Conquest Rifle Scopes - Zeiss for a Fair Price

Ever wanted a Zeiss, but were turned off by the price tag? The Zeiss Conquest scope line was designed to make their scopes affordable to a larger audience, providing a taste of the elite brand for a fraction of the cost of their higher end models. That said, the majority of the Conquest series sells in the $500 - $1000 dollar range, so even though it is an entry level scope line in the Zeiss series, it is not an entry level optic like a Redfield Revolution or Nikon Prostaff.

Overview
The Conquest line up is pretty extensive, it features eight different configurations most of which can be had with the choice of several different reticles. On the low end is the 3-9x40 which is the most economical scope in the bunch and at the high end is a 6-24x50 model suitable for varmint, target, and even tactical use.

Reticles - Zeiss has numerous different reticles in their rifle scope line up and the Conquest series features many of them. While most of them are named by number, i.e. 4, 8, 43 etc, we listed them in the chart as what most shooters would be familiar with such as mildot or German #4. The Zeiss Z-Plex is just their version of a duplex reticle, while the Rapid Z series are their holdover reticles with options for 600, 800, and 1000 yard maximum distances.

Black or Silver – While some manufactures offer a version or maybe two, usually a 3-9x40, with a silver finish; Zeiss Conquest rifle scopes are all available in either a black or silver finish with the 3-12x56 model being the only exception. The silver models in the line are unique in that instead of being solid silver they feature black trim and then of course their blue badge on the side, this all combines to make a very distinctive look that is quickly recognizable as a Zeiss scope.

Common Factors – These scopes all receive the Zeiss MC lens coating for improved light transmission, and are all built on a 1” main tube with the exception of the 3-12x56 model which is built on a 30mm main tube. Conquest scopes make both windage and elevation adjustments in 1/4 increments and feature an anodized finish for increased corrosion protection. Finally, these scopes are all Nitrogen purged for waterproofing and have there reticles in the 2nd focal plane, except for the 3-12x56 model which has a 1st focal plane reticle.

Zeiss Conquest Rifle Scope Comparison Chart

Model	6.5-20x50	4.5-14x50	4.5-14x44	3-12x56
Picture
Estimated Price	$1029 - $1125	$849 - $949	$799 - $939	$999
Length	15.6"	14"	13.9"	15.3"
Weight	21.9 oz	19.8 oz	17.1 oz	25.8 oz
Eye Relief	3.5"	3.5"	3.5"	3.2"
Field of View	17.7' - 5.7'	25.5' - 8.8'	24.9' - 8.4'	27.6' - 9.9'
Reticle	Z-Plex German #4 Mildot Rapid Z 1000 RZ Varmint	Z-Plex German #4 Mildot Rapid Z 800 Rapid Z 1000	Z-Plex German #4 Mildot Rapid Z 800 Rapid Z 1000	Heavy Duplex

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Models
6.5-20x50 – The most powerful scope in the Zeiss Conquest line up, the 6.5-20x50 can be in had in five different reticle options.  At 15.6” long and just under 22 ounces the Conquest 6.5-20x50 is of about average length and weight for a scope of this configuration. Paired with a the mildot reticle this scope could be used for tactical applications, and both the Rapid Z Varmint, and Rapid Z 1000 are also suitable for long range shooting of various styles, though probably most often utilized by varmint hunters.

4.5-14x50 – Also available with a wide variety of reticles including the mildot and the Rapid Z 1000, the 4.5-14x50 is suitable for a wide variety of hunting and shooting applications. This and the 4.5-14x44 models are probably the most versatile scopes in this Zeiss line, capable for use in the following categories: tactical, target, varmint, and hunting. This mid range power is favored by some shooters in nearly every on of the previous shooting categories; however, it is the selection of reticles that really allow these scopes to shine in the aforementioned categories.

