Best Scope near $500

klcmschlesinger · September 4, 2009, 01:38 PM

I posted a previous poll about scopes around $300. I went to Cabela's and did some research on scopes more around the $500 range. You can tell a difference when you look through them. So again, let's see what TFL thinks of these scopes.

mikejonestkd · September 4, 2009, 01:43 PM

A leupold VX-3 3-10 x 40 with a duplex is an excellent choice in this range. Averages right around $500 or less at most online stores.

sholling · September 4, 2009, 02:41 PM

All good choices but I'd list them as neck and neck but with slight edges in this order Zeiss Conquest, Bushnell 4200 (2-10x), Burris Signature Select, and Monarch. I'm not a Leupy fan. These are so close that it's going to come down to what works best to your eye. Everybody's eyes are different.

flyguyskt · September 4, 2009, 03:04 PM

if you look through all of them in low light the winner becomes obvious...zeiss. hands down no comparison

Legionnaire · September 4, 2009, 04:26 PM

Good on ya for taking the time to go and look at some higher priced scopes. Leupold get my vote, simply because I've been using Leupolds for years and I appreciate their excellent warranty, even though I've only had to send one (bought second hand, no less) back for warranty service. Zeiss would be my second choice of the ones listed.

Bushnell has had varying quality over the years, and my early experience with them was not good, so I'm a bit gun shy (pun intended) about them. I did buy a Banner Dusk & Dawn scope to put on a .22, and it has worked well thus far. I know others have had good success with them, but I'm not a fan.

Think I'd go with a 3.5-10x40 (or a 4.5-14x40).

Kreyzhorse · September 4, 2009, 08:43 PM

A couple of years ago I started out to buy a Leupold or a Zeiss for my new Ruger No. 1 and was trying to stay in the $500 or under range. After comparing the Leupold and Zeiss, I picked up a Nikon on a suggestion from the salesman and in my opinion, the Nikon Monarch won hands down.

I've been very happy with my Nikon and won't even consider any thing else at this point.

klcmschlesinger · September 5, 2009, 03:38 PM

Bump

GONIF · September 5, 2009, 04:01 PM

Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 can be had under $400.00,lifetime warrentee and 4 inch eye releif . super bright and clear ,great in low light conditions.

jmr40 · September 5, 2009, 04:18 PM

I voted Leupold, but the Zeiss would be a close 2nd depending on which features are most important to you. The Zeiss is slightly better in low light and overall clarity in my experience. The Leupold is good enough to work until well past legal shooting time however. The Leupold is also lighter, smaller and has more eye relief. I have both scopes on rifles in my safe and the Leupold goes hunting more often.

handlerer · September 5, 2009, 04:46 PM

I seem to recall that whwn you look through a Leupold scope you are looking through Nikon glass. So why pay more for Leupold, when it's really a Nikon in disguise.

GONIF · September 5, 2009, 04:58 PM

with Leupold you get a good scope ,but you pay too much for what you get .

Waterengineer · September 5, 2009, 06:26 PM

The Scope made by Carl....that would be Mr. Zeiss to you.

The low light brightness and long eye relief make it the winner.

Major Dave (retired) · September 5, 2009, 07:57 PM

Or looked through the NEW (this year) Leupold VX - 3?

Not "Vari - X III", or " VX - III", but "VX - 3" - new for 2009.

New features are:

Xtended Twilight Lens system using wavelength specific lens coatings designed to optimize the transmission of low-light wavelengths. For enhanced viewing earlier and later in the day. Also good for "dark timber", etc.

Blackened lens edges to reduce light diffusion, cutting glare while improving resolution and contrast.

DiamondCoat 2, which increases light transmission for greater brightness, clarity, and contrast, while providing scratch resistance to exterior lens surfaces.

End result - try it, you'll like it.

Don't bad-mouth Leupy until you have looked thru this one!

P.S. Price of 2.5 - 8 X 36 is $430. Higher magnifications are higher prices.

