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Minox ZA5 6-30 vs Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20

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Guesty View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guesty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Minox ZA5 6-30 vs Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20
    Posted: May/29/2011 at 09:34
I've got a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 with Target Turrets that I use on my 308 for target plinking out to 1000 yards. I'm quite happy with the optical quality, but would like a little more magnification. I haven't got the cash to spash out on Nightforce or S&B PM2, but have just spotted the Minox ZA5 range, in particular the 6-30x56 with XR-BDC reticle.
Does anyone have any experience of this scope, and how it compares with my current Conquest? The glass is allegedly the same in both, but the Minox is suspiciously a lot cheaper. In my experience, the old adage 'you get what you pay for' is especially true with optics, so what's wrong with the Minox?
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Rich Coyle View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rich Coyle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/29/2011 at 11:04
Originally posted by Guesty Guesty wrote:

The glass is allegedly the same in both, but the Minox is suspiciously a lot cheaper. In my experience, the old adage 'you get what you pay for' is especially true with optics, so what's wrong with the Minox?
 
This foolish statement has been around for years.  It is a falicy.  In optics, and anything else, you get what you shop for.  Go for the Minox from a reputalbe company which will let you return it if it is not up to your expectation.
 
If you do go for it, please give us a side by side comparison on a line chart or eye chart.  Let us know what magnification setting is needed for the two scopes.
 
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Guesty View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guesty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/29/2011 at 14:23
I have been looking for bargain optics for years, and of those I can remember I have worked up through various Tasco, Simmons, Nikon, SWFA,  Bushnell, Meopta, Kahles, Burris, Weaver, B&L and Leupold and in rough order of optical quality. Then ended up settling on Zeiss, Swarovski and Leica products. If I could have found equally satisfying optics for cheaper, then I would have saved my money.
In my years of searching I've found the Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 is my personal benchmark for 'good' optical quality in a highish mag scope, and I've had to spend significantly more to better it. The Zeiss now costs around $1K, so when a bit of Googling finds the higher spec Minox for under $650 gets me worrying. I'd like to believe that the Minox offers similar optical quality as well as higher specification for 2/3rd the price, but experience tells me that is unlikely. I'm hoping someone with a discerning eye has looked through both and will give their findings.
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Rich Coyle View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rich Coyle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/29/2011 at 14:44
Guesty,
 
One of the scopes you mentioned is Swarovski. 


POST EDITED FOR BLATANT RULES VIOLATION>>>>


Edited by Kickboxer - May/29/2011 at 16:29
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/29/2011 at 15:19
Guesty,

The Minox is a pretty nice scope.  It's centerfield resolution is a touch better than the Conquest, but the edges are a touch worse.  For a riflescope, that is a reasonable compromise and it may be worth a try for you.

As for the advice from Rich Coyle that you have just received, well, glance at his avatar and that should tell you all you need to know about the source.

He has severe superclavicular problems, so his impressions do not translate to any other sentient life form that I am aware of.

ILya
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Guesty View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guesty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/29/2011 at 15:32
Rich, many thanks for the Swarovski offer, but I'll have to pass. I've only got funds for a cheapy right now. I have a PV 4-16x50 that I'm very happy with, though one day I might sell a kidney for a Z6 2.5-15x56.
ILya,  thanks for the info. I read your website 3-9x40 review with great interest. Hopefully your findings will translate to the higher magnifications as well. It think it's worth a punt for a mere $650, so will report back with my findings.

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Kickboxer View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/29/2011 at 16:27
Originally posted by Rich Coyle Rich Coyle wrote:

Guesty,
 
One of the scopes you mentioned is Swarovski. It has only been used to compare with other optics.  Its has side focus and weights only 17 1/2 ounces. Its low light ability is very good. 

Rich Coyle... read the forum rules.  Scopes and other items for sale are ONLY to be posted in the Member's Trading Post...

7.  For Sale ads are to be placed in Member's Trading Post area only.  Read the For Sale Rules prior to selling.


Edited by Kickboxer - May/29/2011 at 16:29
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WYcoyote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/29/2011 at 19:34
When I see one of Rich's posts, I have the incredible desire to pop a huge bowl of popcorn and make sure the beer is cold.
 
Get Your Popcorn Ready
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