Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x 50 Mildot

[blue]

I have finally got this thing on a gun.
This is a very lightweight scope and makes you wonder when you take it out of the box if they forgot to put something in the scope; like lenses.
First niggle is that the turrets are unnecessarily large, but they are tactical type so I can't really complain. They are apparently available with normal (my preference) turrets.

The build quality is excellent and as good as anything else.

The second niggle is the adjustment, 5mm is the quoted click value, and to be honest I prefer 1/8". If using a .17 for instance, 5mm is a fair amount of distance at 100 yards. I have never actually had a problem with this I have to say, but 1/8" is what i would choose.

I can't make any comment on the performance with regard to POI adjustment as either the scope or the rings are blowing my groups from very small to very large. Further investigation required.

Optically this seems to be the point where everything changes.
There is a HUGE amount of debate over what I would class as mid point scopes. These being (IMHO)
Nikon Monarch
Bushnell 4200
MTC Viper
Leupold VX 111
Burris Signature

Most people who use these and myself included will have their preference. All of these scopes (when working (sorry Burris)) are similar in performance.
My preference is as they appear here. Some people would suggest that the Leupold be their preference and I think this is indicative of their similarity.

The Zeiss in my opinion is where everything changes. The optics at this point (now we are in $800 territory) are a distinctive improvement. The contrast is far better and what seen through any of the above scopes, then looked at via the Zeiss, show their limitation. The three dimensional aspect is far more tangible through the Zeiss.
I am not knocking any of the above excellent scopes, but the Zeiss just is where the next level begins.

Apart from the MTC, all of the scopes above would really have to be imported to keep them in the bracket they are in here.
The Zeiss now not available from UK retailers, tis a real shame.

On a slight aside, the MTC in my opinion is as good as all of the bracketed scopes, only the Nikon gave a what I would consider an actual improvement (to my eye) on optical quality.
If importing is not your thing, you don't have to feel outdone, the MTC is not outdone by any of the scopes mentioned (other than the Zeiss) by any realistic margin.

I will post some downrange performance of the Zeiss when I get it sorted to on a gun.

[derek austin]

On the question of overall optical quality I would agree. I have the 4.5-14x44 MC sidewheel mildot Zeiss, having owned and enjoyed the Burris and the MTC, the MTC definitely being great value for money, but the Zeiss is the 'next level', at least to my eyes - but it is twice the price of the MTC.

Imported mine came to £400 total: it is light (good) but not flimsy, and everything about it is 'tight', precision engineering. Still want to get it reparalaxed down a bit (it's set @30yds, not too bad for HFT) which is 'under discussion' elsewhere.

Yes, £400 is not cheap, and no, you don't have to have a scope of this quality, but I don't think I could ever go back to the mid range after looking through glass this good.


Derek

[mildot]

I have just sold my mtc scope as i just couldnt get on with it... For the money they have good optics but the zeiss and i would say VX111 are better! the Zeiss has got to be the best of the bunch though.... I recieved mine today so ive just had a little play. I'l have to wait a few days untill i get my .22lr back so that i can fit it and test it properly but from what i have seen so far its a great scope!

[BWH]

I have three of these Zeiss conquests and all are excellant. If imported from the states they are the same money as the equivalent spec Leupold but much better glass. I have also just got the 6.5-20 for my my 17 but at the moment it is on its way back to the US to have the target turrets fitted, the one I got didnt have them. I have got some BDC turrets made by Kenton industries who make the turrets for zeiss and others. These have been engraved with the drop info for the cartridge having sent them the chrono reading of my rifle. I'm looking forward to checking it out but at this stage it has taken parcel force a week not to get the scope to the US dealer! I dont think anyone would regret getting a conquest.

[TARGETZERO]

THESE scopes are spot on,my only gripe,but i can live with it.is the parralex,mine has been factory set at 100yrds,and today a friend of mine g.l.w tryed to reparrellex it, to a range more suited for hft ranges. it did come down a bit,but we just couldnt get it to drop in to spot on focus,we tryed this with the mag set on 10x,its moved a quarter turn and has improved it a lot.but not exact.saying this though,a few club members had a look through it,and found it to be ok,but each person was differant.and did have to fine focus the rear ocular,to keep the ret on the same line.its worth attempting,as it does come down a fair bit,but to get it spot on crystal clear,i think it is a factory job.as the class can only move so far forward and backwards.as it is restricted by a thread insert,fitted by ziess.even so this scope is fantastic in low light levels its unreal.my idea of a perfect ft scope? leupold range finding and ziess glass

[Skany]

I have the normal duplex ret 6.5-20 x50 sidewheel Ziess conquest & after swaping scopes out on a monthly basis its staying put untill i cna jump to the "next" level one day!(but im happy where im at the mo;-))

For £400 u cant go far wrong & the only scope ive looked thru where i could see a slight improvemnt was a swarvoski which was well over 1k & it didnt have a side wheel which i really like!

for late eves where you cant see with your eyes the ziess is still nice & sharp where my mate with his 44mag can even make out B* all

ANdy

[Peter M]

Currently I am lucky enough to own both Zeiss & Swarovski scopes. The Zeiss is my favorite for several reasons:
The light gathering is superb, as Skany reports; I can still shoot well after the light is so poor that I cannot see by the naked eye any quarry (100-200yds).
The parralax side wheel is very convenient and functions well.
Overall the scope is 'quality' at a reasonable price.
Well worth saving up the extra ££ for.
Regards
Peter

[mrfixit]

This is for Perry really,if you had the choice of your Zeiss Or my Meopta Artemis 3-12x 56 which would you go for,please anybody who has used the Meopta also feel free,I am only asking as I am going to import a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44milldot in silver,this will cost approx $850 so I would like (users opinions)Please

[TARGETZERO]

steve from what ive seen of yours mate,its top glass,the ziess to me is opticly better with out any doubt,but to give a good comparison.i would need to borrow yours till i accidently lost it i know yours is very good in low light conditions.but this one of mine thinks its an nv

[derek austin]

This is for Perry really,if you had the choice of your Zeiss Or my Meopta Artemis 3-12x 56 which would you go for,please anybody who has used the Meopta also feel free,I am only asking as I am going to import a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44milldot in silver,this will cost approx $850 so I would like (users opinions)Please

FWIW, got my Conquest 4.5-14x44 sidewheel milldot from EuroOptics, in silver (extra) + mildot (extra) Scope came to $720 + a bit of vat/parcelforce handling fee, total cost £400, here in 4 days.

This scope is para'd @ 30yds (not 100), would like to get it para'd a bit lower, but unlike Targetzero's I can't see any way of turning the glass itself, even after unscrewing what appears to be a locking ring. This scope is WELL worth the money: on 10 mag is enough in focus from 15 yds, blurry @ 10, eminently shootable as it stands, class glass...


Derek

[mrfixit]

I thank you chaps,I have just looked outside with the meopta and it is dark,but I have definition of leaves at 35yds

[TARGETZERO]

truth be known steve,that meopta of yours mate,is one of the best bits of glass ive looked through

[REEVES]

I have both the x44 andx50 conquests i did have a meopta x50 but its been sold.

I have a further x50 on its way,what else can i say.
Nick.

[mrfixit]

Are sunshades available for the Zeiss x44 range?

[derek austin]

Are sunshades available for the Zeiss x44 range?

Yup, but black only, no silver. EuroOptics can sort that for you.


Derek