Facelifted: The Swarovski Z8i Series
People who assume I have a favorite brand in optics always get it wrong. Luckily, I own a few long guns, and they all have specific needs. Plus, my needs change, and analogue optics develop over time, although not quite as fast as in the digital arena. For hunting, one of my favorites is the Z8i model line, made in Austria by Swarovski Optics. Just check out this Blaser R8 in Carbon Fiber.
Swarovski Optics @ TFB:
The time has now come for the Swarovski Z8i series to get a facelift, with design upgrades focused on usability. The updated zoom ring and included throw lever are said to make adjustments smoother and more intuitive, even when wearing gloves or in low-light conditions.
As a practical shooter, I’m happy to see that the kind of improvements we did to our own scopes (I started with a Z6i) some 15 years ago have reached the hunting market as standard features. I was far from the first to use throw levers, but I did tell the people at Swarovski over and over that they should include this.
The updated Z8i retains its hallmark 8x zoom, providing hunters with flexibility across various scenarios. Whether taking long-range shots or quickly acquiring close targets, the scope delivers sharp visuals, a wide field of view, and dependable accuracy. This makes it a solid choice for stalking, hide hunting, or driven hunts, adapting well to different demands.
The new Z8i lineup offers multiple models tailored to specific needs, from a dedicated driven hunt scope to a versatile high-magnification option. Its modular design supports customization with accessories like the Ballistic Turret Flex (BTF) and Personalized Ballistic Ring (PBR), allowing hunters to tweak the scope to match their preferences and hunting style.
“With the facelift of the Z8i series, we are offering an even more targeted response to the needs of modern hunters – for greater control, comfort, and precision in every situation. The revised design further enhances ergonomics, improves intuition, and covers a wide range of hunting situations – without compromising on the highest optical performance. We have listened closely to what hunters need – and with the new Z8i models, we are delivering a series that is even more precisely tailored to their requirements,” explains Thomas Saller, Spokesperson for the Executive Board at Swarovski Optics.
I can find no less than 8 different Z8i models to choose from. I haven’t tried them all, but the ones I have tried were all great:
https://www.swarovskioptik.com/at/en/hunting/products/rifle-scopes/z8-i
In short, for the driven hunt (or practical rifle, although they would prefer that you go for a Kahles K18i-2), go for the Z8i 1-8x24. Searching for an all-rounder, the Z8i 2-16x50 is the answer. Mountain & long-range? Z8i 3.5-28x50, or something even higher in terms of magnification, is calling for you.
In all honesty, the Z8i optic quality wasn’t really in need of any improvement, and perhaps neither were the ergonomics. But sometimes perfection comes in small steps.
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Every time I see Swarovski I remember John Dutton saying he needed to break something, and Beth talking him off the ledge.