Anyone compared a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x 40mm to the new HD5 2-10x 42mm?

[canoetrpr]

Narrowed it down to these two scopes for a rifle in 280 AI. There are a few of the 3-9x left around at bargain prices.

I have one topping one of my rifles (Win 70 in 30-06) and I love it. My rifle won't arrive for another 6 months so I'm trying to decide whether I should pre buy one of these or wait and get the HD5. Maybe their prices may go down a bit when they are less new; who knows.

Same day the rifle may be used on a fantasy elk hunting trip and I don't expect it to being used much past 400m, if that, so this is the magnification I have settled on based on feedback in another thread. I'm guessing the extra 1x of mag won't make a difference, correct?

Any considerations on one vs the other? The HD5 is nearly 2x, ok 70-80% more than the price of the older Conquest at its clearance prices. I somehow doubt it is worthwhile enough. Thoughts?

I plan to get one with the Rapid Z-600 reticle.

 

[Jay]

I had planned on getting the rapid z600 reticle, I like it!

But... When I heard the Conquest scopes were being cleared out & new ones were being made in ?China?, I quickly decided to jump on the GET IT NOW bandwagon. I ordered two 3-9x40 Conquest scopes with the multiplex reticle. They are going on our Cooper rifles when the rifles arrive...

So, you want a new HD5 made where? As opposed to a Conquest from the old stock at a WICKED price... Easy choice if you ask me...

Cheers
Jay

 

[stubblejumper]

When I heard the Conquest scopes were being cleared out & new ones were being made in ?China?,

What reliable source is stating that the new HD5 is being manufactured in China?

That doesn't agree with the announcement by Zeiss themselves.

http://www.ammoland.com/2013/01/zeiss-conquest-hd5-rifle-scopes/#axzz2PjyqfTjs

Designed, engineered and assembled in Germany, these compact 1-inch tube scopes with ¼ MOA adjustments are available in three models – 2-10×42, 3-15×42 and 5-25×50 – and offer a variety of reticle options.

 

[canoetrpr]

Jay, the HD5 is the new line made in Germany. I agree that I don't want my optics made in China but I don't believe the HD5 line is headed there. Regardless, the old Conquest scopes are awesome. Just trying to figure out if it is that much of an improvement over the old line.

BTW, what Coopers are you waiting for?

 

[Jay]

What reliable source is stating that the new HD5 is being manufactured in China?

That doesn't agree with the announcement by Zeiss themselves.

http://www.ammoland.com/2013/01/zeiss-conquest-hd5-rifle-scopes/#axzz2PjyqfTjs

Jay, the HD5 is the new line made in Germany. I agree that I don't want my optics made in China but I don't believe the HD5 line is headed there. Regardless, the old Conquest scopes are awesome. Just trying to figure out if it is that much of an improvement over the old line.

BTW, what Coopers are you waiting for?

I won't name the member, but that's what was told to me.

I take it back! As per the link, it appears that is not the case & they are headed to Germany. My bad, I had not intention to slag the name & should have checked it for myself.

As for which scopes I got, we picked up the Conquest 3-9x40 with the multi reticle.

Cheers
Jay

 

[Kev4207]

The new HD5 offers lotutec coating + Zeiss T*Anti-reflecting coasting, and are assembled in Germany (as opposed to Made in USA for the original conquest). I think they offer a zero stop as well on some models.
Those are probably the main advantages of for the new HD5. If you're willing to pay up more because these are features you like, I would go with the HD5.

Since the HD5 is new I don't think prices will go down anytime soon.

If you can't justify spending the extra money for those features, I would just go with the regular conquest. They are VERY good value at their "discontinued" price.

Can't go wrong either way in my books.

 

[sheephunter]

Going on personal experience, I'd say the glass is clearer and brighter on the new HD5 vs the original Conquest.