PatagonHunter,

It must be admitted that the German and Austrian optics are currently the best.
Personally I have simple tastes and I'm satisfied with the lightweight Z3 from SWAROVSKI but I owe to the truth in recognizing that the ZEISS scopes, Victory HT or V8 are absolutely superb in terms of light transmission and image sharpness.
Although I prefer to use a 3.5-18x44 Z5 on my technical mountain rifles, I think it's hard to beat a V8 for long range shooting ... as long as you are ready to live with its monstrous clutter and weight.
With a body of 36mm it is better to use a ZM rail for the rear claw mount and as for the toughness, a V8 is just as resistant as a military series S&B and to date I have not heard or know any problems with these scopes, even mounted on 8x68S or other breaking caliber.
Obviously this is only my personal opinion.

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com