I need a good hunting scope, 4x14 power range, Leupold vx3 vs Zeiss Conquest

[ttfreestyle]

Which is the better scope as far as durability? I have read that many say Zeiss has a great customer service which makes me wonder are there that many sent back? I am looking for a dependable scope for my 7 mag in the $700 ish or less range. I like the Nikon Prostaff 5 as far as looking through them and their price but I am going on my first elk pack hunt and want no problems from my equipment. Also who has the best prices on these? Thanks in advance for any replys .

 

[wtd168]

sent you a pm

 

[NateHaler]

to the OP: the good news is that most scopes made these days are WAY better than scopes made prior to 1990, and keep in mind that plenty of hunters in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s trusted their gear on important hunts.

As to the scopes you've mentioned, you're comparing apples to oranges a bit when you introduce the Nikon Prostaff 5 into the equation. It's a $400 scope, vs. $600-$800 for the others you've mentioned. A fairer comparo would be the Nikon Monarch.

I wouldn't be concerned about durability with any of them.

As to prices, I'd start with site sponsors, and then Google search.

As to gear in general, you'll get out of it what you put into it. I'd rank concerns with my scope at the bottom of my gear list on such a hunt. First would be you, the human factor. 2nd would be the horse, 3rd my boots, 4th the cooking stuff, 5th whether you are properly sighted in for the altitude and range(s) in which you might take a shot. You gotta know what your gear can do, and you will be the main limitation until you become expert, i.e. could dial in adjustments almost in your sleep.

My most trusted scope cost me $244 in 1999. If I had to choose it, or a scope that cost me ten times more last year, I'd choose the former, because I know it works -- every time.

 

[Lapua40X]

I have:
Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x20x50
Zeiss Conquest 6.5x20x50
Both with Mil-Dot Reticle
I prefer the reticle in the Leupold
I prefer the glass in the Zeiss
I prefer the parallax adjustment on the Zeiss
All things being equal, I guess I'd have to say the Zeiss holds a slight edge over the Leupold but I'm not gonna split hairs.