I own a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14X44AO & a Leupold 3.5-10X50AO Vari-X III. Having used the Leupold for more than 15 years now I can say that the Zeiss is better. Setting each on 10X & adjusting the objectives for the distance I'm looking the Zeiss wins in clarity, contrast, abberation at the edge of the field of view. Both scopes track well and each hold their zero quite well. The Zeiss is on a custom 280 & the Leupy is on a custom 25-06. For the money you have to spend I would buy the Zeiss. The Leupold is an excellent scope but I think the Zeiss is better. This is my opinion and I know many will disagree. Another nice scope you can find on closeout right now are the Bushnell 4200 series scopes. These are good and I have one on my Rem 700 257 Roberts that is awesome. It will be a little longer and heavier than the Leupold & Zeiss but the optics are very good and I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up at closeout prices. My cousin has had the 2.5-10X40 on this 338 Win Mag for at least 7 years & it has maintained its zero over that period & withstood the recoil without a hiccup. He previously had a Simmons WhiteTail classic that the crosshairs died after about 50 rounds from the 338.