I'd have to go with the Zeiss Conquest. I've got two (with another on the way) and I just haven't found anything in this price range that's as good. I bought a new Leupold VX III about two and a half months ago. I ended up selling it because to me it just wasn't as good as the Conquests and I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with it. And let me add that over the years I've owned numerous Leupold scopes (mainly Vari X-III's), so I know they're good scopes. But right now I think there are better options. The new VX III is too little, too late in my opinion.

I can't comment on the Nikon, haven't owned one.