Re: Conquest or MK4
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: summitsitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Assuming they are the same price should I go with a 6.5-20x50 MK4 with TMR retical or Zeiss conquest 6-20x50 with mildot or maybe z-plex. This will most likely go a a 260 or 6.5-06AI. I have a MK4 and numerous Leupolds (all VX3s and 30mm tubes) but I have never looked thru a zeiss. Need some help guys..Thanks, Trent </div></div>
Well, they're not the same price. The Leupold is more money. The Leupold is around $1,300 give or take a little depending where you buy it. The Conquest is usually $1,050 everywhere, but there are dealers where you can get it for less. It can be found in the $850 - $950 range. The 4.5-14x I mention below can be found for $800 shipped. Conquest prices aren't as controlled as Leupold.
Both Zeiss and Leupold have lifetime transferable warranties and good customer service.
Zeiss will be brighter, clearer and have a better sight picture. Overall, superior optics. It is not miles ahead of the Leupold though. Leupold is a good scope and sometimes the criticism it receives goes too far. Conquest is better, and it's noticeable, but the difference doesn't wow you like say going up to a Victory or S&B.
As far as toughness, I would say that's a draw. I'm referring to internals. If considering the tube, Leupold with the 30mm edges it out. But nothing is a sure thing based on that alone.
The optimal Zeiss to get for adjustment, yet good magnification is the 4.5-14, because it has 68moa of adjustment. The 6.5-20 barely has enough to use a 20moa mount. If you need to use up more than 2-3moa in the wrong direction to zero the rifle, you won't get a 100 yard zero. This is no problem on the 4.5-14x. Or opt for a 15moa rail instead. This is not an issue if you're not concerned with a 100 yard zero.
Leupold offers more options, such as the custom shop, knobs, illumination and reticles. Zeiss only has the mil-dot and no option for illumination. However, Kenton makes BDC knobs for the Conquest.
Zeiss clicks are fantastic, and the tracking is perfect and consistent. Probably the best tracking you can get at that price point. Leupold clicks are a little mushy in comparison.
Zeiss 1/4 clicks has 18moa per turret turn, which is nice. Not sure what the Leupold is.
All of Zeiss reticles are glass etched, and always appear completely solid black. Making for excellent reticle contrast against the image. The TMR is etched, but I'm not so sure about the Leupold mildot.
It comes down to these differences I think:
1. Leupold's greater adjustment range in the 6.5-20
2. Leupold's TMR reticle. Has advantage with the half-mil and .2 mil divisions for accurate ranging.
3. Leupold can be had with illumination (however, this puts the already more expensive Leupold in an even higher price bracket)
4. Leupold's 30mm tube, which is favorable if you already have a nice set of tactical rings sitting around.
I had the same decision as you a while back on one of my rifles. I went with the Zeiss. The reasons why were:
1. The adjustment range in the Zeiss was enough for the cartridge I was shooting and the distances I was shooting at. You are going with flat shooting high BC cartridges, you won't need a lot of adjustment either.
2. I didn't need nor want illuminated reticle. This was for day light shooting only / range work.
3. I was satisfied with the standard mildot. The Zeiss mildot is nice. Thick on the outside, thin on the inside. It's not a bulky mildot reticle. The actual mildots are well defined, not overrun by the cross hair thickness like on some scopes. One of the better mildot reticles in my opinion. The Zeiss mildot is accurate at 10x. I believe that's true on all models.
4. For a practice rifle, I don't need big heavy and huge 30mm tactical rings. The Zeiss and it's 1" tube let's me get the job done cheaper. For non tactical use, high quality steel hunting rings are really tough, won't slip and can even take a few hits. In other words, they are more than enough for the intended purpose. Not every rifle in my safe needs a set of Badger rings and mounts.
5. Given all of the above factors, or more accurately, non-factors, I wanted the best glass I could get at that price point with good tracking.
I really like the good glass, good tracking, etched reticle, and 18moa per turn of the Zeiss.
If I was more interested in tactical use, I'd consider going with the Leupold, add BDC knob and buy the model with illuminated reticle. But at that point, I will be at or approaching entry level Nightforce prices, at which point I'd get a Nightforce and be done with it.
Sorry for the long post. Hope this helps.