Which rifle scope - Leupold, Zeiss, or Nikon
10-14-2012, 05:39 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: VA
Posts: 1,921
Which rifle scope - Leupold, Zeiss, or Nikon
Looking at a new scope for deer hunting. I've always been a fan of Leupolds and have a handful of them w/ no complaints whatsoever. I know Swarovskis are the best, but just can't afford one. I'm not afraid to spend some $ on quality optics, but those are out of my price range.
I'm thinking another VX3 3.5-10x50 or similar Zeiss Conquest. How do the Zeiss stack up against Leupolds? Or... should I just stick w/ my tried & true Leupolds?
I'm thinking another VX3 3.5-10x50 or similar Zeiss Conquest. How do the Zeiss stack up against Leupolds? Or... should I just stick w/ my tried & true Leupolds?
Last edited by coolbrze0; 10-16-2012 at 01:53 AM.
10-14-2012, 07:00 PM
#2
Fork Horn
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 111
If you have always been partial to Leupolds then I would say stay with what your happy with. My vote would be the VX-3L 4.5 X 14 X 50. I think it's $750 or something. If you want to try a Nikon for around $300 I would get a Buckmaster. I currently use a 3x9 but will re scope next year and will go with the Leupold I mentioned or save money and get the Nikon. I'm NO expert. Just another Deer Hunter giving my opinion.
The VX3 you mentioned is also really nice. People always tell me your paying for the name but I love how when you look into a Leupold it's like a light turns on its so clear.
The VX3 you mentioned is also really nice. People always tell me your paying for the name but I love how when you look into a Leupold it's like a light turns on its so clear.
Last edited by daleintampa; 10-14-2012 at 07:09 PM.
10-15-2012, 07:55 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Clermont Florida U.S.
Posts: 4,970
IMO, there are MANY good scopes out there. I like Leupy's ok as long as they are VX3's or 6's. I have a Zeiss Conquest that I like even better. Another great choice are the Sightron Big Sky scopes. I like the fact that their glass is good (L.O.W. in ***an) and they have a hydrophobic coating comparable to the Bushy Elites (also good, solid scopes). Both Meopta and Minox are players worthy of a look-see. I'm not much on Nikon's but some love them.
11-07-2012, 08:39 AM
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: vermont
Posts: 175
Burris Euro Diamond and the sightron big sky is even better yet. 4.5-14x42 7 layer zact-7 revcoat multi-coatings on all internal surfaces and the exacttrack windage and elevation system. this level of the sightron goes in the 500.00 range and they only get better when your looking at the sightron 3SS models.
11-07-2012, 09:09 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186
I have used all 3 that you mentioned .... Leupold Vari-X III, Nikon Monarch and Ziess Conquest. All were about the same specification, 1" tube scopes variualbes. I still use a compact Vari X-III on my Marlin Guide and a Conquest on my CVA Optima muzzle loader. I sold the 2 Monarchs that I had.
Of these I prefer in this order: Conquest to the Leupold Vari -X III and either to the the Monarch which in my opinion for the cost comes is a distant third. The Monarchs I had were both good scopes no doubt. But I was very disappointed in the Monarch's perfomance in very low light. May have been just the two that I had, but for sure niether remained as crisp, or provided as much contrast or appeared to be as "bright" for as long as did the Conquest or Vari X-III. And frankly I am are talking maybe 10 minutes +/- of additional quality viewing.
Of these I prefer in this order: Conquest to the Leupold Vari -X III and either to the the Monarch which in my opinion for the cost comes is a distant third. The Monarchs I had were both good scopes no doubt. But I was very disappointed in the Monarch's perfomance in very low light. May have been just the two that I had, but for sure niether remained as crisp, or provided as much contrast or appeared to be as "bright" for as long as did the Conquest or Vari X-III. And frankly I am are talking maybe 10 minutes +/- of additional quality viewing.