4.5-14x44 – This is scope is basically identical to the 4.5-14x50 except it has a 44mm objective instead of a 50mm objective. Like the 4.5-14x50 model, the 4.5-14x44 version comes with five reticle choices: Z-Plex, German #4, Mildot, Rapid Z 800, and Rapid Z 1000. The length, eye relief, and field of view are for all practical purposes the same; the one noticeable difference is the 4.5-14x44 model is about 2.5 ounces lighter than its 4.5-14x50 counter part.

3-12x56 – The black sheep of the family, the 3-12x56 model stands out for a variety or reasons; it has the largest objective of any scope in the Conquest line up, as well as being the only model not offered with a silver finish. Furthermore, the 3-12x56 is built on a 30mm main tube as opposed to the 1” tube the rest of the models in the series are built on. Finally, this model has its reticle in the first focal plane as opposed to the 2nd focal plane like the other models.

Zeiss Conquest Comparison Chart

Model	3.5-10x50	3.5-10x44	3-9x50	3-9x40
Picture
Estimated Price	$699 - $829	$699 - $799	$629 - $749	$499 - $569
Length	13.2"	12.7"	12.4"	12.9"
Weight	17.1 oz	15.9 oz	16.6 oz	15.2 oz
Eye Relief	3.5"	3.5"	3.5"	4"
Field of View	35.1' - 11.7'	35.1' - 11.7'	37.5' - 12.9'	33.9' - 11'
Reticle	Z-Plex German #4 Rapid Z 600 Rapid Z 800	Z-Plex German #4 Mildot Rapid Z 600 Rapid Z 800	Z-Plex German #4 Rapid Z 600	Z-Plex German #4 Rapid Z 600

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Models

3.5-10x50 – We are not really sure of the logic of having a 3.5-10x50 and a 3-9x50 configuration in the same line up but were not complaining. The 3.5-10x50 scopes are very similar in specifications to the 3-9x50 models, but do come with the additional option of having a Rapid Z 800 reticle. Also, while not all that significant the 3.5-10x44 models are about .5 inch longer and .8 of an ounce heavier than the 3-9x50 models; the up side is you have a 10x magnification on the high end instead of a 9x maximum power.

3.5-10x44 – Again this is pretty similar to their 3-9x40 model; however, this time with the slight increase in magnification also comes a noticeable increase in objective size. The Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44 model provides a nice compromise for those wanting more light gathering power than the 3-9x40 model, but not the added bulk of a 3.5-10x50 or 3-9x50 model. Again reticle selections are plentiful and increase the number of applications for which this scope is well suited.

3-9x50 – As has become standard practice with many rifle scope lines, the 3-9x50 version is offered for those who prefer the added low light capability of the larger 50mm objective. However, when compared to the base 3-9x40 model the base 3-9x50 model is about $120 more and is nearly and 1.5 ounces heavier, so the additional performance over the 3-9x40 doesn’t come without its price. However, for many shooters, especially big game hunters, this is an acceptable trade, and it is always nice to see this option in a scope lineup.

3-9x40 – Or the teaser model as we call it; the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 is undoubtedly the most popular model in the line, and it should be. Besides being of the ever popular 3-9x40 configuration it is also the most affordable model in the Conquest line with the price of a black finish model with Z-Plex reticle coming in right at $500 dollars; however, finish and/or specialty reticles rapidly drive the price up. So with the vast majority of Conquest rifle scopes selling in the $750 - $1000 range, the 3-9x40 model is kind of a hook model they dangle in front of the shooter hoping to get them introduced to the brand. With similar models in the line selling for significantly more one wonders if they are making much if any money on these 3-9x40 models or if they are a loss leader for Zeiss. Regardless, the Conquest 3-9x40 seems to be the value buy in this scope line.

Conclusion
It is nice to see a high end company like Zeiss introduce a line that is more affordable to the average hunter and shooter; while most will never spend $2000 - $3000 on a higher end model, many avid sportsman will be able to save up enough to purchase a Conquest scope.