Zeiss vs Leupold

[rstreich]

I started to respond to this thread once, had to go, and then forgot about it. Sigh.

Thanks for the tip on a simple way to compare light transmission, Fred. Should I ever run into a salesman at a local gun store that I want to antagonize, I'll bring some tools.

What I had wanted to post is that what's more important than the 30mm tube to me lately is the objective diameter. It's not for increased light but increased resolution. Fred opened my eyes up to this about a year ago. I made a simple spreadsheet just for comparing scopes. I'll attach it below.

I don't pay too much attention to light transmission specs any more. I've found that I can see pretty well out of a lot of scopes in near dark conditions just by adjusting the diopter. Someone passed on that tip a couple of years ago here. It's been a while since I've been out hunting after dark, but I think you just adjust it -2 diopters from its daylight setting and everything will sharpen up clear as a bell.

 

[rstreich]

There were some great replies but here is a short one as explained to me. The Leupolds have a better reputation as a rugged scope for real tactical applications....

Sorry to say this so strongly, but I think that's a lot of nonsense.,Not quite the words I had in mind, but I intercepted the other words on the way to my fingers.) If I were worried about "rugged" and "tactical," I wouldn't even look twice at a Leupold. That's where US Optics and Schmidt & Bender come in.

I bet if you dissected a Leupold and a Zeiss Conquest, you'd find there pretty much the same scope. One just has better glass and costs less to boot. The only edge I'd give to Leupold is in reticle selection. The biggest problem with European scopes is finding a recticle that doesn't subtend about half an acre.

 

[Tommie]

Guess I'll chime in...

When shopping for my most recent scope, I did some research about large objectives and 30mm tubes. To be honest, I found both to be over-rated.

Like others here have stated, a 30mm tube allows for greater range of windage/elevation - assuming standard 1" guts, which most appear to have. Also a 30mm tube allows for a side focus mechanism.

Large objectives apparently have some value to hunters who hunt before and after the sun is shining, but in "normal" situations have questionable value. Matter of fact, I contacted a scope manufacturer,who I won't name) and they eventually admitted that large objectives were all the rage so the manufacturers make them. Nothing more. To quote a very good article on the subject, "A 50mm lens is a crutch to compensate for poor glass".

I'll spend my money on premium glass and first-rate mechanicals. Big objectives aren't worth the trade-offs in my humble .. and soon to be flamed .. opinion. And to be honest, I simply love the look of a 40mm lens on a 1" tube. Kinda how God intended a scope to look.

Tom

p.s. I won't be buying any more Leupolds.

 

[rstreich]

Objective diameter determines a scope's resolution limit. You can look at the equations in the spreadsheet above, see the description here, or google "dawes resolution limit." It has little to do with glass quality and everything to do with diffraction.

 

[Fred Bohl]

David Hayes,yooper70)

I hope your still following this since we have seemed to have stolen your thread for other purposes. Before Robert and I get you too involved with those nice big objectives we seem to love, be aware that they can be a handicap for some hunting applications. Being from Wisconsin and an occasional visitor to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,hence the yooper reference for the unfamiliar), I deal mostly with deer hunters. They find that while the big objectives help seeing the target, the higher mounts needed tend to cause them to lift their heads off the stock to line up with the scope which in turn causes some loss of gun motion control and more missing. It can be dealt with but should be considered.

WillyCJ

I, like Donovan, would also like to here from you and discuss your input and ideas on scopes. You may also PM me but the idea behind these forums is to share our thoughts with all and hopefully learn from each other. My love of optics goes back to my professional use but now continues in retirement primarily with my interests in shooting and astronomy.

Robert

Try to be more gentle. Knowledge is a beautiful tool not a weapon.

 

[RichAllen]

I have half a dozen different MFG's mounted in the safe.
My favorite scope for hunting is my Swarovski professional hunter in 2.5x56

It's the best optic device I own.

 

[rstreich]

Try to be more gentle. Knowledge is a beautiful tool not a weapon.

Point taken, Fred. Just so everyone knows, I didn't intend to be harsh to any of the posters. The ire in my reply to SooStan wasn't directed at him, but whoever gave him his info. I apologize if anyone felt that my replies were harsh.