I have a nice Leupold I bought from smoke diver and a zeiss v4 that I really like.
I’m looking at getting one more nice upper end scope.
Looking at zeiss v6 3-18x50 pretty sure 30mm tube.
Or a Swarovski z5 3-18x44 or 5-25x52, 1” tubes I believe
Opinions on the z5 model vs V6 zeiss?
Woods and water had the v6 3-18x50 for 999.00 and I missed it.
I found the Swarovorski for 1300.00.
Strictly hunting, plex recticles

They are both overpriced for a hunting application. You can get much cheaper glass that will work just as good.

Cant speak on a Z5 but the V6 is awesome in low light, tracks well and is a great scope. I'm sure the Z5 is great as well. I'm probably going to go the Schmidt and Bender Klassik route on my next one.

dam sure don't get the 5-25x unless it's setup for a specific spot you are hunting or other specific purpose.

I think it's splitting hairs optically. That's going to be a personal thing that in reality is negligible.

I'd do the 3-18x44 over the 50mm objective. Look at the weight, etc. You are into those specs as a decision point IMO. Both scopes are really good at their respective price points.

You know I’ve used the 4.5-14x 50 Leupold for 20 years and I don’t think I’ve ever shot a deer at under 6 power. 6 seems to be where I stop when I zoom it down. That z5 1” scope may be the way I’m leaning.
I’ll look at the Schmidt and Bender too.
I want high magnification for sure, my place is set up for 3-400 yard shots at nearly every field.

The V6 Zeiss scopes have bad tunnel vision, which is a no go for me.

Swarovski just introduced a new Z5 line of scopes with 30 mm tube's. They also have an improved erector system that is from their Kahles brand, which is known as very good in the competitive shooters world. I have a couple of 3.5-18 Z5 scopes and the glass is excellent and as good as the Z6 line IMHO.

The new line should be an improvement but I've always liked the classic lines of a 1" tube on the old Z5 scopes.

couple on sale

https://cameralandny.com/daily-flash-sale

Yeah, I listened to a Swarovski pod cast and they said the 1” tube will be as bright as the 30mm.
No advantage but adjustments.
Thanks fellas

Swarovski!

Between those two, Swarovski all the way. Swaro still makes all their own scopes, lenses, and other parts. Zeiss does not, and in fact, a number of their scopes are outsourced. Mostly from good plants, but still not 100% in their control.

Older Zeiss, especially if you can luck into a West German marked, still have the lifetime warranty and are outstanding quality.

All that said, Schmidt-Bender is noticeably better to my eye. Their Klassik line is a great scope and can usually be had around $1100-$1200 at EuroOptic. They are great folks, and really easy to deal with. If you get it and aren't happy, they will absolutely let you swap it for something else.

Europtic check out the demo sales , the vx5 and vx6 are hard to beat, I’ve had about every brand and still own Zeiss and Schmidt and my eyes can’t tell enough difference between any of them. The eyebox on the s&b zenith wins in every way though, it has the fastest target requisition I’ve ever seen, eyes seem to just jump to the focus point instantly.

Does Zeiss still make their glass?

I believe that they do in all of their upper lines, but I can't confirm on some of the lower priced Zeiss.

Zeiss outsourced a lot of their manufacturing these days. A lot of their scopes are made in Asia, including their LRP Competition scopes IIRC.

The Japanese actually make some excellent glass. March scopes are made in Japan and are outstanding.

Pretty sure the v4/6s are made in Japan by LOW.

Same place that makes Trijicon, Nightforce, high end Vortex and others.

Zeiss makes a better scope. Swarovski has better customer service. I care for neither. You like what you like. That's how so many different companies are in business.

If I were going to spend $1300 right now, I'd look for at a Leica Amplus 6.

Funny you should say that howl, I saw a Leica ampulus 6 for 999.00 on 24 hour campfire I believe.
I just don’t know much about Leica scopes. I looked through a Leica YEARS ago and it was impressive though.

I never had the Leica. That's why I want to try it. Supposedly solid scope with near-alpha glass.

I’d assume they’re good. Coming from the pro photog sector Leica used a lot of Carl Zeiss glass. They’re own glass was well regards too. Like mentioned the lens coatings is one of the biggest things this day and age. Back in the day Argeneux glass was thought to be the best but they were in cinephotograpgy and photography. I couldn’t find anything on that glass being in scopes.

I know some guys that swear their Leica scopes are the best they’ve ever o med and they’ve owned a lot of the high end scopes.

I’d go look thru a few and see

I have owned a few Leica scopes. Good glass, but not top tier. My problem with them is they will have a $2000 scope that they promote like crazy. Then, 6-12 months later, it's on clearance for $800.

If you can buy one on clearance, get it! If not, wait a bit.