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Zeiss Conquest HD5 5-25x50 Initial Thoughts |
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Bloodstriker
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/05/2013 Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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Posted: June/05/2013 at 18:51 |
I just received and mounted my Zeiss Conquest 5-25x50 Rapid Z Varmint today. I was looking for more information about this scope prior to buying and could find much, so here are my initial thoughts for anybody interested in this scope. I will be comparing it to the Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 and the S&B PMII 5-25x56.
Image Quality: The image is clear, bright, and has good contrast. However, there is a bit of pin-cushioning at the edges. This is very, very minor, but if one really looks for it, it's there. Compared to the old Conquest, the clarity is about the same. However, the image is noticeably brighter and has better contrast. This may or may not have to do with the larger objective lens. Obviously, the S&B PMII wins hands down in image quality. It has it beat in every category. And it should, since it's 3x the price. However, the HD5 is no slouch. I look at both scopes at objects from 100M - 10KM. Where the S&B really shines is at longer distances (700m and up). Still, the HD5 was able to pick up on mirage at long distances. Adjustments: The new HD5 target turrets have a good feel to them. They're nothing spectacular, but they aren't mushy either. There's a total of 65 MOA of elevation. The problem really comes with the zero stop. I'm only able to get 16.5 MOA of elevation with the zero stop installed. IMHO, this is the weakest point of the scope and may be a deal breaker for some. The zero stop can be completely taken out if the user wishes. Tracking: Will report soon. Reticle: The Rapid Z Varmint reticle is very good for it's intended purpose. The stadia strike a good balance of being thin enough for target shooting and thick enough for varminting - which is to say, they are thin. Size and Weight: The HD5's size is perfect for it's power range and objective size. I could not ask for much more. It is an extremely compact 5-25x50 scope with a 1" tube. It's only slightly longer than the 4.5-14x44 and much, much shorter than the PMII. I had also compared the HD5 side by side with a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50, and the length of the HD5 only reaches the start of the bell of the Viper. I would expect a scope of this size to be very light. However, that's not the case. The scope has some heft to it. Not as heavy as the PMII, but not nearly as light as the 4.5-14x44. Pros: Excellent glass Good magnification range Positive feeling turrets without being too stiff Locking Turrets Cons: Zero stop limits total usable elevation A bit on the heavy side Closing Thoughts: I am extremely happy with the Zeiss HD5 5-25x50 thus far. The two best features of this scope are the magnification range and glass quality. I had compared this scope to the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP and although the Vortex had pretty much every feature I could ask for, the Zeiss had it beat in glass and size. 130M @ 5x 130M @ 25x |
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Bloodstriker
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/05/2013 Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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Oops. Here's the pic @ 5x
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RifleDude
MODERATOR EVIL OPPRESSOR Joined: October/13/2006 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 16337 |
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Nice review, Bloodstriker! Thanks for your feedback, and welcome to OT!
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Ted
Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle. |
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Bloodstriker
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/05/2013 Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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Thanks! I've been lurking here for about a year and just realized today that I never registered! |
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budperm
Optics Retard show me your sheep!! Joined: January/01/2009 Location: Pennsylvania Status: Offline Points: 31710 |
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Welcome aboard and thanks for contributing!
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"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson |
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Peddler
Optics God Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 13526 |
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Any good stuff in any of the windows?
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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Bitterroot Bulls
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: May/07/2009 Location: Montana Status: Offline Points: 3416 |
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Thanks for the notes, Bloodstriker.
Welcome! Peddler, |
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-Matt
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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I did some testing last night with the Conquest HD 3-15 against 2 scopes I own.
Kahles K312 3-12x50 Meopta 3-12x56 RD I must say the Conquest did much better than I was expecting. I was looking under dense trees at 2-300 yards. I had to back the power off some but there wasn't a big difference between any of them. I was looking at tree branches and leaves looking for details. It was 9pm CST At 200 yards I could clearly see individual leaves and branches. The tree line was black to my naked eye and I would not been able to see a deer there. |
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Bloodstriker
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/05/2013 Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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I wish!!!! |
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Bloodstriker
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/05/2013 Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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What did you see with the other two scopes? |
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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Kahles has the best resolution
Glass between the other two a toss up really I am sitting hairs here.. All are damned nice scopes I will so some more optical testing.. |
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Robster80
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/02/2012 Location: MS Status: Offline Points: 430 |
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im seriously thinking about getting one of these zeiss 5-25x50. my 4-12 swaro just is not enough magnification for me.
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Peddler
Optics God Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 13526 |
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Matt, ya never know if you don't ask. |
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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Bloodstriker
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/05/2013 Status: Offline Points: 13 |
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I've compared a Meopta with the HD5. I agree that the glass is a toss up between the two. Im not familiar with Kahles but I looked it up and it looks like a great competitor to some higher end scopes like the Zeiss Victory it Swarovski Z5/Z6. |
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Robster80
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/02/2012 Location: MS Status: Offline Points: 430 |
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whixh meopta did u compare to? meopro or meotar?
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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I have both a Meopro 4-12x50 and Meostar 3-12x56
According to John Lara at Meopta they both have the same glass and coatings. The Meostar 3-12x56 is a tiny bit easier on the eyes trying to resolve detail past sunset. In the day I couldn't tell the difference and so I asked. For a hunting scope I want great low light performance and the ability to count points on a buck at 200 yards 30 minutes after sunset. |
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Robster80
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/02/2012 Location: MS Status: Offline Points: 430 |
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im considering a 4-12 x50 meopro if i dont go with the zeiss hd5
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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If you are near Austin,TX I would be happy to help..
BTW, I spoke with Kenton Industries a few weeks ago and they are working on custom dials for Meoptas |
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Robster80
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/02/2012 Location: MS Status: Offline Points: 430 |
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im in MS lol. i think i may order a 4-12 meopro and do a comparison to my swaro. if the swaro is just way better ill send meopro back.
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ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
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Cool
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