Zeiss or Leupold 6.5-20x50

[gbee]

I'm in the process of building a rifle and would like something in the 6.5-20x50 range. I like the 30mm tube on the Vari X-III. I have also heard some good things about the Zeiss. I've also seen alot of Leupolds for sale on different forums lately. I'd like to hear your likes and dislikes on these two scopes. Also where is a good place to purchase both brands, with price and service in mind. Thanks for any info.........

 

[drano38]

I've got a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50. Its a great scope. Clear optics, tracks well, has 18 MOA per turn of the elevation knob. Some say the side focus is more forgiving than Leupold, but I don't have a Loopy to compare.
However, the Conqeust has a 1" tube and about 40 MOA total adjustment. And the knobs turn "backward" compared to US designed scopes--clockwise is up and right on the Zeiss.
Mine is mounted in Burris Signature rings and I use the inserts to set the 100 yard zero about 6" from the bottom of adjustment, leaving me plenty of up to reach 600 or even 1000 yards.
If I get a Savage in 6BR in the future, I'll take a strong look at another Conquest, most likely with a target dot reticle. But a NF BR model would be nice also.
Mine came from Bear Basin about 4 years ago. Not sure who has the best prices these days.
If the elevation range works for you, you can't go wrong w/ a Conquest.
Good luck

 

[Jacob]

You can get the Zeiss at cameralandny.com for great prices. They are the demo models but most of them have not even been opened.

 

[Tommie]

I own a 6.5-20x40 VX III Leupold and can't say that I'm thrilled with the purchase. Here goes the rant:

1) Mushy adjustments with no audible click
2) Sloppy side focus that never quite agrees with parallax
3) Optics are very good, but I've seen better with scopes costing less
4) Can't re-zero the adjustment knobs
5) Quarter minute adjustments,I prefer 1/8 minute for precision work)

All in all it would be a fantastic $500 scope, but it aint a $500 scope.

Tom

 

[bootlaceb]

I bought the Zeiss 6.5-20 with a Z1000 Reticle. It is a pleasure to use. Optics are great,and it "works" easily. Only one minor complaint. The cross hairs are very thick!! This scope is a BDC up to 1000yds. I am not so sure how huge the target needs to be at 1000 to actually centre the cross hair.
Next scope would also be a Zeiss, but the Z-Varmint reticle. Nice and fine, much better that the Z1000.Also a BDC type.
It would be my 3rd Zeiss...they are value for money indeed!!!

Good Luck

 

[TheOpticZone]

I personally like the Zeiss Conquest over the Leupold.

 

[bootlaceb]

Hi Jon, I agree with you.

These guys are really helpfull and well priced...worth supporting!!

Bruce

 

[Dans40X]

I prefer the Leupy 8.5-25X50LRT MilDot w/ 90+ minutes of EL/WD.
The 30mm tube doubles the windage & elevation of a 1" tube.

Leupolds aren't perfect-but the 1/2 dozen or so that I've returned for inspection in the past 15yrs had new turrets installed,no questions asked,returned in 2 weeks time & track well to this day.

BUY MADE IN THE USA!!!!

 

[SooStan]

I have both. The turrents on the Zeiss turn backwards from the Leupy. This can be a problem if you shoot both rifle often and forget which scope you are using. The zeiss has less vertical adjustment and a 20 minute base may be necessary to reach the ranges you want with your caliber. As to clarity and repeatability the ziess is as clear but maybe even clearer then the leupy for less money, both of mine track very well. The leupy I think is more durable for heavy field work but my last scope was a nightforce and any further scopes will be zeiss or nightforce. For the money I think Zeiss is the best thing going.

 

[fdshuster]

The "brown truck" delivered a new Zeiss 6.5-20x, side focus, 50mm "Conquest" recently. Mounted and kept windage & elevation centered during sight-in using the Burris Signature rings with the off-set inserts,, +-.020" front for windage and +-.05" for elevation, rear). Got the Z-Plex reticle. "The Optic Zone" beat other retailers prices by a lot! So far, am very happy with the Zeiss: optics are outstanding, clicks are positive, focus reference numbers match: 100 indicated is 100 yd. 200/200 etc. Would not hesitate to buy another.