Dr Raoul Duke · September 9, 2009, 02:16 AM

I have been choosing Nikon scopes for quite some time now, and I think they are excellent, both in quality and clarity, but in value. I was an almost life long Leupold addict, but Nikon and their Monarch line of scopes have won me over.

Dr. Raoul Duke
Gonzo Forever

.300 Weatherby Mag · September 9, 2009, 02:50 AM

Leupold and Zeiss both produce excellent optics.... The edge hear goes to leupold... The difference is in warranty service turn around... Everything that's had to go back to Leupold has always come back quickly... Zeiss doesn't do anything quickly.... I don't know if they send stuff back to Germany or what but 4-5 months is a little excessive.... The only and I mean only knock I have on the Zeiss conquest is that they haven't held up as well as the VX-III series leupolds have on our big weatherbys....

Dannyl · September 9, 2009, 03:51 AM

Call me biased if you wish, but I have been using a Leupold VXII 4x12x40 since I bought my 30-06 rifle in 96' and when I finally replace it, I will be mounting a newer generation Leupold.

Great results on the bench, metallic Silouhette up to 500M and hunting (up to 350M so far)

Brgds,
Danny

Scorch · September 9, 2009, 11:21 AM

I always recommend Leupold scopes. Good scope, great warranty, outstanding customer service. If you want a better scope, get a Swarovski (notice I said "want", not "need"), they really are superior.

And no, Leupold does not use Nikon lenses. They both buy glass from the same source and grind the lenses themselves.

trooper3385 · September 9, 2009, 02:54 PM

I have at least one of each one of these scopes. In my opinion, as far as clarity and light gathering ability, the Zeiss is the better out of this group. However, Leupold has an excellent warranty and they stand by there products. I believe the Zeiss is better glass, but not by much over the Leupold. I can't remember what the warranty is on the Zeiss or how good there warranty service is on there products, but it can't be better than the Leupold. In my opinion, the Zeiss is a hair better than the Leupold, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Leupold. In fact, this last 2 scopes I purchased were VX-III's. The other two are also excellent scopes as well. You shouldn't go wrong with any of these.

fireroad · September 9, 2009, 11:42 PM

After being a long time Leupold fan and eagerly awaiting the new VX-3 I have to say I'll pass. The Zeiss Conquest is far more impressive, as is the Bushnell 4200/6500 and Sightron SII Big Sky. The Zeiss warranty is excellent, not as fast as Leupold, but pretty darn good.

If your are set on Leupold save your money and get the older (discontinued last year) VX-III. PM me and I'll make you a deal on a barely used 3-10x40.

Fremmer · September 9, 2009, 11:52 PM

CDNN has Leupold VX III's on sale; I think they were around $300.00. They aren't the newest version, but they are great scopes. That's what I'd do.

.300 Weatherby Mag · September 10, 2009, 01:08 AM

Nothing at all wrong with the VX-3... It's an evolution of the VX-III... Great scope and I have no issues with the VX-3 that's on my 22-250.... It seems to be as good or better than the VX-III and Vari X-III scopes I have on my other rifles...

thinkingman · September 10, 2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

After being a long time Leupold fan and eagerly awaiting the new VX-3 I have to say I'll pass. The Zeiss Conquest is far more impressive, as is the Bushnell 4200/6500 and Sightron SII Big Sky. The Zeiss warranty is excellent, not as fast as Leupold, but pretty darn good.

If your are set on Leupold save your money and get the older (discontinued last year) VX-III. PM me and I'll make you a deal on a barely used 3-10x40.

Good post.

Wildwillbebytosetyoustraightsoon.

LanceOregon · September 10, 2009, 06:50 PM

Man, if you buy your scopes at Cabelas you will definitely get ripped off.

Don't you shop around and look for good deals?

I stumbled on a secret that Bud's Gun Shop.com heavily discounts Nikon Monarch scopes. So much so that they really become an incredible bargain when purchased from Bud's.

You think that the price is $419?

Dude, how about thinking that it is almost $90 less than that!!!!

---

RichM · September 10, 2009, 08:16 PM

I have a VX-II and it is the "old" Vari-X-III. You can almost see in the dark with it.

