The Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 was first introduced in 2016 at the IWA fair. This model is one of the six models in the Z8i series that Swarovski displayed at this show. The Z8i series is noteworthy for its eight times zoom–a feature that had never been seen before on a Swarovski scope.
Swarovski Z8i series
The new and improved Swarovski Z8i line comes a few years after the release of the much-loved Swarovski Z6i series. These top-of-the-range rifle scopes are perfect for hunters, boasting an 8x zoom range and a high light transmission rate that provides clear shots in any conditions, even at long distances and in low light.
Z8i scopes have an adjustable illumination system on the eyepiece that can be used in any situation. The Swarolight function automatically shuts off the scope when the rifle is not in a shooting position, and the wide view angle allows for easy use in any setting.
The following models are included in the Z8i series:
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24
- Swarovski Z8i 0.75-6×20 (introduced later)
- Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13.3×42
- Swarovski Z8i 2-16×50
- Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18×56
- Swarovski Z8i 3.5-28×50 (introduced later)
You can watch the entire Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 Review below
Interested in Z8i 1-8×24?
Improved features compared to Z6i
The newer Z8i series from Swarovski is an upgrade in design compared to the older line, the Z6i. The upgraded features in the new Z8i series include:
- Firstly, the scopes have a higher light transmission rate – or at least that’s what is claimed.
- The Z8i scopes have an 8x zoom factor.
- The Z8i scopes have a wider field of view.
Physical properties of Z8i 1-8×24 riflescope
The Z8i 1-8×24 riflescope was, at one point, the smallest model in the Z8i series. However, that is no longer the case; a new smaller model has been introduced to the line – enter the Z8i 0.75-6×20.
The 1-8×24 scope is designed for driven hunts, but many people also use it in sport shooting and dynamic competitions.
At 30 cm in length and 500 g in weight, the Z8i 1-8×24 scope is only slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, the Z6i 1-6×24 model.
Turrets
The Z8i 1-8×24 features standard hunting, capped low-profile turrets which I think are now much nicer than they were before. The click is audible and crisp. Everything is as expected, and for the first time, you can use the ballistic turret flex on any scope model in the series you wish.
The new turrets are a great improvement from the older Z6i model where you had to send some scope models back to the factory in order to get the BT installed. You were not able to buy the smallest Z6i 1-6×24 model with a ballistic turret, but now with the release of the Z8i series you can. In fact, you can have ballistic turrets on all models, even on 1-8×24 and 0.75-6×20.
The turrets on the Z8i can be reset. One click on the turrets equals a 1 centimeter on 100 meters.
The cap on the windage turret also holds a spare battery.
Reticle
The Z8i 1-8×24 has a second focal plane reticle with four different styles to choose from:
- 4A-I reticle,
- 4A-IF reticle,
- BRT-I reticle and
- LD-I reticle.
All reticles are thin and feature strong illumination that can be used during the day.
Z8i also introduced a new type of reticle called 4A-IF, which is an illuminated flex dot. This means that you can choose to have an illuminated circle around the dot or turn off the illuminated circle so that only the dot is illuminated. I think this innovation from Swarovski was executed very well; it’s something we haven’t seen before.
Interested in Reticle 4A-IF? Watch our Reticle Subtension Video Below
Interested in Reticle LD-I? Watch our Reticle Subtension Video Below
Interested in Reticle 4A-I? Watch our Reticle Subtension Video Below
Illumination system
Z8i 1-8×24 has similar illumination system located on the eyepiece as Z6i. You can choose between two standard settings:
- the first setting is for daytime use (switch turned on the right side) and
- the second setting is for low-light use (switch turned on the left side).
There are also plus and minus buttons on top of the illumination system that you can use to fine-tune the intensity level.
No matter the lighting conditions, you can be sure that this scope will work. You’ll also be able to adjust the illumination intensity to fit your needs perfectly. With one of the best illumination systems on the market, you won’t be disappointed with this product.
In addition, the scope has Swarolight technology. That’s a feature that senses when you tilt the riflescope sideways or up and down and extinguish illumination to preserve the battery. Once you’re back in the horizontal shooting position it automatically comes on again–it happens so fast that you’ll be ready to shoot immediately.
As you can see the illumination system is top-notch, but that’s to be expected given that the scope costs almost 2,500 euros.
Optical performance
The Z8i 1-8×24 is easy to use with both eyes open, has a great eye box, and produces an outstanding image. I was shocked at how clear it was from edge to edge; as a result, resolution in the center wasn’t even an issue.
