Has anyone owned both of these scopes and can give a good comparison? Or if you have one of these scopes let me know how you like it. I wanted to stay in the $1,100.00 range so I couldn't go with the swaro z5 or 6. Thanks for any advise!

I have both and both are excellent. I have nothing negative to say about the Swarovski. The only negative about the Zeiss is the reticle. I got mine with the Rapid Z 600 and the reticle is quite thick, making it difficult when trying to shoot good groups. If I had it to do again, I would get the HD5, but the reticle would be different.

thanks for the response. I have actually already ordered the Z3 then I found this site and figured I would see if I made the right choice. it should be here today. I actually ordered the HD5, but I didn't realize that it was the Rapid Z1000 reticle, which I did not like at all so I canceled my order did some more research and went with the Z3

I love the Z3's that I have. Hope you enjoy yours.

Love my z3, better then my conquest but I don't have the hd5

Swaro and it's probably ounces lighter

I have 2 of the Z3's, excellent scopes, you won't be disappointed.

great to hear!! thanks everyone. cant wait to get it!!

I would have to agree with the guys who also suggested Swarovski.

The HD5 is a very good scope, however it does not have the optical superiority like Swarovski does. In order to do an apples to apples comparison, I think it would be a fair fight to pit Swarovski against Zeiss' Victory line or Leica, but not the Conquest or Terra lines.

Swarovski's focus is creating the very best optics you can buy. Isolating on your focus points in the scope, making sure that NOT just the target image is crisp but also your peripheral field of view is equally as sharp. Providing the hunter with the best optical equipment every time he is in the field.

My choice would be Swarovski for that reason.

Hey Skylar, can you educate me on how the vx6 line fits in that market?
Also is vx6 really using the same glass quality as vx3?

I'm gonna get a Z3 and Z5 for my next scopes. I went with a meopta meostar in 3x12x56 and I'm super impressed.

Hi I been using a Zeiss 4.5x14x44 Scope and just love it. The scope is a basic Z Plex which is cheaper then the ones that have the range finder built in. Mine listed for about $829 but I got it in the $650 range because of a friend. I killed a Muley at 309 yards, and I could see the whites in his eye. Also it gives you that extra 15 minutes at dark thirty.

I'll be honest, I have yet to spend a lot of time with that. Matter of fact, there is a guy here(DeiselGeek) who does have some experience with Leupold's 6X erector assembly with great success. He has first hand knowledge of the overall performance.

On paper the specifications are outstanding. Optically from what I recall, of what little I have looked through, they are a very appealing scope.

Yes, the only difference that I could see between the VX3 and the VX6 is the erector assembly. The 6X frees up wider ranges of magnification. The 2-12 is one of the most popular scope out right now.

I have 2 Z3's and they are hands down (in my experience) the best, brightest, sharpest visual image scopes I've ever owned.