Zeiss or Leupold...need opinions

[Cover Dog]

I would appreciate the opinions of the very knowledgable shooters on this board.

I am in the market for a new scope for a varmint rig but haven't pulled the trigger, can't make up my mind between Zeiss or Leupold. Both will have their companies varmint hunter reticle.

Zeiss is a Conquest 6.5-20x50 1" tube and the Leupold would be a VX-3 8.5-25x50 30mm tube. Rings will be Burris Sig. Zee w/inserts.

I would be greatful for any comments you may have.

Cover Dog

 

[dls56]

Both are great companies with exceptional products. My varmint scopes are both Nikon Monarchs but I have several Leupold variables along with a fixed 4x that are great scopes, tough as nails. My one and only Zeiss Conquest gets to go deer hunting more than any others though, the early and late clearity just adds those few crucial minutes that can make the season turn from ordinary to unforgettable. Tough call but my experiences give Zeiss an edge great reticle and fabulous glass.

 

[Tikkamike]

I have both and I would say get on the zeiss website and use the rapid z calculator and see how your rifle matches up with what they have. then take a leupold book and figure out how that matches up with your rifle and pick the one that comes closest to the intended values for each line if they are the same decide based on looks or feel or both... you cant go wrong with either.

 

[outfitter55]

I have leupold ,burris signatures, and zeiss. wish they were all zeiss !

 

[Savage 300 wsm]

I would go with Zeiss, better lighting when u need it most. But both are great.

 

[wasgas]

I almost bought the Zeiss but instaed got the 8.5-25 VXIII, it is a quality scope but the clarity is not so good, I went with it for the longer eye relief but if I did not need the full 4" I would go with a Vortex.

PS I would trade my VXIII for a Zeiss now if I had the chance.

 

[Tikkamike]

I almost bought the Zeiss but instaed got the 8.5-25 VXIII, it is a quality scope but the clarity is not so good, I went with it for the longer eye relief but if I did not need the full 4" I would go with a Vortex.

PS I would trade my VXIII for a Zeiss now if I had the chance.

If your Leupold is not clear then send it in they will fix it for free. I have Zeiss Leupold Leica and Swarovski glass and I know for a fact the Leupolds are just as clear as anything else I own

 

[opticspecialist]

zeiss all the way, esp. for varmint hunting. they are better scopes all around, better clarity, contract, low light performance, and the calculator they back the rapid z reticles up with is dead on. zeiss all the way.

 

[TrentSwanson]

I may sound like a broken record, but go with the ZEISS!

Call the guys at the Outdoorsmans at 800-291-8065. They are longrange shooters and varminters... plus they sell Zeiss!

 

[highridge1]

I put a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 on my 338 edge and I am very happy with it. Adjustments are excellent and it is a super clear scope.

 

[Cover Dog]

A heart felt "thank you" to all who took the time to respond with your opinions. Today I was able to compare both side by side at Cabela's in Michigan. That made the choice easy.

My new Zeiss Conquest should be here on Friday. Purchased from Doug at Cameraland. After odering it I went to the Zeiss web site and found out they started on June 1st, offering a $150 rebate on the Conquest with the varmint hunter reticle. I bought a demo, don't know if it will qualify or not. Either way I got a good deal on what should be a great scope.

thanks again,

Cover Dog

 

[trebark]

cover dog...

sorry to get to the party late, but one other consideration is that Zeiss turrets turn in the opposite direction as most other brands (like Leupold). So if you have other brands of scopes you will want to be sure which way you're twisting the dials.