Smoke is probably a harsh term to use but the edge is defiantly in favor of Conquest especially when you factor in the price. Minox in a side by side comparison? Really hard to choose one over the other. No doubt all things being equal I would choose Zeiss but sometimes Minox can be had for less.

I've got a couple VX3 3.5-10x40s. Got one used on ebay for about $350, and that's a route you might consider, given the warranty. Very good quality glass. In the right conditions I've been able to see my bullet holes in paper at around 500yds. I usually shoot steel at longer ranges.. Just throwin' that out there. I like mine and would recommend one.