We review the ground breaking Swarovski Z8i rifle scope.
Most readers will be aware of our support and association with Swarovski Optik. It is of course not difficult to support a company that produce optics that are this good, and it is our firm belief that Swarovski Optik offer the very best quality binoculars and scopes available on the market today. Across the whole range of products, their optics provide clarity, colour and superb light gathering that is second to none.
Many will have seen our films in which we have used Swarovski scopes including the Z6(i) and Z4(i) and clients of County Deer Stalking also enjoy using our rifles fitted with Swarovski scopes and range of binoculars in the field whilst out stalking with us.
Since its launch in 2007, the Z6(i) range of rifle scopes from Swarovski set the bench mark with their clarity, accuracy and superb design, and have quickly become the industry standard for deer stalkers and hunters worldwide.
To further consolidate Swarovski’s position as the No.1 manufacturer of quality optics, the company recently launched the spectacular new Swarovski Z8i rifle scope at the IWA show in March. The new Z8(i) rifle scopes are available in the UK from June 2016 (please see details below about how you can purchase Swarovski products from us).
So what does the new Z8(i) offer the deer stalker?
Three new innovations.
Firstly, somehow Swarovski have managed (doubtless through many years of head scratching and product development), to produce a rifle scope that offers an 8 times zoom all within a compact 30mm slim central tube.
This means that you can now buy one scope that can be used for driven and dangerous game (using the low magnification needed for these applications) and equally for all other hunting scenarios by using the higher magnification settings available.
Secondly, two of the scopes in the range (the Z8i 1-8×24 and the Z8i 1.7-13.3×42) feature what Swarovski call their ‘Flexchange’ reticle. The 4A-IF reticle is specially developed for driven/dangerous game hunting and has a larger illuminated red ring which can be turned on with the press of a button. This is a favourite with driven game hunters and facilitates fast target acquisition. For other hunting this feature is switched off and the normal red dot in the centre of the reticle is used (although this can be switched off as well if required).
Thirdly, the new Z8(i) can be fitted with ballistic turrets on either (or both) the top (elevation) and the side (windage). The turrets are bought separately and are simply attached with a single click. Clever. If it is used as a top turret, it can compensate for bullet drop, and when used as a side turret, for windage adjustment or estimating the lead distance. A lock mechanism also prevents it from being turned inadvertently.
There are four scopes available in the range as follows:
• Swarovski Z8i 1-8x24 Suitable for driven and big game hunting (available with the optional 4A-IF FLEXCHANGE reticle)
• Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13.3x42P The most versatile rifle scope of the market for both driven/big game hunting and stalking. Combines a remarkable field of view for driven/big game hunting with a lightweight design, making it also ideal for mountain hunting. (available with the optional 4A-IF FLEXCHANGE reticle)
• Swarovski Z8i 2-16x50 P Suitable for driven/big game hunting and stalkers who want more magnification for ‘spotting’
• Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18x56 P Suitable for driven/big game hunting and stalkers who want more magnification for ‘spotting’ and more light in poor conditions/twilight.
We will be writing a full review on the Z8(i) very soon.
With easily the best optics in the industry and customer service that’s second to none, County Deer Stalking is proud to be Premium Dealers of Swarovski optics.
We offer the full range of Swarovski products including binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes and accessories. Special discounts are available to readers of County Deer Stalking Magazine and members of the Capreolus Club and we can deliver anywhere in the UK.
For information and prices on the new Z8(i) or any other Swarovski product, please email
