Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leupold vs Zeiss

Which would you choose between these two and why?

1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm
2) Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm

The Conquest in questions has a turret that is not capped.

Both scopes would have a duplex reticle. The Leupold has an illuminated dot where the Zeiss does not. Both SFP.

Intended purpose is for hunting.

I have no experience with the Conquest but I do own the Vx-5 HD firedot duplex. For me it’s the best scope I have used for hunting. Excellent clarity and low light performance. It is not for dialing and range work, no matter how bad you want to after looking at the turrets. I’ve also owned the VX-6HD and it’s not worth the money. It should be 20% more than the 5HD, not 60% more.

Not having owned either exact model, I'd go with the Leupold for my hunting because the illuminated reticle is a big benefit for me. If I wanted to spin the turrets (which I don't), I don't trust Leupold.

Love my zeiss on my RUM

I made that choice recently & bought a Zeiss V4 4-16x50 as a do all hunting scope, it came with an illuminated reticle but it’s a nice to have. I’m unlikely to dial while hunting but have confidence if I do. Zeiss glass has always looked better to me. No problem with my VX3 4.5-14x50 that it replaced. A bad drop (my son) knocked it way off zero. Put it on a 25-06 to test zero - no issues except that solved my inconsistent accuracy problem on that rifle & it fit better.

I liked the fact that the Zeiss was cheaper & the glass is better to my eyes. I’ve killed many animals with a conquest on my rifles so my confidence in them is very solid but either is a very good hunting scope.

Faced with exact decision, I chose the 5HD 3-15x44, I have experience with Zeiss's Diavari line, I have one, but have never owned a Conquest.

if you want illum then choose Zeiss's most excellent #60 reticle. but, between the 2 there i'd go zeiss v4 personally.
Big Ed

That might be one of the best reticles for twilight hunting ever.

Glass is better on the Leupy but if dialing I would go with the Zeiss. The V4 Conquest scopes have very good turrets.

I would go with the Leupold. Great glass and great low light scope.

I own both Leupold is a little brighter glass but both will work well after shooting light. Leupold doesn't have as good of a reliability reputation so I would go Ziess for durability and turret quality.

I am not a Leupold fanboy, but I have several, but I've also broken sever, especially on rifles where I use the turrets. I've found the Zeiss to be a little more robust. Honestly, if you're not going to be making adjustments I'd probably choose which is lightest.