Swarovski Optik this month announced the launch its new Z5(i)+ lineup of riflescopes, which were designed with feedback from North American hunters. Featuring three different magnification ranges at launch, the Z5(i)+ sports a modern design built on a 30 mm maintube, along with improved ergonomics, an increased overall range of adjustment and an optional advanced ballistic turret for long-range shooting and hunting. Watch the video above.
All three Z5i+ models are second-focal-plane optics with 80 MOA of total elevation adjustment and 50 MOA for windage. The aforementioned optional advanced ballistic turret that has three times more adjustment range than the company’s Z5 scopes, with a total of 40 MOA of external ROA (two revolutions, 20 MOA per turn), plus a zero-stop function.
Swarovski Z5(i)+ riflescopes also have four reticle options in illuminated or non-illuminated versions. The illuminated models feature 10 brightness settings. In addition, there is built-in tool storage.
The three magnification ranges in the Z5(i)+ lineup are 2-10X 42 mm, 3.5-18X 50 mm and 5-25X 56 mm. With the 2-10X 42 mm, you have a solid choice for pursuits such as hog hunting. The 3.5-18X 50 mm model can handle just about any environments you will encounter while hunting out West, or in other long-range shooting scenarios. As for the 5-25X 56 mm, with its larger objective lens it’s ideal for hunting prairie dogs.
In addition to the included MOA turret ring, the Z5(i)+ also includes four colored distance rings, which you can set to provide additional points of impact. Swarovski also offers a customized ballistic ring as an option (sold separately). Provide your sight head above bore, muzzle velocity and any atmospherics, and the company will produce a personalized ballistic ring customized to your ballistics.
The turret design is a solid improvement over the previous Z5 models. Setup is easy, with the zero-stop design having only two set screws. Getting the Z5(i)+ zeroed and ready for long-range shooting didn’t take long at all. Since the new turret can be locked in place, you don’t have to worry about your adjustment changing if you throw it in a rifle bag or get it snagged on a tree branch.
Available reticles are Plex and 4W reticles, as well as new BRS and BRW MOA holdover reticles. The BRS reticle is optimized for holdovers, while the BRW reticle is designed for combined turret and reticle compensation. Three of the reticles are glass-etched for a clear black image, while the non-illuminated Plex model uses a stainless-steel mechanical reticle.
The two higher magnification scopes—3.5-18X 50 mm and 5-25X 56 mm—have high-definition glass, which helps to eliminate color fringing. With HD glass, all of the colors of the spectrum come to one focal point rather than spread out, which provides a better resolution. For the lower-powered 2-10X 42 mm scope, HD glass isn’t necessary at that low of a magnification to reduce in chromatic aberration and as such, Swarovski opted to omit it.
MSRP for Swarovski’s Z5(i)+ lineup begins at $1,649 with your choice of reticle. As mentioned, all three magnification ranges are available in illuminated or non-illuminated variants, and with or without the advanced ballistic turret. Illumination is a $200 upcharge, and the advanced ballistic turret adds another $100. Even the fully loaded Z5(i)+ 5-25X 56 mm optic—with MSRP at $2,269—is a great price for quality Austrian glass.
A more in-depth look at the Swarovski Z5(i)+ line of optics will be featured in the February 2025 issue of the Shooting Sports USA digital magazine.
You can also visit swarovskioptik.com to learn more about the new Z5(i)+ riflescopes.
