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SWFA SS Glass Quality

4K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  Darkker 
#1 ·
I was looking for a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 and an SWFA SS 3-15x42 as a comparable alternative. Can anyone tell me how they compare side by side? Is the SWFA glass as good as the Zeiss? I have asked this on several other forums without an answer. That causes me to think I should stick with the Zeiss.
 
#3 ·
Shooter too,

I have not looked through any Zeiss scope, but here are some that we have done comparisons on; if it helps you.

Weaver #800363
Primary Arms 4-14 FFP Mil/Mil.
SWFA 3-15

The weaver is very obviously better quality glass than the others.
When you zoom to equal magnifications at observe targets past 1K the SWFA glass REALLY shows it's issues. When looking at an 18" red/yellow/blue/white target with dead tumble weeds and dirt in the background, the SWFA struggles with color and clairity. The PA you can make out the target and the colors, the edge of the target appears to move in the heat waves(90+ degrees), but you can still accurately mil the target and define what the edges are.
The SWFA however cannot distinguish the colors. Without knowing where the target is, would assume it is a funny looking tumbleweed. This test was done side X side, and with 3 different shooters; the only other one who is on this forum that was there was MZ5.

Cheers
 
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#5 ·
I bought the Zeiss. While I haven't looked through an SWFA scope I have done a lot of side by side comparrisons of others. You have to step up to a Swarozski or Kahles to beat the clarity of a Zeiss. I own and use five different Leupold VX III scopes and Zeiss beats them in low light conditions.

I wasn't as concerned about the differences in the type of scope each was as much as the quality of the lenses and coating. I have a scope with target turrets and didn't see those as an issue. I don't have a mil/mil scope and did see that as a learning opportunity. However taking all of that and the weight difference into consideration the Zeiss made more sense for my application. Thanks to all who took the time to respond.

Darkker,
I really appreciate the comparrison information. I have posted this same question on several forums and yours is the only hands on information I've seen. Others have sung the praises of SWFA but none gave pertainent information about clarity, distortion or colors. Thank you!
 
#6 ·
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