RE: Leupold or Zeiss ?
jager1, Compare any Zeiss with the Leupold LPS before you make a decision. You'll know what I mean when you compare to two in clarity, light gathering ability and most important, warranty. The Vari X II's are comparable to the Zeiss, but the LPS is in a class of it's own. The LPS series is second to non and that includes the big buck European scopes like Swarovski, Zeiss or Leica. The only scope that I have found that comes close to the LPS is the Unertl 10x if you don't mind dropping $2,500. for a fixed 10x scope.
Good Hunting....