jdreddish

I got one for you bigbulls

how do you pronounce "Hogue"

bigiron

I thought the 3x9 would be just fine eye relief wasnt a big factor since my nikon hasn't give me a dinger but my buddy shot it and got it right in the bridge of the nose. Do you believe zeiss is better than leupold

Solitary Man

I believe the Zeiss Conquest is slightly optically superior to comparable Leupolds. At least that's been my experience with the ones I've owned. I also prefer the etched Zeiss Z-plex reticle to the wire Leupold duplex. From a durability standpoint, I've had no problems with either brand. If I were buying another scope right now, it would more than likely be another Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40.

stubblejumper

I was convinced enough to replace all four leupold 3.5x10x40s on my hunting rifles with 3x9 ziess scopes.

jcchartboy

The only real advantage to the 3.5x10x44 is if you spend a great deal of time developing loads at the range. It may possibly help you to eek out those last few tenths of an inch in group size.

Otherwise I think the 3-9x40 certainly is the winner for a standard hunting scope.

bigcountry

What alot of people don't realize is the objective size has more to do with resolution than anything. Whats the use of a 6-24 power when you can't resolve your small target at 500 or 600 yards. And if your not shooting over 500 yards, why get a 6-24 power scope? You can do the same with a 10 power. For a max of 5X, 20mm is fine. Your limiting factor is power, not resolution. For a max of 10 power, 40mm is fine. for 14 power, I would opt for the 44mm. For anything over that, I would opt for the 50mm or larger. Just like the folks who by a 5meg digital camera but with a 10mm or smaller lenses. Why?That objective can't resolve the picture enough to ultilize the 5meg of info on a picture. Try blowing it up. Sure, you got alot of pixels, but they are fuzzy.

The only other thing is 50mm usually gives more FOV. But any shooter that uses a scoped rifle should be able to point thier rifle in a direction and find the animal.

I am sure most of use have bought these powerful 10X binocs with little tiny lenses. Some of us, not naming names probably bought these very poweful 20X with little lenses, but you cannot resolve your animal at long distances with the 20X. But a guy with a 8X50mm binocs can easily resolve the antlers, the points or whatever.

300grains

I would go for a 50 mm or even better 56 mm. Own 2 Zeiss with 56 mm objektive lenses. The best scopes I own.

retrieverman

I have (3) 4.5-14x44's, (2) 6.5-20x50's, and (1) 3-12x56 all Conquests. They are all great and collect light really well. I am selling the 3-12x56 because it is too large and heavy for my taste. It works great and collects light very well, but I prefer the 4.5-14x44 for a "carry" gun.

skeeter 7MM

I have both conquest models you are considering and I don't notice any real difference between the 2. So I would agree keep the extra 150 in your jeans. If you don't have good mounts then I'd put it towards some good quality rings/bases to hold her tight on the 300.