The technical enhancements of the Z5 3.5-18×44 BT Riflescope (Matte Black) from Swarovski Optik target the hunter’s concerns as well as the hunting traditions. This Z5 is just under 1 pound. It is a high precision, 1 inch scope with 5x zoom ability. A 1 inch with a 5x zoom is something new. The wide 300 foot field of view and high 18 power magnification deliver a very versatile hunting riflescope, from expansive reconnaissance to up-close detail and back again. A third side turret providing parallax correction of 55 yards keeps the reticle constant while only the target is magnified.

The Z5 3.5-18×44 BT concentrates on the essentials – it’s light, relatively compact, and reliable. The turrets offer MOA click-stop corrections, and the quadratic adjustment range provides a generous 36/58 MOA for windage and elevation correction respectively. This Z3 riflescope is configured with a 4W reticle in the second focal plane and a ballistic turret. There is dioptric adjustment and the scope has a transmission rate of greater than 90%.

While the exterior of the optic has an impeccable, anodized and scratch-resistant finish, the tube’s interior is furnished with a finely machined microstructure surface to reduce residual reflections. The Z5’s trim profile offers a clean unobtrusive look. The field of view is crisp, wide, and rich with fine detail. If rough-terrain, mountain hunting or open field long shots are where your game is, then the Z5 3.5-18×44 BT should be at the top of your short list.

A mounting base and rings are used to attach a riflescope to a firearm. A comfortable sight picture is contingent upon the height of the rings. A comfortable cheek-weld is the result of properly positioning the scope over the receiver. Mounting the scope close to the receiver is preferable, yet scopes with larger objectives need higher rings so the front bell can clear the barrel. It should be noted that in many mounting applications, a professional gunsmith’s skills will be needed for proper installation.

Optical Performance
5x magnification range
Dioptric adjustment of -3 to +2
Parallax turret adjustment of 55 yds / 50 m
44mm objective provides enhanced twilight performance
Anti-reflective multicoating enhances light transmission
Protective scratch-resistant coating on external lens surfaces