The Leupold VX-5/6HD series are as good (if not better) than the Swaro Z series. Plus a majority of their scopes are available at Cabelas and under the $1500 mark. The AMG is a nice scope, but the VX5/6HD's are better in almost every sense. More adjustment, lighter in weight, better performance in low light and glare, etc.
Here is a video comparing the VX5HD to the Swaro Z5. This helped solidify my decision to go with the Leupold.
I find it hard to put much value in a review done by a business that carries, sells and promotes one of the products, but not the other...it’s hardly subjective.
And during that review, I heard “just as good” stated, and the cost difference used as a detractor for the Swarovski.
In my experience, when somebody is pushing a cheaper product and make the “jUsT aS GoOd” argument, its usually not. I see this stated all the time when it comes to budget rifles (AR’s in particular), rifle components and optics. Again, in my experience...you get what you pay for.
Now I’ve owned and spent a lot of time behind a vx5hd. No complaints. I’ve never owned or shot with a z5, so I can’t speak for that scope. But I do own and shoot with a z8i (which according to that review somehow makes it a lesser or at least harder to be as good of a scope because of its 8x zoom ratio compared to those two’s 5x ratio). It’s much better in every aspect of clarity, contrast and low light performance compared to the Leupold.
Now for the AMG, I would put that above my Vx5HD also, it’s all around better.
That’s just my experience with scopes that I own...I have optics from most manufacturers, so I’m not brand loyal to any.
