My previous Zeiss was a 3x9Diavari MC with a 36mm objective...there was not a big difference between that and a Leupold 3.5x10x40 but there sure is a difference between this new Conquest and a 3.5x10x40. I am thinking this 44mm objective will be a great alternative to the 50mm objective VarixIII that a lot of people use and even the 2.5x10x45 LPS scope. The only thing gnawing at me now is Leupold is a US company and we all know where Zeiss comes from. I have been severely pissed at the Germans and the French for the last couple of weeks and not sure I want to send those bastards any of my money.