Leupold VX3L 3.5-10x56 Boone & Crockett vs Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x50 MC Z-Plex

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x_timewarfare_x

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Hey guys. I'm looking for some reviews from experienced/knowledgeable hunters and target'ers on two scopes. I know about the zoom difference (3.5-10 vs 4.5-14), but what are your thoughts on what you'd prefer, and why.

1. Leupold VX3L 3.5-10x56 Boone & Crockett
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2. Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x50 MC Z-Plex
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After reading up on some reviews online, I see that these two scopes are great, with the exception of the cost difference. And I also know, what you pay is what you get...but Zeiss is one of the top-of-the-line scopes on the market...with Leupold still having a solid foundation of greatness. So far, I am leaning on the Leupold...which is why I would like to read some CGN reviews first.

Thanks, look forward to everyone's opinion.
 
I was a big Zeiss fan boy and user at one time. Then I had an erector issue (loose) during regular use, sent a diavari 3-12x56 away for warranty, 6 months later got 6.5-20x50 conquest back. Called them and they said they couldn't fix the scope and replaced it with a similar model..... BS! About half the price as my diavari. Sold all my Zeiss optics after that. Had a ####y experience and left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm sure there's lots of people that never had an issue. Korth is close to me so I'd go leupy every time.
 
If you are looking for a long-range reticle then I'd compare the Zeiss Rapid Z to the Leupold B&C reticle. The Z Plex is just a regular duplex reticle. For the money, I'd also look at the Conquest HD5 3-15x42....it's replaced the 4.5-14x44 and it has improved glass/coatings. Like Dogleg, I've hauled my Conquests all over the world without issue. Both are pretty solid optics in that respect.
 
I've had both and both are nice but I hated the feel of the turrets on my VX3L and never felt comfortable with the Boone and Crockett reticle - don't know why. I liked the fixed eye relief on the Zeiss scopes with Rapid Z reticle but I found their reticle wasn't as precise for holdover as the Swarovski BRH. I have had a Z3 which was great, a Z5 which was fantastic and currently a Z6 which is fabulous. I love their light weight, incredible glass, the reticle and ballistics calculator etc. However if you have a repair problem Korth will be the fastest.
 
live4therut said:
I was a big Zeiss fan boy and user at one time. Then I had an erector issue (loose) during regular use, sent a diavari 3-12x56 away for warranty, 6 months later got 6.5-20x50 conquest back. Called them and they said they couldn't fix the scope and replaced it with a similar model.....
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If that is in fact what they told you then someone screwed up. They still make a 3-12x56 Diavari(called Victory HT now) and haven't ever stopped making them, to my knowledge. I sent my early 70's Diavari 1.5-6 in a few years back and they replaced lenses, erector system,etc., and they haven't made that particular model for over 30 years.

A quick search on google would've told you that. ;)
 
I would go with Leupold, but not the VX3L. The new VX-6 2-12x42 is around the same price and IMHO is better for the following reasons:

1) firedot - auto off if you don't move the scope for 5 mins, auto on when you move the gun. No stupid switch on the eye piece either, it's where the side focus would be

2) VX6 is 3 ounces lighter

3) the 42mm obj on the vx6 has better glass (supposed euro quality) and better (98%) light transmission and coatings, which should offset any gains from the larger objective on the vx3

4) both available with B&C reticle

5) more magnification range

6) sturdier internals than VX3, new erector assembly that is also used on the Mark 6 scopes

7) same price as the VX3L or cheaper

8) CDS dial is standard on VX6, you may find the 3L with or without it

for a little more, you can step up to the 3-18x44 or 50mm, in the same size package and weight at the 56mm vxl, and gain side focus. I was lucky to locate a slightly used 3-18x44 with firedot for about $500 under the msrp, so I can let you know my thoughts in the next couple days. The guy I bought it from said it rivaled his Swarovski Z5 scopes.
 
DMS1 said:
I would go with Leupold, but not the VX3L. The new VX-6 2-12x42 is around the same price and IMHO is better for the following reasons:

1) firedot - auto off if you don't move the scope for 5 mins, auto on when you move the gun. No stupid switch on the eye piece either, it's where the side focus would be

2) VX6 is 3 ounces lighter

3) the 42mm obj on the vx6 has better glass (supposed euro quality) and better (98%) light transmission and coatings, which should offset any gains from the larger objective on the vx3

4) both available with B&C reticle

5) more magnification range

6) sturdier internals than VX3, new erector assembly that is also used on the Mark 6 scopes

7) same price as the VX3L or cheaper

8) CDS dial is standard on VX6, you may find the 3L with or without it

for a little more, you can step up to the 3-18x44 or 50mm, in the same size package and weight at the 56mm vxl, and gain side focus. I was lucky to locate a slightly used 3-18x44 with firedot for about $500 under the msrp, so I can let you know my thoughts in the next couple days. The guy I bought it from said it rivaled his Swarovski Z5 scopes.
Click to expand...

If the optics rival the Z5 ... I'm not going to be happy after what I've paid for my Swaro's
 
Mudduck said:
If the optics rival the Z5 ... I'm not going to be happy after what I've paid for my Swaro's
Click to expand...

I've owned a Z5 and liked the optics, but everything else about it seemed pretty light weight, and not in a good way. I would like to try a Z6, but you can buy a lot of scopes for that $$. I have owned many leupolds and they take a beating (1 on 45-70). If the VX6 are as good a they sound, it won't be my last. I wanted the 4-24, but its a 34mm tube and would look dumb on my 204 VSSF with McMillan hunters edge stock. Still the 4-24 has some nice features and is 10 ounces lighter than my nightforce 5-22. I wanted the new NF 2.5-10x42 but for slightly longer, same weight, I can get more performance out of a VX-6 3-18, since I'm not taking it to war...
 
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