000 dollar scope and this is true. However, the buyers of Swarovski scopes and other high end European made optics generally take the approach that a Ford Focus will get you from point A to point B, but they would rather drive a Cadillac. Currently Swarovski's scope line is made up of three unique series of rifle scopes: the Z6, the Z5, and the Z3, the comparison chart below list available options and estimated prices of each of the series.

Swarovski Rifle Scopes Comparison Chart

Model	Z6	Z5	Z3
Picture
Est. Price	$1900 - $3000	$1500 - $1700	$750 - $1200
Options	1-6 x 24mm 1.7-10 x 42mm 2-12 x 50mm 2.5-15 x 44mm 2.5-15 x 56mm 3-18 x 50mm 5-30 x 50mm	3.5-18 x 44mm 5-25 x 52mm	3-9 x 36mm 3-10 x 42mm 4-12 x 50mm

Models

Swarovski Z6 – The Z6 is available in numerous magnification options from a 1-6x24mm to a 5-30x50mm. All models have a magnification ratio of 6x i.e. 1-6x, 3-18x, 5-30x …etc, which is one of the largest ranges available with only the Bushnell Elite 6500 coming to mind as having a higher ratio of 6.5x. These scopes feature a 30mm main tube and models in this series make windage and elevation adjustments in either 15mm or 10mm increments which is equivalent to about .54” and .36” respectively. The Z6 also is available with illuminate reticles and these models are labeled Z6i.  These illuminated models can up the price of a scope $500+ over their non-illuminated counterparts. Higher powered models in the Z6 lineup use side focus knobs for parallax adjustment. Most Swarovski Z6 models are being sold in the $2000 - $3000 thousand dollar price level.

Z6

2-12x50

Swarovski Z5 – There are currently only two configurations available in the Z5 line, a 3.5-18x44mm, and a 5-25x52mm. Here that magnification ratio is still and impressive 5x. These models are more “American” in that they use a 1” tube and wind and elevation are adjusted in ¼” increments. The Z5 also has a side focus knob for correcting parallax. Currently neither of these two versions is being offered with an illuminated reticle. The two Z5 models are typically selling in the $1500- $1700 dollar range.

Z5

3.5-18x44

Swarovski Z3 – The most affordable Swarovski scope, the Z3 is available in three configurations a 3-9x36mm, a 3-10x42mm, and a 4-12x50mm. Like the Z5, this lineup is more aimed at the American market with a 1” main tube and it makes ¼” windage and elevation adjustments. While there is a decent selection of reticles available within this series of rifles scopes no illuminated models are currently offered. Most of the Z3 models can be had for under $1000 with a little searching.

Z3

4-12x50

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