Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 VS. Leupold VX-3 3.5-10X40

schoolcraft · 06-20-2011, 04:00 PM

Ok.......

Really trying to decide between these 2 scopes.

They both have similar size, weight, magnification, ect.......

The Leupy has a little better eye relief and is about $300 cheaper.

The Swarovski Z3 has tons of reviews praising it's low light gathering abilities and clarity.

Low light performance is very important to me, but this is also going on a .300 Win. Mag., so good eye relief is also a factor.

I've got the money set aside for either.....help me decide.

Schoolcraft

Sheridan · 06-20-2011, 05:25 PM

With everything you mentioned, sounds like the Leupy should get the nod, as I'm sure they're great in low light and have very good clarity also !

All things being equal, I want the better eye relief for a .300 WM and $300 worth of ammo. LOL !

I have a pair of $600 Nikon Monarch Binos & I was with a friend who had a Pair of $2,300 Swarovski's; I don't know what I was expecting to see, but I didn't see $1,700 worth of difference !!!

Chris Johnson · 06-21-2011, 05:40 AM

I personally never would buy a swaro. simply because i think what they want for scopes is beyond rediculous. Nikon and leupold are the best scopes around. Nikon if you are somewhat on the cheap.

bugsNbows · 06-21-2011, 07:47 AM

Either will work fine...HOWEVER, the ER on the Leupy is not constant. It varies with the power selected. I like the VX 3 series (I have one) Leupy's o.k... I just think they are a bit overpriced for what you get. I'm not a huge Nikon fan, but they are o.k. I have three Swaros and love them. The clarity and light transmission is excellent. Another very good option is the Sightron Big Sky line. I have one and it's great. There are just lots of good choices out there. Guess it just boils down to what you think and want.

BOWHUNTERCOP · 06-21-2011, 01:16 PM

Leupold for me !!!

Rob in VT · 06-21-2011, 04:41 PM

I just went though the same thing. Was looking at the Z3, VX, and Zeiss Conquest. Ended up with the Z3 4x12-50. I read many reviews and opinions. In the end, I thought that I would have regretted not getting the Swaro. I had the coin so decided to get it. So glad I did. I have had it for about 3 months now and it is hands down the sharpest, clearest scope I have. I have 2 Leupolds on other guns but they aren't even close. I ended up getting it through Cabelas as I had a coupon and points so got $150 off the price.

wizzum69 · 09-16-2011, 05:58 PM

3-9X40 Conquest would be my first choice for the $$$ But the Z3 are very good but, a bit heavier on price!!

timbercruiser · 09-17-2011, 01:38 PM

If you have the money set aside then get the Swarovski and don't look back. I don't think you will ever regret it.

trailer · 09-20-2011, 04:18 PM

Swarovski would be my choice and yes I do have two of them...

Mojotex · 09-28-2011, 02:39 PM

I have a couple of Vari X-III's and a coupe of Z3's. I have used about every major brand of scope out there. The Leupold Vari-X III do fine. I have a Z3 on a 338 Win. Mag. and a Z3 on a 300 Win. Mag. Both are 2.5-10x50mm. The Leupolds are on a 444 Marlin Guide Gun (1.75-6X32mm Compact) and a 30.06 Spr. BBR (3-9x50mm). I have zero issues with eye relief. As far as contrast, clarity and crispness of image, I'd put the Z3 way out front. As far as low light, all 4 will take you well into "illegal" hunting hours. I can clearly see from right at daybreak until well after sunset. As far as being rugged, I have had no issues with any of these 4 scopes. In your shoes .... Z3.