Broz
Comparing apples to apples, the ATACR 4~16x50 F2 is only 4 3/4 oz. heavier that the X5i in 18X. I am comparing both illuminated models. The height of the Iphil Tower turret design on the X5 is a turn off to me. Pretty cumbersome going in and out of scabbards. Add in the special tool and method to set zero stop and I really prefer the NF turret design. And I much prefer the feel of the NF detents and clicks. And I don't particularly care for the hard spot each revolution of the X5 as it clicks the revolution counter either.
The ATACR 4~16 is $500 less from online pricing using optics planet and euro optics.
The objective mounted illuminated reticle controls of the X5i are a bit unpleasing to the eye. I prefer the hidden design, location and operation of the NF digilume more. A lot more.
I have used and beaten NF products for years. I have also used and beaten Swaro products for years. I have had several items repaired by swaro, some same items multiple times. In fact by bino's need to go in for a second rebuild, but in their defense they are old. I have had zero that needed repair by NF. This and the overall feel and design of the X5i have gives me the feeling I already know which is the most robust optic. But to be fair here, the X5i is functioning just fine.
I bought the x5i after trusted friends bragged on it. I wanted to try one for myself to be informed for my own personal needs. I hear all the time how much better the Swaro glass is. Well, I don't see it one bit. The ED glass in the ATACR is plenty good for my 58 yr old eyes. Some of this opinion is coming from using the Swaro AT 80 HD spotter for years that I often had to back off 60x a bit for a perfect image, then going to the NF TS-2 and running it on 70X with clear images now for about 5 yrs. Again, I hear the Swaro glass is WAY better, I just don't see it. Maybe its my eyes, or, I may need to put my beer goggles on to see the true beauty?
Last but not least, and I wont go into detail. But I get the impression Swaro does not approve of some types of legal hunting I do. I hunt bear, I hunt cats, and I hunt wolves. Below is a beautiful picture capturing the camaraderie of some great friends and hunters as we reflect on a great and well planned hunt with the X5i front and center. Swaro wants no part of it. I prefer to support companies that support all types of legal hunting. So this does effect how I feel about the product.
This is just a post based on honest opinion after lots of time and miles with each product. Neither company advertises on my site, this is just how I feel.
Jeff
Fair and useful review. Nice wolf.