If you take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the first scopes that were ever designed, it is scary to imagine the technology implemented in new hunting scopes. These copes are a portable computer with laser technology that does all the work for you, allowing you to be in a position to improve accuracy and hunting success.
There are tons of hunting scopes on the market today, many of them are still basic, but some of the more advanced models like the Swarovski dS 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope is making strides in popular culture as a go-to scope. In the following article, we will have a look at the Swarovski dS 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope to find out if it is the scope for you.
Review Of The Swarovski Ds 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope
Let’s start off with the specs of this rangefinder scope.
Technical Specifications
Before we break down the different features and give you an in-depth look at these copes, you need to understand some of the technical specifications. These specifications make it easy when comparing scopes and you have all the important information in a single section:
Magnification: 5-25X
Objective Lens Diameter: 48-52mm
Field Of View: 95mm
Eye Relief: 9.6 – 2.1 mm
Light Transmission: 83%
Functional Temperature: -10 °C to 55 °C
Once you have a basic understanding of the key specification, you can look at the scope as a whole. Whilst reviewing the scope, we considered practicality and how it stacks up when compared to some of the competitors. In the following section, you will find an in-depth analysis of the Swarovski dS 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope:
Overall Design
The first thing that will draw your attention to the Swarovski dS 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope is the quality of the design. The scope features a study built with an aircraft aluminum tube used for the main part of the scope. It includes a black matte finish and a length of around 15.86-inches, but the weight is only 38.44-ounces.
The durability of the scope is in another class and according to the manufacturer; it should be waterproof for up to 4-meters. It might be one of the longer scopes, but once mounted to the rifle, it will fit snug and make it easy for you to shoot without worrying about flimsy durability or lack of features.
Overall Performance
The main reason for most of you reading this review is to see how the scope performs in practice. The scope itself features a built-in rangefinder, which is accurate to around 1-yard. This level of accuracy is common in many Bushnell rangefinders on the market today. The automatic aiming correction is great for compensation, which removes the thinking and adjusting for you as the shooter.
In terms of the magnification, most standard hunting scopes are only 8X, which means the Swarovski dS 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope is slightly better at getting you close to your target. The 52mm objective lens is the largest option in the series and will give you up to 83% light transmission, which makes the scope functional in twilight conditions.
Arguably the best rangefinder scope on the market, the Swarovski dS PL riflescope impresses. While it does cost a pretty penny, you get every cents worth in it.
Moving on to the physical aiming side of the scope, you will have a standard illuminated 4A reticle, which includes the dS technology provided in the second focal plane. As mentioned, the automatic aim adjustment will keep you on target, but it also tends to make the image larger of your target at these ranges. Compensation is virtually removed from the user’s responsibilities.
Finally, we have to look at the battery of the scope. Since all of these features need some form of power, it is worth noting that Swarovski has included a power source. The scope will use standard CR123A batteries but has many features for automatic shut-off. One of these features will also give you an indication once the batteries run low.
PS If you are looking for other solid options of rangefinder scopes we have a post of the best rangefinder scopes of 2021 here.
The dS Configuration App Explained
Scopes with automatic compensation and incredible durability is not enough to make it stand out when compared to many of the others on the market today. The Swarovski dS 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope includes the dS configuration application, which means you can connect the scope to your mobile device using Bluetooth.
The application makes it easier for the user to adjust some of the settings on the scope instead of having to turn the turret. While you won’t be able to adjust everything, there are a few things that you can adjust to the scope. Here is a small breakdown of the features that can be adjusted using the dS Configuration App:
- Ammunition data
- Ideal distance output (Yards/Meters)
- Overall brightness
- Aiming point sizes
- Windage and elevation
- Wind speed calculations
These are some of the major adjustments and modifications one can make. However, there are a lot more that the app will provide you. Once you start playing around with the scope and the application, you will find out how intrinsic it is. The user manual is a great way to get a grip on all the different features available.
Pros
- dS Configuration App: The app makes it much easier for the user to make adjustments to the scope and find the perfect aim setting for better accuracy.
- Durability: It is no secret that a 4-meter depth rating is impressive for a scope that relies on technology and batteries. However, we don’t recommend putting it in water.
- Magnification: At 25X magnification when used at full power, you can be sure that you will be very close to your target.
- Auto-aim Correction: Not everyone is skilled in such a way that they understand how to compensate. With auto compensation, you simply need to focus on the target and pull the trigger.
- Overall Design: It is hard to fault the overall design of the Swarovski brand as the scope is one of the highly-rated options available. It will not only look great, but each component is very useful.
Cons
- Price: To be completely honest, there are no real downsides to the scope, but it can be expensive for many beginners. You might find that the scope is more expensive than your hunting rifle. However, it is still worth it when you shoot at long range.
Arguably the best rangefinder scope on the market, the Swarovski dS PL riflescope impresses. While it does cost a pretty penny, you get every cents worth in it.
Final Verdict
As mentioned, it is hard to find any fault in the Swarovski dS 5-25×52 P Rangefinder Scope. It might sound like a complex setup, but the dS application makes it so easy that even beginners will find it useful. In terms of usability, there are almost no faults in the scope and it is very effective. We would highly recommend it for the value and quality.
