Vortex Viper PST or Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 - Reliability/durability

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Benito

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I am looking at these two scopes and would like some advice.
Aside from the features, illumination, reticle choices, etc., which one of these scopes is (generally speaking, I suppose) has better durability/repeatability?

I know that both manufacturer's have very good warranty service, but I am hoping to not have to use it.

I've read of only a few Conquests crapping out, but have heard some Vortex units have some issues (although they are dealt with by the manufacturer).
Any input is appreciated.
 
Zeiss Conquest? PST all the way! Maybe if you were thinking about a Zeiss divari.

Conquest isn't a tactical scope. They do some nice hunting scopes, but it's not German.

PST has awesome illumination, more reticle options, and some seriously sweet turrets. I've got two, and I might buy another
 
Who said anything about tactical???

Compare them side by each out in the field in varying conditions, most shooters eyes will prefer the Zeiss.Try low light , long distance, etc.......compare them both fairly and evenly.

It's funny, folks will say it isn't a real Zeiss but they make sure everyone knows that Redfield is made by Leupold.:p

I can switch between hunting load and target loads , make my correction and be back to where I want to be for that load every single time.

I chose my first Zeiss by comparing it with equal and greater value Leupolds at the time of purchase , the Zeiss glass was clearer every time.

You won't regret a Zeiss product of any kind.
 
Although I am going to be putting it on a .308 AR, I don't necessarily need the scope to be "tactical". As long as it's relatively clear (given the budget range), and most importantly durable/reliable/repeatable, I will be happy.
Extra features are nice, but not if the scope isn't solid.
I have heard lots of good things about the Vortex 1-4, 4-16, 5-20, but not a whole lot on the 2.5-10.
Anyone on here have one?
If so, what calibre rifle is it on, experiences, good or bad, etc...
 
TV-PressPass said:
Zeiss Conquest? PST all the way! Maybe if you were thinking about a Zeiss divari.

Conquest isn't a tactical scope. They do some nice hunting scopes, but it's not German.

PST has awesome illumination, more reticle options, and some seriously sweet turrets. I've got two, and I might buy another
Click to expand...

Nor are the Philippino and Chinese made Vortex's. I'll take the quality glass of the Conquests over turrets and lights every time.
 
Zeiss Conquest glass isn't any better than you will find in any of the Viper, Viper HS or PST scopes. The only advantage Zeiss has on the Vortex line is the name brand that is associated with the original German optics company. Their glass comes from the same plants as all the other big lense companies. Conquest 1" tube, PST has a 30mm tube both have more than 1 reticule option. Best advice is to check out both scopes physically and see which one you like the best and get what will make you happy and not worry about what everyone else thinks about your scope.
 
gunpro said:
Zeiss Conquest glass isn't any better than you will find in any of the Viper, Viper HS or PST scopes. The only advantage Zeiss has on the Vortex line is the name brand that is associated with the original German optics company. Their glass comes from the same plants as all the other big lense companies. Conquest 1" tube, PST has a 30mm tube both have more than 1 reticule option. Best advice is to check out both scopes physically and see which one you like the best and get what will make you happy and not worry about what everyone else thinks about your scope.
Click to expand...

Yes, ideally. Problem is that there are many dealers with the Conquest, but that specific Vortex, all my local dealers would have to special order it in for me.
 
gunpro said:
Zeiss Conquest glass isn't any better than you will find in any of the Viper, Viper HS or PST scopes. The only advantage Zeiss has on the Vortex line is the name brand that is associated with the original German optics company. Their glass comes from the same plants as all the other big lense companies. Conquest 1" tube, PST has a 30mm tube both have more than 1 reticule option. Best advice is to check out both scopes physically and see which one you like the best and get what will make you happy and not worry about what everyone else thinks about your scope.
Click to expand...

Not true. Zeiss uses Schott glass(German), Vortex uses Japanese in their higher end lines.
I have a Viper HS 4-16 and a couple of Conquests and the clarity in the Zeiss is easily superior to my eyes.
 
Compare them at night, it is Zeiss clarity even at night that will convince you, and of the half dozen i own never had the slightest problems... JP.
 
Benito said:
Although I am going to be putting it on a .308 AR, I don't necessarily need the scope to be "tactical". As long as it's relatively clear (given the budget range), and most importantly durable/reliable/repeatable, I will be happy.
Extra features are nice, but not if the scope isn't solid.
I have heard lots of good things about the Vortex 1-4, 4-16, 5-20, but not a whole lot on the 2.5-10.
Anyone on here have one?
If so, what calibre rifle is it on, experiences, good or bad, etc...
Click to expand...

The Conquest. You have to go to the higher level Vortex scopes to get the same type of quality. Glass wise my Conquests (I own a fair number of them) compares with my NF scopes. Repeatability is dead on. I haven't had any problems with mine. Some of the groups I've shot with them has been excellent.

The glass on the Conquest is German but they are put together in the US. The reticle is etched unlike Leupold. Also the eye relief is constant through the magnification range like the NF scopes and unlike most of the competition. The only disadvantage is the 1" tube and less moa adjustment. The Rapid Z reticles help overcome this potential issue. Otherwise they are excellent scopes.

That being said I'd also look at the Sightron SIII. Right now I think it's a better deal than the Conquest for the higher magnification scopes. For a 3-9x the Burris Fullfield II offers excellent value for very good glass. You can pick one up for around $200. As for durability. I'm not sure. Fireball had one on his AR10 and he shot some excellent groups. But we believe the reticle was broken. It was unknown if this was when he got it or after.

If you're putting it on an AR10 you might want to go for more magnification. Unless it's a short barreled 16" one.

Here are some pictures of different optics on AR10 and DPMS LR-308 rifles.

Zeiss Conquest on DPMS LR-308. 6.5-20x 50mm Rapid Z 1000 reticle.

DSCN0027.jpg


Nightforce 5-22x 50mm R2 reticle on Armalite AR10 and another of the DPMS.

IMG_0072.jpg


Fireball's AR10 with the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x and mine in the background with the NF (Fireball now has a NF as well on his AR10).

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=533010&highlight=twins

66b0ac89.jpg
 
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The 4.5-14x50 Conquest has 68 MOA of vertical adjustment; quite a bit more than the 44mm version or the 6.5-20 Conquest.
Ballistic reticle + target turrets = well beyond the range of a .308 rig, even with a non canted rail.
 
The only thing vortex makes in the pst line that is comparable in glass quality is the 6-24ffp.
Their lower magnification, and especially the sfp scopes, have very "flat" looking glass that doesn't resolve well. I've owned many pst's...
Zeiss conquest is much nicer, especially in low light/poor weather conditions.
That said, conquests are quite limited on elevation adjustment for long range 308 shooting if you don't want the ballistic reticle...
 
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