I noticed some weeks ago that Swarovski has released a LPV in a 1-8 format. I’ll start by saying that I have been using their Z6i 1-6 for at least 5 years now. I love the true 1x, the true daylight brightness of the dot, the light weight, robustness (I don’t baby my gear), and the BRT reticle (though I wish it continued further downward). The FOV is indescribably amazing, and the glass is crazy clear. I have had more than one person look through it during a match or class and make a comment like, “so THAT is what all the fuss is about!”
I liked the Z6i on my 5.56 Recce(ish) build so much I got another for my .308 gas gun. I used it with great success in a F2S class that ran from contact to 600 yards. We did shoot at 1,000 yards just to say we did it, and that’s why I wish the reticle extended further. I had no hold references other than the vertical post.
My question is basically if the Z8i 1-8 offers enough to warrant me snagging one to replace Z6i on my .308. From looking at Swarovski’s site, the BRT reticle appears exactly the same. They do allow you to swap to the donut reticle, but IME that is hardly necessary because their illuminated dot is brighter than any 2 of my Aimpoints combined. With the reticle still not working beyond 600 yards, I don’t know that the extra 2x magnification is going to make it worth the trouble of swapping scopes.
I’ve copied the tech data from their site. The Z8 has a little better light transmission, but it’s a little longer and heavier. My gut tells me it’s not worth trading up, but I am far from an expert on such things. So if there is something I should consider and haven’t, I’d love to hear it. Thanks!
Z6i: http://www.swarovskioptik.com/huntin...l-brt-p5006364
Technical Data
Magnification 1-6x
Effective objective lens diameter (mm) 9.6-24
Exit pupil diameter (mm) 9.6-4.0
Exit pupil distance (mm) (Eye relief) 95
Field of view (ft/100 yds / m/100 m) 127.5-20.4 / 42.5-6.8
Field of view (degrees) 23.8-3.9
Field of view, apparent (degrees) 23.4
Dioptric compensation (dpt) -3 to +2
Light transmission (%) 90
Twilight factor acc. to ISO 14132-1 2.8-12
Impact point corr. per click (in/100 yds / mm/100 m) 0.54 / 15
Max. elevation / windage adjustment range (in/100 yds / m/100 m) 72 / 2
Objective filter thread M 27x0.75
Technical Data
Length (in / mm) 11.54 / 293
Weight (oz / g) 14.8 / 420
Central tube diameter (in / mm) 1.18 / 30
Functional temperature -4 °F to +131 °F (-20 °C / +55 °C)
Storage temperature -22 °F to +158 °F (-30 °C / +70 °C)
Submersion tightness 13 ft / 4 m water depth (inert gas filling)
Z8i 1-8: http://www.swarovskioptik.com/huntin...BRT-I-p5265639
Technical Data
Magnification 1-8x
Effective objective lens diameter (mm) 8.2-24
Exit pupil diameter (mm) 8.1-3.0
Exit pupil distance (mm) (Eye relief) 95
Field of view (ft/100 yds / m/100 m) 127.5-15.9 / 42.5-5.3
Field of view (degrees) 24.0-3.0
Field of view, apparent (degrees) 24
Dioptric compensation (dpt) -3 to +2
Light transmission (%) 93
Twilight factor acc. to ISO 14132-1 2.9-13.9
Impact point corr. per click (in/100 yds / mm/100 m) 0.36 / 10
Max. elevation / windage adjustment range (in/100 yds / m/100 m) 72 / 2
Objective filter thread M 27x0.75
Technical Data
Length (in / mm) 11.9 / 301
Weight (oz / g) 18.2 / 515
Central tube diameter (in / mm) 1.18 / 30
Functional temperature -4 °F to +131 °F (-20 °C / +55 °C)
Storage temperature -22 °F to +158 °F (-30 °C / +70 °C)
Submersion tightness 13 ft / 4 m water depth (inert gas filling)
Illumination unit
Brightness levels Twilight: 0 - 32 / Day: 33 - 64
Operating time (h) Twilight factor at medium brightness: 1,400; daylight factor at medium brightness: 180