Need Advice - Leupold VX5 HD 3-15x44 or Zeiss V4 4-16x44

[Medina Mack]

Looking at upgrading to a target/hunting scope for a Ruger #1 in 300 win caliber. Does the new Zeiss V4 4-16x44 have better glass or the Leupold VX5 HD 3-15x44. Will likely spend more time at the range than actually in the field hunting so clarity of optics and lack of glare is most important. I have a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 and I struggle with glare until I added the sunshade. Any advice?

 

[NorsemanAlaska]

Hey Mack, since no one has responded then I will =-}
We own at last count 54 pieces of Leupold optics. Over 40+ years I've only had to send ONE back for service due to the eye piece unscrewing and it lost it's nitrogen fill. They refilled and purged it and sent it back at no cost. We've hunted in our home state of Alaska for decades in all types of weather. We've hunted all over the US, Africa 3 times, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand...Never had an issue. Plus Leupold is American made and out of Oregon. I've called or emailed them countless times for technical advice or with questions and they ALWAYS answer fast. They even sent us 2 sets of free target knobs for our 2 - 6.5-20x50 Vari-X 3 scopes. They have the clearest glass I've ever seen because they have a patented lens coating application. Clarity is amazing especially at dawn or dusk when a lot of critters are harvested due to their patented lens coating system. If I were you I'd go to a gun store and look through both scopes: I can almost guarantee that you'll see better and more clear with the Leupold.... Good luck.

 

[Sykes]

I have the Leupold vx5 3-15x44 and the zeiss v4 6-24x50. The Zeiss is a nice scope, glass is clear even up at the high end and the elevation turret has a good feel to the clicks. I don't have much time behind it yet but so far I like it. The only complaint I have is the crosshairs are a little too thick for my taste. I have the ZMOA1 reticle. With that said I like the Leupold better. Glass and field of view seem a little bit better. I like the CDS ZL2 better also. The VX5 is just all around a really nice scope IMO. And looks really good mounted on a rifle!

 

[Achapa87]

Following

 

[Medina Mack]

Thanks for the replies. Leupold it is! Looking forward for getting new Leupold glass on this classic Ruger #1. The old scope on this gun was a Leupold Vari III 2.5-8X32 that I sold on ebay a few weeks ago for $370. I paid $200 for it 28 years ago so I know Leupold should hold its value. This old scope was still extremely bright and clear.

 

[the hunter]

I love my vx5hd 3-15x44mm, on my bergara B-14 300wm.

 

[jjmp]

Don't own these two scopes, but there's more then a few members on our forum that do own these or have had them , but they can't field all answers on all posts ,2nd best would be reading their post ,little research goes a long ways , the info here in your forums , thks

 

[JJMoody]

Gotta say, just mounted up a new v4 6-24 and initially, I'm pretty impressed. also not much time on it yet, but I like the reticle and the glass is great. Way lighter than the NXS that is now moving to my new 28. I know they're not even close to the same class. Looking forward to running it though some paces.

 

[the hunter]

Gotta say, just mounted up a new v4 6-24 and initially, I'm pretty impressed. also not much time on it yet, but I like the reticle and the glass is great. Way lighter than the NXS that is now moving to my new 28. I know they're not even close to the same class. Looking forward to running it though some paces.

How does the glass in the v4 compere to the NXS.

 

[the hunter]

Gotta say, just mounted up a new v4 6-24 and initially, I'm pretty impressed. also not much time on it yet, but I like the reticle and the glass is great. Way lighter than the NXS that is now moving to my new 28. I know they're not even close to the same class. Looking forward to running it though some paces.

How does the glass in the v4 compere to the NXS.

 

[JJMoody]

Not much time on it yet. I'm sure the nxs will beat it out all around but the v4 is very bright and clear at a glance. It could be just me, but I've never been super impressed with the glass on my nxs. It's good not great. I trust it completely though

 

[Weatherby Fan]

I have both and prefer the optics and the turret on my V4 over the Leupold 3-15x44, mind you can't really complain about the Leupold as its been awesome so far, and you do get a free turret if wanted.

Just a word of caution with the Zeiss V4 4-16x44 it has a short tube and I couldn't mount it on a Remington Long action with Low Talleys, the magnification adjustment bell hits the foot of the rear base, not so with the either of my Leupold VX5 HD 3-15x44 or VX6 HD 3-18x44, both cleared fine with adjustment for eye relief

My buddy bought the Zeiss V6 3-18x50 and it did fit and clear the barrel and mounts on the same rifle Rem 700 LA with low Talleys

 

[Rflamm250]

I have several vx-6 models and a ziess hd5, both are comparable glass. The Leupolds are lighter and more compact.

 

[the hunter]

I was just able to test the glass in my leupold vx5hd, on the deer in my back yard. At 8:07 at night, I was able to count 5 does in the back yard with almost no trouble at all, I was amazed at the low light clarity and crispness of the glass! I do not know much about the ziess v4, but I love the low turrit on the vx5hd.