It's better in low light conditions than any other scope i looked through, includeing the Leupolds i own, and that's why i bought it.
I never did get to look at a Elite 6500, and that may be another choise to check out, i did look through a 4200 though...
As for reliability, i have nothing but good things to say about Leupold...
I agree I did the same thing and I liked the Zeiss as well. We have a few Leupold's as well and there is nothing wrong with them just like the Zeiss in low light better.