Z8i vs DS Gen II — swap worth it?

[adi]

Hi all,


I currently have a Swarovski Z8i 3.5–28x50, but I’ve been offered an almost-new Swarovski DS Gen II 5–25x52 in a straight swap for mine.


The offer is genuine — the other person isn’t very tech-savvy and finds the DS features overwhelming.


The scope will be used for deer stalking, so I’m wondering:
Would you recommend making the switch to the DS Gen II, or should I stick with my Z8i?


Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

​

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

I’ve got a DS2 (from Ivythorn) I really like it and I’ve found the ballistic calculation to be very accurate when practicing on targets with my 6.5creedmoor. It is also very fast to do, literally press a button and it will tell you how high or low to shoot. Can’t wait to try it on an exmoor red deer!

2x negatives on the DS2. The low light performance is definitely not awe inspiring. It is also HUGE!!!

If you are confident with dialling in your turrets to different ranges and/or using the reticle on your z8i then I’d say keep it as it will be a bit better optically.

If you want to quickly know the elevation at varying ranges, inclines and even atmospheric pressures at the press of a button then go with the DS2.

Or just swap because it’s fun to try new stuff and you are getting the sweeter side of the deal financially.

 

[HonestJohn]

Don’t do it. They are terrible not just in low light. But when light starts to fade in/out. That’s why he wants to swap! You should rethink that friendship

 

[gixer1]

Keep your Z8 and learn what your drops are and use the ballistic turret - the loss of light transmission and added weight are the downsides - also, they are only as good as the info you input, so sh*te in, sh*te out!

Seen some issues with DS’s not working, or running out of distance when long range gong bashing.

Regards,
Goxer

 

[AM_Lillycombe]

Don’t do it. They are terrible not just in low light. But when light starts to fade in/out. That’s why he wants to swap! You should rethink that friendship

Come on…”Terrible” is a bit of an overstatement. But agreed definitely not as good as a Z8i.

The low light performance is comparable to what I’ve experienced from middle of the road brands. You might loose 5mins or 10mins compared to the z8i.

 

[wytonpjs]

I've been running a Gen 1 DS for years and its been very dependable. A couple of years back I did a side by side comparison with a mate's Z8i as we "staked-out" a ride waiting for reds - he won but only by 5 minutes! I've not found the loss of last light performance to be sufficient to persuade me to ditch it - I do however wish it weighed less. For me, its a great culling tool.

 

[ValleyPursuits]

If you buy the DS make sure you always have a spare battery with while out hunting…

 

[paulbshooting]

Depends what you want to acheive. Be inclined to keep the Z8. Maybe retrofit the elevation turret if you want to stretch its legs more

 

[webley701]

Adi,

What distances do you typically shoot at?

 

[adi]

Many thanks for all your replies. I bought the BTF’s but ended up returning them, as I realised that if I move to the DS Gen 2, I wouldn’t need them.
The shop where I bought my Z8i had a DS Gen 2 that had been returned by a customer who found it too technical and wanted something simpler, so he switched to a regular Z8i. The DS Gen 2 is in like-new condition, comes with a full warranty, and even has Swarovski front and back lens covers.

I had a look at it and thought it might be a good upgrade from my Z8i—offering similar or better quality/range finding features, but being the more expensive model, it feels like a good deal.

That said, I’m still unsure whether I should go ahead and trade in my Z8i.

@webley701 Mostly shooting at 100–150 yards, with a few exceptions up to 275 yards, but I also like to practice on gongs at distances of up to around 500 yards.

 

[Hill searcher]

If shooting at distance you probably have time with the z8 to work out your drop. I have been using a DS on a 6.5 on the open hill for 5 plus years now with no issues. It's a heavier scope then so is an alpex. I carry mine in a vorn backpack so it spreads the weight. Use what gives you the confidence.