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Swarovski Z8i Rifle Scopes

Swarovski Z8i rifle scope description

Swarovski Z8i rifle scopes where first shown on IWA outdoor classics 2016 in Germany, and they represent the top product of the Swarovski Company and the top product of rifle scopes in general. The Z8i line of products feature real 8 times zoom range, and the real achievement was that this is still in a 30 mm main tube. Swarovski says that the light transmission rate is on a incredibly 93 percent, what makes this scopes even brighter than the previus models, and that's why this scopes are very usable for dusk and dawn hunting.

The reticle is set in the second focal plane (by changing the magnification the reticle stays the same) and is therefore particularly suitable for long-distance shooting, since it does not cover a large part of the target at maximum magnification. Swarovski designed a new sleeker and smaler illumination system, that is still located on the eye peace, so that they moved the battery from the ocular to the parallax turret in the midle. The reticle’s illumination can be adjusted to any need: for use in bright daylight or at dusk, and has the SWAROLIGHT function, that automatically shuts-on or shuts-off when the rifle is in a shooting position or not.

They also have an amazing wide view angle at any magnification and excellent build quality. As an accessory BTF (Ballistic Turret Flex) can be ordered for both, elevation and windage turrets, that can be installed without any tools. These turrets can be set for any balistic curve, because the ballistic turrets have 7 separate rings, that can be easily set on any desired click value. We also recommend the Swarovski SR rail for better and easyer mounting, but this decision makes the buyer.

For hunters who look for the most versatile rifle scope on the market, the Swarovski Z8i rifle scopes are the best choice.

For better understanding of the BTF turrets, click here

Swarovski Z8i rifle scopes features

  • Reliable mechanics in one-piece housing (shockproof even for the most powerful hunting calibers)
  • Waterproof and dry nitrogen purged for Fogproof use at low temperatures
  • Parallax adjustmen (some models – others have fixed parallax on 100m)
  • Second focal plane reticles (reticle size doesn't change with zoom)
  • Multi coated lenses for image brightness and contrast
  • 10 years warranty (30 years service and maintenance)
  • Slim and compact design
  • 93% light transmission
  • Variable magnification (8 times zoom factor)
  • SWAROCLEAN coating on outer lenses (for repelling and easy cleaning of dirt, dust, insects...)
  • SWAROLIGHT (auto shut-on and shut-off of the reticle illumination)
  • FLEXCHANGE (4A-IF reticle allows change from Dot to Circle Dot, designed for driven hunting)
  • Optional BTF (Ballistic turret flex ) for windage and elevation turrets, (instalation without tools)
  • Optional PBR (personalized ballistic ring - individually engraved personal data)

Swarovski Z8i rifle scopes configurations

Accessories

Meaning of abbreviations

  • L - 30mm main tube
  • SR – Swarovski
  • SR rail for mounting
  • P – Parallax turret
  • BT – Ballistic turret
  • EE - Extended Eye relief

Mounting of Swarovski Z8i riflescopes

The Swarovski Z8i rifle scopes can be mounted with 30 mm rings, or optionaly with the Swarovski SR mount.

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VIDEO

A riflescope is an important piece of equipment when hunting in the mountains. Such hunts are strenuous – the hunter has to be in good physical condition. Hiking to the desired location and back to the starting point usually takes hours, not to mention that the shot game (if any) has to be carried when returning.

A riflescope is an important piece of equipment when hunting in the mountains

A riflescope is an important piece of equipment when hunting in the mountains

General features

It is important not to carry to much weight when going on a mountain hunt. For this reason, the riflescopes in this category are compact and lightweight. The objective lens measures 40–50 mm in diameter – a bigger lens is not required as mounting hunting is mostly done during the daytime.

It is important to have a high maximum magnification as the distance to the observed game can be quite substantial. A magnification of at least 10x is recommended. An adjustable parallax is a must when high magnification is set.

A BDC-turret comes in handy as the user can quickly compensate for the bullet drop at various distances (1 – 100 m, 2 – 200 m, 3 – 300 m, etc.)

To summarize, the features of a typical optics designed for mountain hunting are:

  • A light, compact chassis

  • 40–50mm objective lens

  • High maximum magnification (above 10x)

  • Adjustable parallax setting

  • Optionally available with a BDC turret

Use on mountain rifles

Since minimizing the weight is the key to a mountain hunt success, the primary piece of equipment is a lightweight rifle. Such rifles are often referred to as mountain rifles.

These firearms, designed for use in mountainous terrain, are compact and designed to withstand adverse weather conditions. Popular choices include repeating short-barrel rifles and single-shot drop barrel rifles such as Blaser K95 Stutzen and Merkel K3 Stutzen.

These lightweight rifles and riflescopes mentioned above are a great combination.

Long-range shooting

In the mountains, the distance to the observed game can be huge, especially in the open ground. For this reason, these riflescopes are equipped with a high maximum magnification power, allowing the user to carefully examine the game before taking the shot.

Furthermore, they feature an adjustable parallax turret for a clear focus at any range. A BDC turret works well in such situations as it allows quick compensation for the bullet drop at various distances. In the majority of cases, shooting in the mountains is done at distances up to 400 m.

Shooting at greater distances than this is rarely pulled off as it violates the principles of the ethical hunt.

Riflescopes for mountain hunting are designed for long-range shooting

Riflescopes for mountain hunting are designed for long-range shooting

Riflescopes for mountain hunting vs stalking

These two types of riflescopes appear identical at first sight as they are both compact and lightweight. There are, however, many differences between them. The most notable is the magnification range. Riflescopes designed for stalking have a much lower maximum magnification.

Consequently, they lack an adjustable parallax feature. Because of lower magnification, it is difficult to shoot accurately at a target far away. Riflescopes designed for stalking are scarcely offered with a BDC turret.

Riflescopes for mountain hunting aren't suitable for driven hunts because their minimum magnification is too big and field of view too narrow. Even though the magnification range of riflescopes designed for stalking doesn't begin at 1x, they can still be used in a driven hunt (the lowest magnification is often 1.5x, 2x or 3x).

Illumination

All the premium riflescopes for mountain hunting are equipped with an illuminated reticle, even though it is not an essential feature. Mountain hunting is done during the day, meaning that you won't have to use the illumination often but it might come in handy in certain situations. Having a thin reticle is far more important – you don't want to have too much coverage of the game when the magnification is set to high power.

It is important not to carry to much weight when going on a mountain hunt

It is important not to carry to much weight when going on a mountain hunt

Best riflescopes for hunting in the mountains

Optics manufacturers with headquarters near the mountainous areas tend to have the best understanding of the mountain hunters' requirements. If you are looking for top-of-the-line riflescopes for mountain hunting, Austrian (Swarovski, Kahles) and German riflescopes (Zeiss, Leica, etc.) won't let you down.

Leupold has an extensive offer of high-quality riflescopes suitable for this purpose, and Vortex is also highly competitive in this field with their LH riflescopes. 

short presentation of Riflescopes for Mountain Hunting is available here.

Short Presentation | Riflescopes for Mountain- Hunting | Optics Trade from Optics-Trade