zeiss conquest vs. leupold

[Jimm]

howdy folks, a newbie here,sure do like all the info here.since i cant compare them side by side i thought i might ask if anyone has experience with both the zeiss conquest in 6.5x20x50 vs. leupold 6.5x20x50 lrt.any input appreciated.thanks, jimm

 

[winmagman]

jimm
I looked at both side by side, my 300 WM wears the 6.5x20 Conquest as does my 6.5-284, and as soon as I can save the coin the 243 I'm building is going to wear the 4.5x14 Conquest.
To my eyes the difference was clear, Zeiss hands down. Thats just one guys opinion,I'm sure you'll get more.
Chris

 

[Guest]

if you have the $$ for Zeiss go with S&B PM II or PM III ( 4-16 ) the turrets and clicks are hands down better.... and from experience so are the optics....

 

[bailey1474]

Both are quality glass. I also looked at both and chose the Zeiss. Seemed to be brighter and clearer and eye releif didn't seem as critical on the Zeiss.

 

[goodgrouper]

Jimm,
I would strongly encourage you to take a look at the IBS or NBRSA 1000 yard and 200 yard equipment lists. You can see them in the match reports in the benchrest newsletters. I am looking at a 1000 yard one right now from a year ago, and there are 20 shooters. 11 of them are running Leupold Vari-XIII 6.5-20x50 LRT's, 2 are running boosted Leupolds, 5 are running Nightforce 5.5-22x56 NXS's, 1 is using a Unertl, and the last guy is using a Weaver t-16.
On one of the 200 yard matches I am looking at has 25 shooters and 20 of them are using various Leupold benchrest models in different magnifications, and the other 5 are using Weavers.
These are just two examples of hundreds that show the guys who are shooting for money use Leupolds by vast majority! Of course, I would recommend the one that looks best for you, but I think the records stand for themselves and Leupolds optics, eye relief, turrets, and repeatability are good enough for competition. Don't look past them. A lot of people I talk to think that anything made in Europe is the best just because it's made in Europe. But then the competitors just use what works and don't get caught up in the Euro-supremacy thing. I won't disagree that Zeiss makes a good scope, but so does Leupold and they're often less money!
That being said, I better put on my cup cause I feel I'm going to have some Euro's try and kick me in the nuts, but I don't care. I like companies that are born in the good old US of A!!

 

[JonathanLarson]

I like "Made in USA" too, and I check labels /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But, my next scope is going to be an IOR. Also, I have looked through a Zeiss Conquest, the glass is really nice, and it really feels like a quality scope. That same day I checked out a Nikon and a Leupold, I really think the Zeiss glass looked better. These were all 3-9's.

Also, don't most Leupold scopes use a wire reticle? Not that it's a bad thing, but the thought of a glass etched reticle, I really like that.

 

[goodgrouper]

JonathanLarson,
No, Leupold doesn't engrave their glass, and they have a good explantion for that. It's too long to go into right now, but I would encourage you to call and ask them. They are very friendly people over there.
Just one question for you. When you compared these different scopes, was it indoors with flourescent lighting??
The reason I ask is because the coatings on some scopes pick up indoor false light really well and others do not. Through my work, I am priveledged to be able to attend optic seminars every so often and what I learn is fascinating. One seminar in particular was VERY in depth and most of what was said went right over my head like quantum physics, but I did learn about phase shifts, abberations, light bouncing, and chromatic interference. And what I discoverd was that all this scientific mumbo jumbo basically will be interpreted differently by the user's own eye! But, certain light will "fool" the eye under some circumstances, and indoor light was one of the biggest culprits. I was tought that if a customer is really seriously looking at a scope, have them come back just a little before dark and take them out of the store and have a peek. 9 times out of 10, the scope that looked the best to them in the store doesn't appear to be the best at dusk! The one time it doesn't change is the time when that person's eye just really works with that glass/coating combo, and that is definetly the scope for them!

 

[Jimm]

many thanks to all of you.you have supplied much food for thought.i guess in the end a fella has to poop or get off the pot.thanks again , jimm

 

[FrankG3]

I think alot of people are slow to change. I never thought leupold glass was great! wish it was and I would pay extra if it was. I was one of the first people to have NF scopes. And when at the range, The so called experts said Nightforce scopes suck! till they looked through them. Now nightforce is one of the top long range scopes. But if all out glass performance is needed Ziess & S&B blow the doors off of leupold for low light and tough conditions. I wish a american company would make better glass. I use a S&B 4-16-50 PMII It is my favorite. But I would like to see higher magnafication. I have several Nightforce like them to. As far as my general hunting guns Leupolds have been replaced by Ziess conquest and one Nikon 4-16-50 Tactical.

 

[FrankG3]

I think alot of people are slow to change. I never thought leupold glass was great! wish it was and I would pay extra if it was. I was one of the first people to have NF scopes. And when at the range, The so called experts said Nightforce scopes suck! till they looked through them. Now nightforce is one of the top long range scopes. But if all out glass performance is needed Ziess & S&B blow the doors off of leupold for low light and tough conditions. I wish a American company would make better glass. I use a S&B 4-16-50 PMII, It is my favorite. But I would like to see higher magnafication. I have several Nightforce like them to. As far as my general hunting guns Leupolds have been replaced by Ziess conquest and one Nikon 4-16-50 Tactical.

 

[Jimm]

icant help but wonder why nightforce doesnt even have any dealers in my area(that im aware of)also, why doesnt leupold engrave their glass and who else does besides nightforce? the more i learn the less i know, jimm

 

[goodgrouper]

This guy is not in your area, but he seems to have pretty good deals on Nightforce. Check out D & B supply at www.scopeusout.com.

 

[werew]

Another Zeiss fan here. Leupold makes a helluva scope, but the clarity of a Zeiss wins hands down. That along with return to zero and ruggedness. I own (2) 4.5-14 Conquests and have absolutely no regrets whatsoever.

 

[J E Custom]

Jimm

The Zeiss Conquest is a newer scope and a lot of people
are comparing them to older leupold scopes they have

NO question The Zeiss will look better than the older
scopes {any brand}.

The Preceved brightness can be from the focus,lens coating
type of light, Ect.

I recomend that you do side by side comparsions with
both scopes and use the new VarX III of the same size
Max power on both,focus both and then try to read something
way off at least 500yrds or more.

Then look at other features like eye relief{very important
on a hard kicking rifle}

Side focus or front focus.

Lenght& weight.

And price.

Then if possible check for light gathering ability
by seting up before daylight and as light improves
keep looking through each.

They are both good scopes and the decision is yours.

Good luck.