Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leupold VX-III or Zeiss Conquest?

I've had them both.. Leupold's are on all my rifles now.

I like leupold because they are american made and you can ship them to oregon if you ever need them worked on.

Both have their individual advantages over the other.

For better optics and resolution you go with the Zeiss.

In the depts of aesthetics (looks), less weight, smaller size and customer service, go with Leupold.

Imo and given the same hunting conditions, any difference in optics between these two, especially with the new VX3, will have no bearing on the success or failure of a hunt.

Just finished sighting in a Conquest to replace the VX-III on the rifle I'll use for antelope this year. The rifle doesn't shoot any better, but I do.

I have three Conquests and 5 or 6 Leupolds... I do NOT have any of the newest VX-3's, however.

To my eye (and that's important to stress) the Conquests are significantly clearer and brighter. Significantly so. It's as much a matter of contrast as anything, and perhaps the new Leupold coatings address that.

HOWEVER, Conquests are undeniably bulky and "Euro"- looking.

My last 3 scope buys have been Conquests. I plan on trying one of the new VX-3's for my next scope, though.

..........Interesting!........I use a 9.5 oz 1.5-5x20 VX111 on a 300 WSM and 375 Ruger. With my more accurate reloads, MOA and less (OD) is quite normal.

I guess my peepers are still very good. However, if and when that changes, I`ll take a look at the Zeiss Conquest and the new VX3.

Zeiss` problem, which some don`t consider as a problem, is with their scope sizes and weights. And if one wants a low powered stright tubed variable like a 1.5x5, you gotta spend "alot" more, get stuck with a 30mm tube, along with increased scope weight. For my hunting use and probably for many as well, a Zeiss would not increase the chances for any better success assuming the eye sight is still reasonably good.

I have them both and like the Zeiss better.

Landrum

BTW! A new 1.1-4x24 Zeiss Victory (their only low powered variable like the 1.5x5 VX111s or VX3s) are about $2100-$2200. Roughly an 80% increase over the VX111 and VX3. Glass is certainly better, but by 80%?

In the lower powered variable market, that is where Zeiss is missing the boat with most hunters, who simply don`t wish to or who can`t spend $2K + for a scope. For the difference in price, one could very easily add another very good rifle and scope to their collection.

If I were running Zeiss, adding a lighter and lower powered variable Conquest with a 1" tube to the market say in the $500-$600 range, would be one of the top priorities.

This is close:
Low-powered varialbe --> http://www.zeiss.com/c1256bcf0020be5f/Contents-Frame/9418f6fec7a7e31b852571d900494bed

...........For such a low powered variable, that scope is a monster or perhaps a mon-straw-sit-tee!!!

I should have clarified better;;;;; a 1" "straight" tubed low variable scope from Zeiss similar in size and weight to the 1.5-5x20 VX111 or VX3.

I like the optics on the Conquest;very sharp.I've had a few of the 3-9's which has more eye relief,even at 9X, than any 3-9 I have ever seen....and they do a great job in low light as well.But they are bulky,and if that does no bother you...fine.My favorite Conquest is the 4X,but that's too small for a lot of folks....

But I've had (have) a slew of Leupolds VX III's as well,and have used them on a bunch of game.I have never been denied an opportunity at a game animal with one,nor have I missed a thing that I could blame on the scope.

That said, I won't be buying anymore VX III's;no point in it now that the new VX 3's are available.

Ahhhh, well now that's a different ball game, isn't it!

...............Yep!..........Zeiss is missing a market share to other makers especially Leupold, by not offering a low variable, lower priced, and lighter 1" straight tubed scope.

No reason they can`t make one, while still offering the same Conquest quality of glass.

A $2K + scope as their only offering in a straight tubed low powered variable, more than likely turns away alot of buyers whether they can afford one or not.

The same can also be said for Schmidt & Bend-OVER!..........

Zeiss has offered scopes like the 4X, and some smaller vatiables. They have stopped making them. No demand perhaps ?
I get a big chukle when I read about superior optics and reticles on the Conquest. Particularly about the so called superior image. That lasts about as long as it takes me to ask about focusing procedures and just what is the difference in terms we can all understand. E

I love it when you get a chuckle about optics!

I get a chuckle when he thinks the only possible difference between a Zeiss and Leupold is the focusing technique.

Image quality is a little better with the Zeiss. The reticle is much better and I believe from experience with both the Zeiss is a stronger design. My favorite in the line is the 3-9X40. The draw back is the size and weight. The VX-III is a fine scope also and will serve you well.

Terry

I get a chuckle when someone posts that Leupolds "Diamond Coat" lens coating is made with real crushed diamonds.

+1...Conquest 3X9-40MC is a spectacular scope.

I like both and own both but my two favorite rifles both wear
4.5x14x50 Conquest. I would like to try a VX3 in a 4.5x14x40 LR next possibly.