Leupold or Swarovski

[M70375!]

I'm thinking about upgrading my 1x6 Leupold to a 1.7x10x42 Swarovski. I have never had a Swarovski rifle scope , do you guys think it is worth the cost to upgrade, I like the Leopuld but not happy with the illumination. Is there a noticeable difference in clarity between the two?
Thanks

 

[BryceM]

Depends a lot on the exact scope. Both brands have excellent products. Maybe take the rifle to a store where you can compare both side-by-side. A good shop will let you take them outside for a try.

One bit of warning……, I “upgraded” a scope once and by rotten luck got a scope that wouldn’t hold zero. This was the source of many frustrating range sessions and probably cost me a wounded & lost waterbuck. Sometimes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

 

[M70375!]

Depends a lot on the exact scope. Both brands have excellent products. Maybe take the rifle to a store where you can compare both side-by-side. A good shop will let you take them outside for a try.

One bit of warning……, I “upgraded” a scope once and by rotten luck got a scope that wouldn’t hold zero. This was the source of many frustrating range sessions and probably cost me a wounded & lost waterbuck. Sometimes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

yeah, you are probably right about not fixing it if it's not broken

 

[Dewald]

Clarity is much better on the Swarovski. Some people say Leupold is a more rugged scope. I can only speak from my own experience, and 5x Swarovskis have never let me down. One on a .416, one on a .375 and one z5 3,5-18-44 on a camp .308.

I have a very reliable Leupold VX-R 3-9x40 and it is a superb scope for the money with very effective illlumination

 

[BeeMaa]

I've held both and it's not even close. I have three Swaro Z8i scopes because of it and one of them is the Z8i 1.7-13.3x42 with 4A-IF reticle. Both my wife and I compared the top scopes from Leica, Swaro, Zeiss, S&B and Leupold at Euro Optic. At any one time I believe we had close to $10K worth of scopes or binos in the parking lot doing the comparison. Ended up spending the entire day there. For scopes, it came down to the Leica and Swaro with the Swaro winning by the factor of the reticle and true to color factors.

The Leupold (VX-6HD) and S&B scopes were taken out of contention pretty early in the evaluation. The clarity and light transmission in the waining hours of daylight made it clear that the top German scope companies charge a premium for a reason. We chose Swaro because of the reticle and how true the colors looked vs Zeiss and Leica.

If you can afford the Z8i series, I'd highly recommend at least taking a look. Just understand that your bank account may pay the price for your decision. There is no way to "unsee" what you may have just seen.

 

[Scott CWO]

I'm thinking about upgrading my 1x6 Leupold to a 1.7x10x42 Swarovski. I have never had a Swarovski rifle scope , do you guys think it is worth the cost to upgrade, I like the Leopuld but not happy with the illumination. Is there a noticeable difference in clarity between the two?
Thanks

Take a look at the NightForce NX8 1-8x24 if you want something more durable.

 

[Flipper Dude]

I suppose it depends on how deep your pockets are. For me at least. I see the need for better clarity and low light gathering in the states hunting whitetail or elk / mule deer in the Rockies. I haven’t seen the need in Africa. That’s just me.

My scopes have been just fine there. Dead is dead.

 

[Letzhunt]

Not just a plug for a scope I happen to be selling, but a testament to the quality of another scope brand Meopta. Illumination in scopes vary by a significant amount. The only two I find that are truly daylight bright are Swarovski and the Me opt a R2 meostar. Bright enough for use during full sun. The dot stands out so much it really draws your eye. The 1.7-10X42 is what I have for sale in the classifieds. But they offer others too. Very rugged scopes and half the price of the Swaro.

 

[Safari Dave]

I have many Leupold scopes and have never had a problem. My best friend has a Swarovski and it has never given him problems.

I think Leupold scopes are more rugged, but the Swarovski has better glass.


If you want really want a bombproof scope that will almost always hold zero, get a NightForce or Trijicon.

 

[Berettaco]

I think Leupold is good but Swarovski are a step up. Daytime there is a little difference but in low light you will see how they actually perform. If you can, try to find someone near you who would be willing to check out the scopes side by side at very last light / dark hours to see if the difference is worth the $ to you

 

[K-man]

I have several Leupold from the VX3 line and up. I have never had a problem with any of them mounted all the way up to .416 Ruger. I was able to buy a reduced price Swarovski here on AH a couple years ago. The difference is small but noticeable. You should buy the best optics you can afford, and buy them once. I am at the point where I will purchase Swaro from now on should I ever need another scope.