Alright fellas. I got tired of waiting for someone to compare the Zeiss PRF and the Swaro, so I went ahead and ordered both from gr8fuldoug (CameralandNY). First off, these were both demo units, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend others to go this route if they want to save a few bucks. I can't tell that they're not brand new. They look perfect and even smell new. Actually, I need to check my credit card statement and make sure they did, in fact, charge me for demos. They're that pristine.
The skinny:
* Size is about the same. Zeiss is a little lighter.
* Glass is really good on both. I can't tell a difference. It's what you would expect from these two premier companies. Non-factor in my opinion.
* Reticle on the Zeiss is WAY better. I had no issue with the size of the Swaro reticle like others have noticed. However, the reticle on the Swaro is not anywhere near as crisp as the Zeiss. I'd compare the Swaro to the fuzzy reticle on an Eotech, where the Zeiss would be like an illuminated USO or such. What's much worse with the Swaro is how it fades if your eye drifts from center. It gets very annoying. The Zeiss is clear and bright and always right there.
* Ranging: I can say definitively that the Swaro ranges better than the Zeiss. No doubt about it. How much better I can't yet say. Unfortunately, Fedex came right before sunset, so I wasn't able to get much time testing today. However, the farthest I was able to range with the Zeiss was a little over 1300m on a house. The Swaro was hitting houses well past 1800m, and I was able to hit one at 1967m. More impressively, I was hitting tree tops at 1600m+. I did notice some erroneous readings at longer distances with the Swaro. This was mostly on a tanker sitting out in Chesapeake Bay. I got hits ranging from 1500m+ to a little over 400m, and everywhere in between. Most of the time it wouldn't range. Probably issues with having a reflective surface at an angle to the unit. Also, I suspect the short readings were probably coming off of waves, which, would be impressive in itself. However, the Zeiss either ranged targets over the water either immediately or not at all (never hit the tanker but did hit small boats, old remnants of piers, etc. to 1000m). For those of you who haven't handled these two units, there's actually something reassuring about this characteristic with the Zeiss. Even though it doesn't range as far, when it does range it is instant and reliable.
My initial impression: if you need an LRF for .308 botlface-type rounds the Zeiss is awesome. Thinking about ranging for 7WSM, .300/.338+ chamberings consider the Swaro.
Bottom line: anyone who compares these side by side will want the Zeiss unit with Swaro ranging capabilities. Not definitive help, I know, but the honest truth.
This is just a very short, dirty review of two top rangefinders. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to play with them more this weekend. If you're in the Virginia Beach area this weekend and want to give these a test run, kick me a PM. I'll be happy to let you have a look. I'll be in DC next weekend.
Also, let me know if you have any specific questions you'd like to have addressed.
Disclaimer: Second half of this was typed after a night out with an old Navy buddy who I hadn't seen in 8 years. If something I've said doesn't make sense don't hesitate to point it out...I won't be offended in the least.
Hope this helps.
The skinny:
* Size is about the same. Zeiss is a little lighter.
* Glass is really good on both. I can't tell a difference. It's what you would expect from these two premier companies. Non-factor in my opinion.
* Reticle on the Zeiss is WAY better. I had no issue with the size of the Swaro reticle like others have noticed. However, the reticle on the Swaro is not anywhere near as crisp as the Zeiss. I'd compare the Swaro to the fuzzy reticle on an Eotech, where the Zeiss would be like an illuminated USO or such. What's much worse with the Swaro is how it fades if your eye drifts from center. It gets very annoying. The Zeiss is clear and bright and always right there.
* Ranging: I can say definitively that the Swaro ranges better than the Zeiss. No doubt about it. How much better I can't yet say. Unfortunately, Fedex came right before sunset, so I wasn't able to get much time testing today. However, the farthest I was able to range with the Zeiss was a little over 1300m on a house. The Swaro was hitting houses well past 1800m, and I was able to hit one at 1967m. More impressively, I was hitting tree tops at 1600m+. I did notice some erroneous readings at longer distances with the Swaro. This was mostly on a tanker sitting out in Chesapeake Bay. I got hits ranging from 1500m+ to a little over 400m, and everywhere in between. Most of the time it wouldn't range. Probably issues with having a reflective surface at an angle to the unit. Also, I suspect the short readings were probably coming off of waves, which, would be impressive in itself. However, the Zeiss either ranged targets over the water either immediately or not at all (never hit the tanker but did hit small boats, old remnants of piers, etc. to 1000m). For those of you who haven't handled these two units, there's actually something reassuring about this characteristic with the Zeiss. Even though it doesn't range as far, when it does range it is instant and reliable.
My initial impression: if you need an LRF for .308 botlface-type rounds the Zeiss is awesome. Thinking about ranging for 7WSM, .300/.338+ chamberings consider the Swaro.
Bottom line: anyone who compares these side by side will want the Zeiss unit with Swaro ranging capabilities. Not definitive help, I know, but the honest truth.
This is just a very short, dirty review of two top rangefinders. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to play with them more this weekend. If you're in the Virginia Beach area this weekend and want to give these a test run, kick me a PM. I'll be happy to let you have a look. I'll be in DC next weekend.
Also, let me know if you have any specific questions you'd like to have addressed.
Disclaimer: Second half of this was typed after a night out with an old Navy buddy who I hadn't seen in 8 years. If something I've said doesn't make sense don't hesitate to point it out...I won't be offended in the least.
Hope this helps.