Summitsitter

I replaced all my scopes with Zeiss Conquest 4.5X14X44mm. Sharpest & Brightest scope I could find without spending $1000+ on Swarv. Most of my friends have converted from Nikon / Leupold to Zeiss after looking through mine after sundown.

Edcyclopedia

I look back to when I started hunting (early 80's) and companies like Zeiss and Swari. seemed to be some of the best scopes on earth, and were, and still are.
These scopes came at a hefty price tag also!
I learned to love Leupold as a very good scope at a fair price, considering the above.

Just remember the age old saying of "you pay for what you get".
Technology has jumped leaps and bounds in the last 10-15 years, and there may be a better valued scope than all 3 from above?
I certainly like the Nikons, Bushnell's etc...
However, I still love my Leupold's and have them on all my scoped guns! I will probably buy more in the future.

I'll give an example from me buying some bino's two years ago, that I would probably employ if I bought a new scope in the future...
I went to Kittery Trading Post, in Maine, selected ALL the bino's from the case that were under $500 and went to the window to play with them.
45 minutes later, I choose the Bushnell's (for around $200) over the Leupolds, leica, nikon, etc, as I couldn't see the difference in quality, from my eyes.

I may be partial to Leupold's but they still have to prove to be the best value and of course longevity also plays in my hand of decision making.

Bernie P.

I like Leupolds VX-III.I considered Zeiss recently but I couldn't find even their lowest priced models for the same money I paid for the 2.5-8 Leuy.

ChazyKEJ

BigCountry,

I have the exact same problem, plus the outer tube perimeter of the Monarch seems really thick and draws my eyes away from center. I really like the clarity of the Monarch, but doubt I would buy another just for this reason.

KEJ

bigcountry

Glad to hear its not only me.

jeepkid

I also agree, I think the sight picture on my VX-1 is better then my Monarch. But, my Conquest wins hands down! Zeiss for me from now on!

retrieverman

As has been said, for the money, Zeiss Conquest is the best optics value, but my eyes like my Swarovskis better. I still have a couple of Leupold VX/VariX III's, but my "low end" scopes of choice are now Conquests.

glockman55

Whats better than a Leupold Vari XIII ?

Two or three Leupold Vari XIII's
I always seem to come back to Leupold.

DeerandbearhoG

I paid 400$ for both VXIIIs I own and 400$ for my Zeiss conquest 3-9x40. Ive actually seen conquests in Natchez for 329$. Leupold does not allow its dealers to sell their scopes for less than their set retail price.

Bernie P.

I only paid 339 (on clearance) at Midway.Cabelas also had them on clearance for a little less but they were all gone by time I called them.