This scope has real-time 1x magnification which allows you to keep both eyes open while using it. It offers an extremely wide field of view; 42 meters at 100 meters.
Mounting solution
The Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 can come with a Swarovski SR rail or the 30mm tube. With the former, you will need an SR rail mount to affix it to your rifle. The latter necessitates 30mm scope mounts for mounting on the rifle.
Looking for a scope mount for Z8i 1-8×24?
Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 price and warranty
The Z8i 1-8×24 is made in Austria and comes with a 10-year warranty. The 2620€ is the base price, but there are other options you can choose from that come at an extra cost.
For instance, if you were to add the SR rail, it would cost an additional 50€. Another option that would raise the price is choosing the 4A-IF reticle, which costs 260€. If you want a BDF elevation turret, it’ll be 290€. However, if you want both a BTF elevation and windage turret, it’ll cost 580€ more than the base price.
Scope of delivery
The Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 rifle scope includes:
- high-quality bikini covers,
- instruction manuals and
- lens cloth.
You may also purchase the following accessories for this riflescope:
- Swarovski PBR for BTF
- Swarovski TL Throw Lever
- Swarovski BTF Ballistic Turret Flex
- Swarovski CSO Cleaning Set
- Swarovski Scope Guard (Neoprene)
Cons
It’s hard to find areas that need improvement. There is almost no room for improvement anymore. Of course, everybody would love to have 1-10 or 1-20 models or anything like this, but it is probably physically impossible. It’s extremely tough to come up with something for this riflescope. One potential improvement would be to create the ballistic turret from a tougher material, like metal.
Cons summary:
- plastic turrets
Pros
Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 is one of the best wide-angle scopes on the market. It offers a great illumination system and mounting with either SR rail or rings. It’s also quite diverse and offers many good possibilities.
The scope features a wide field of view and excellent optical performance. The image resolution is sharp from edge to edge. The scope is good for hunting and tactical use. It’s very rugged and can withstand heavy recoil.
Another great feature of all Z8i scopes is that all models can be ordered with BTF turrets. If you already own a capped hunting turret model and wish to change it out for a BTF, you can order a BTF turret as an accessory part.
Pros summary:
- great illumination
- wide FOW
- SR rail
- BTF turrets
- great optical performance
Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 vs Z6i 1-6×24
The Z8i 1-8×24 scope is mainly compared to the Z6i 1-6×24 scope because they’re so similar. However, a major distinction between the two is that the turrets are very different on each one. The other blatant difference is in their maximum magnification power; while the Z8i goes up to 8 times, the Z6i only reaches 6 times magnification.
The illumination system housing is designed a bit differently, and that’s the only difference between the two scopes from 1-6x magnification. They appear very similar otherwise. The reticle is also very similar in both models.
The build difference between the Z8i and Z6i models is that the former has a battery stored in the side turret, whereas the latter stores its battery in the eyepiece illumination system. In this regard, the new Z8i is a little bit more elegant. The battery compartment for the illumination system is much smaller and more elegant on the Z8i.
The newer model of the Z6iscope, which is the second generation, has redesigned illumination compartments to look less bulky than the first generation. Based on this observation, I think that out of all the new models in the Z8i line, the 1-8×24 model will have more difficulty selling better than its predecessor–the Z6i 1-6×24 scope.
Final thoughts
The Z8i 1-8×24 is the only model in the new Z8i line, which will have difficulty competing with the cheaper Z6i. The main reason for this is that most people only use 1x magnification when looking through a scope, and at 1x magnification there isn’t much difference between the two models.
Even though the old model was already a great scope, I would recommend the new Z8i series more because of its redesigned illumination system, better turrets, and increased magnification power. Also the possibility of adding the BTF turret is another great feature.
Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 Relevant Comparisons
Do you want to know how this product compares to others in its class? Check out the following relevant comparisons:
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 VS Swarovski Z8i 0.75-6×20
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 VS Schmidt & Bender 1-8×24 Exos
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 VS Zeiss Victory V8 1.1-8×30
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 vs Blaser Infinity 1-7×28
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 VS Geco Gold 1-8×24
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 vs Leica Magnus 1-6.3×24 i
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 VS Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24
Similar Reviews
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- Leica Magnus 1-6.3×24 i Riflescope Review | Optics Trade Reviews
- Swarovski Z6i 1-6×24 Riflescope Review | Optics Trade Reviews
- Swarovski Z8i 0.75-6×20 Rifle Scope Review | Optics Trade Reviews