I'm going to buy a new scope soon. I'm looking at a Zeiss Conquest. It seems that the 3.5-10x44 is the most popular model and is what I'm looking for. My question is what is the difference between 3.5-10x44 and the 3-9x40? the 3.5-10 is more expensive but it out sells the 3-9 by a big margin

In my area the 3x9x40 is far more popular.To be honest the difference between the two is very small and either would be a great choice.

YOu'll never tell the difference. The gun writers hyped up the larger objective(the stupid 50MM craze that won't work in a 1 inch tube anyway....) and pushed the bit more magnification. Something new sells more.

I've got a 3x9 and its great. I've got a 4.5x14 or something like that, got it as a tip. There is not much if any difference and given the chance I'm gonna sell that bigger scope. Normally I'd sell it and buy another 1-2 3x9 models but I have a bigger project in mind and need target turrets etc...... But normally the 3x9 is all you'll ever need.

Jeff

I had the same question at the gun store today. I am looking at the exact same scopes listed here. The guy at the store said the optics adjustment on the end of the eye piece and more a little more light were the only differences. I didn't pick up the 3x9x40, but as I type this, I should have looked to see if it had the focus adjustment too.

luckyone

I have a 3x9x40 and it's a very good scope..clear as can be..the only problem I have with them are they are so dadgum big..wish they made smaller scopes to keep weight down on ultra light rifles.

Thanks guys for the info, it was a great help

I've got the 4.5-14x44 and it's all I could hope for. Highly recommended. Magnification depends on the area you hunt and how far you expect to shoot. 3x9 is one of the best all around variables and you can never go wrong with Zeiss.