RE: Whats better than a Leupold Vari XIII
My zeiss conquest is the clearest scope Ive ever owned, but I also own 2 leupold varix3s. I put them all side by side last summer, and viewed some deer in the thicket, from off my deck. The leupys were defiantly brighter and I could see the deer longer, but it didnt matter since sunset(legal shooting light) was long gone.
Both have very crisp resolution, but the zeiss is the only scope(including leupold) I ever owned however, that gives a perfectly, unwavey, sight picture while scanning side to side and up and down.
The leupolds are lighter and brighter, and seem to be built a little tougher w/ all metallic parts, while the zeiss is heavier and clunkier w/ some plastic parts, but slightly supierior glass. I'd say its a toss up. I love em all though.
Never owned a nikon but I rarley have heard anything bad about them.