New Long-Range Scopes from Swarovski and Leica
If you are looking for a premium riflescope with 25-26X max magnification, there are two impressive new options, and both come from Europe. Swarovski just announced its new X5 5-25x56mm scope while Leica has unveiled the new ER 6.5-26x56mm LRS. Intended for long-range shooting, both these scopes offer razor-sharp glass and some advanced features. The Swaro offers 20 MOA per revolution, plus a unique “Sub-zero” capability. The Leica has some interesting reticles and an attractive price.
| Scope Brand/Model | Max Power | Elevation | Clicks | Tube | Lume | Est. Price |
| Swaro X5 5-25x56mm | 25X | 82 MOA | 1/4 or 1/8 MOA | 30mm | Optional | $3300/$3500(i) |
| Leica ER 6.5-26×56 LRS | 26X | 120 cm* | 1/6 MOA* | 30mm | No | $2089** |
* This is at 100m for the Euro version with 0.5cm click values (1/6 MOA). Leica has not published MOA elevation. 120 cm at 100m works out to about 41 MOA at 100 yards.
** Based on €1990.00 (Euros) stated price. The actual price, as sold in the USA, could be higher.
Swarovski X5 5-25x56mm
Swarovski recently unveiled its new X5 series of second focal plane scopes for long-range shooting. There will be two models, a 3-18x50mm and a 5-25x56mm. Both are available in standard and illuminated versions, the latter designated as X5(i). Long-range reticles with be available with either 1 MOA or 2 MOA stadia hash-marks. The 5-25X model offers either 1/4-MOA or 1/8-MOA clicks.
Swaroski says: “The X5 series has been developed specifically with the long range shooter/hunter in mind. The newly-designed turrets allow for 20 MOA per revolution, have a viewing window to show the user what revolution he or she is on. At the heart of the X5(i) is a Spring Retention and Lever System that exerts the same pressure on both turrets from the inversion system regardless of positioning. This assures maximum accuracy and repeatability.”
Check Out Features of Swarovski X5 Riflescopes
The 5-25x56mm X5 has a lot of elevation travel — 82 MOA. And this is a rugged scope — the elevation, windage, and parallax turrets, as well as the inversion system are built with stainless steel components. This enhances component longevity and durability.
X5 Offers Dual Zeros (for Long Range and Short Range
The Swarovski X5 scopes boast a new “Subzero” Function. This innovative feature allows the shooter to instantly come down 10 MOA (40 clicks) from a pre-set zero. That’s a nice option for training, letting you quickly switch from near to far. The new X5(i) Rifle Scope will be available in two different models, X5(i) 3.5-18×50 and X5(i) 5-25×56, in Fall 2015. For more information, visit Swarovskioptik.com.
Leica ER 6.5-25x56mm LRS
With 26X magnification on tap, the ER 6.5-26x56mm LRS riflescope is suitable for long-range hunting as well as many target disciplines. The new Leica ER 6.5-26×56 LRS offers ultra-sharp glass with low color fringe (chromatic aberration). This is a big advantage when viewing high-contrast subjects such as black-on-white targets. Eye relief is ample, and the scope offers a -4 to +3 Diopter compensation. Three reticle options are offered including two Ballistic reticles with elevation lines and horizontal (windage) hash marks.
With a rugged, aluminum “mono-body” main tube, the Leica is waterproof and fog-proof. Like all of Leica’s ER riflescopes, the ER 6.5-26x50mm LRS features a high-tech glass coating process technology. The scope is bright, with 91% light transmission. The HD glass elements are precision-ground with a state-of-the-art laser-guided production process.
Leica Pricing is Attractive
The new Leica ER 6.5-25x56mm is priced competitively. At the IWA show in Germany this month, Leica said the scope should retail for about 1990.00 Euros, which works out to $2089.00 U.S. Dollars at current exchange rates. Even if the “as imported” price goes up for the U.S. Market, that makes the scope much less expensive than Swarovski’s X5 5-25x56mm scope, and less than some comparable US-made optics.
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Tags: Ballistic Reticle, Leica, Long-Range, Reticles, SubZero, Swarovski
I really question if such a high priced scope is justified. Even budget scopes today allow you to see very clearly and very well.
While there will always be the price conversation, I am more interested in the technology lag and seeing how long it takes the “old” companies to turn to new developments in shooting.
When you look at it like this, March Scopes really are a game changer. My 5-40x FFP does all the things listed above and goes way above the 25 power max.
And the March costs $3360 – $3675.
And the March does so much more…
I think the key take away for me from this article, and subsequent comments, is that the ELR marketplace is now getting crowded and manufacturers are looking at each other for technological gain. Innovation will come from the smaller companies; when their ideas become mainstream … well then you get a range of price points for customers to make a choice from.
Both scopes are a bit of a stabs in the dark and seem to be about a decade late to the party, 30mm tube ,wierd reticles really come on.
These 2 company’s have always been hunting scope pros so I’m sure they have the no how to get on the game. To me a 15-55 power Nightforce will do all a man ever needs and is a 1000 cheaper. Hell a sightron is 2000 cheaper and is a great scope but these are just some new options In the tacticle/ long range scopes.
The March 5-40 FFP is the new standard for FTR and F Open competition in my opinion.
Day late and dollar short.
Looks like the big companies are producing a ‘target’ scope without actually talking to the ‘target’ audience?
Then throw in the odd gimmick.
If i am not mistaken, these two company make there own glass, one in Austria one in Germany. Not a lot of company can say that. And even fewer can say my glass is as good as Leica or Swarovski. These two company where not force to make it in the F-class shooting sport to survive, they keep there niche witch is hunting. They are aimed at the long range hunting community, and should be reviewed as such. For being late at producing them, I say it is probably because it takes more time to R&D compare to Japan glass or Chinese. As for the price, take Schott, from Germany they make some of the best optic glass there is. As a consequence the price of scope having these glass are expensive. I am not saying Japanese glass are not good, Nightforce, March and other company uses them, they must be good. We just need to appreciate the difference.
I think Mike has summed it up nicely with his comments about the big scope makers in that they are slow to change and tend to react to changes in the shooting community.
Look at the way Nightforce shook up long range precision shooting 20 years ago, and the way March is doing the same now.
Swarovski was the first company to introduce a laser range finder in one of their scope and that was about 20 years ago! They were ahead of bushnell,Nikon and burris who actually joined together to share r&d costs to develop their on system later on. Swarovski were way ahead of their time. The unit was bulky, used a lot of batteries and was more than $4000 . And almost nobody here would have spend that much on a scope at that time. I am not sure if they sold a lot and if they ever recoup their investment. But they were way ahead in that game then. Maybe they learn a few lessons from it? And this is why they come that late out with those new long range scope? And remember, their market is wealthy hunters not target shooters.
march owners… always the salesmen.
I really question if such a high priced scope is justified.
I must say i issue when this kind of costly opportunity will be warranted..
Long range scopes with no discussion of FFP or SFP? Useless.