I'm real happy and only paid $300 - got free rings and free shipping.

I bought last year after looking at the Zeiss, Bushnell, and Burris scopes. The one I liked best was the Burris Signature Select - I thought i was better than all the others but it was heavy. The Zeiss and Bushnell 4200 were nice but I chose to give Leupold my money. American made (most of it) and great service aside from the fact that my other Leupolds have NEVER been in for service.

I did buy a Bushnell for my muzzleloader and could not get it to group so I put the Leuopld on my ML and sighted it in. The Bushnell I bought confirmed that they aren't there yet.

klcmschlesinger · September 10, 2009, 09:27 PM

Did I say that is where I buy them? That is where I was doing research. They have a nice selection to look at. I don't have to travel to 10 different stores to line them up and compare them.
I have found much better prices in a bunch of places. CDNN has VXIII for $399, Able ammo has he Zeiss for $419, Leupold VXIII all over Gunbroker for about $350 + Shipping.
Don't worry about where I buy it, I'm looking for opinions on quality.

View Poll Results: Which $500 scope?
Leupold VX-3 $499	35	43.21%
Ziess Conquest $499	26	32.10%
Nikon Monarch $419	16	19.75%
Burris Signature $479	4	4.94%
Voters: 81. You may not vote on this poll

September 4, 2009, 01:38 PM	#1
klcmschlesinger Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2007 Posts: 201	Best Scope near $500 I posted a previous poll about scopes around $300. I went to Cabela's and did some research on scopes more around the $500 range. You can tell a difference when you look through them. So again, let's see what TFL thinks of these scopes. __________________ klcmschlesinger The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote, "a flute with no holes is not a flute, and a donut with no hole, is a danish."

September 4, 2009, 01:43 PM	#2
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	A leupold VX-3 3-10 x 40 with a duplex is an excellent choice in this range. Averages right around $500 or less at most online stores. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

September 4, 2009, 02:41 PM	#3
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	All good choices but I'd list them as neck and neck but with slight edges in this order Zeiss Conquest, Bushnell 4200 (2-10x), Burris Signature Select, and Monarch. I'm not a Leupy fan. These are so close that it's going to come down to what works best to your eye. Everybody's eyes are different. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

September 4, 2009, 04:26 PM	#5
Legionnaire Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2000 Location: Central TX Posts: 1,503	Good on ya for taking the time to go and look at some higher priced scopes. Leupold get my vote, simply because I've been using Leupolds for years and I appreciate their excellent warranty, even though I've only had to send one (bought second hand, no less) back for warranty service. Zeiss would be my second choice of the ones listed. Bushnell has had varying quality over the years, and my early experience with them was not good, so I'm a bit gun shy (pun intended) about them. I did buy a Banner Dusk & Dawn scope to put on a .22, and it has worked well thus far. I know others have had good success with them, but I'm not a fan. Think I'd go with a 3.5-10x40 (or a 4.5-14x40). __________________ Cogito, ergo armatus sum.

September 4, 2009, 03:04 PM	#4
flyguyskt Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2009 Posts: 118	if you look through all of them in low light the winner becomes obvious...zeiss. hands down no comparison

September 4, 2009, 08:43 PM	#6
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	A couple of years ago I started out to buy a Leupold or a Zeiss for my new Ruger No. 1 and was trying to stay in the $500 or under range. After comparing the Leupold and Zeiss, I picked up a Nikon on a suggestion from the salesman and in my opinion, the Nikon Monarch won hands down. I've been very happy with my Nikon and won't even consider any thing else at this point. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

September 5, 2009, 03:38 PM	#7
klcmschlesinger Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2007 Posts: 201	Anyone else have an opinion? Bump __________________ klcmschlesinger The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote, "a flute with no holes is not a flute, and a donut with no hole, is a danish."

September 5, 2009, 04:01 PM	#8
GONIF Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Location: PHOENIX IT'S A DRY HEAT AZ Posts: 844	Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 can be had under $400.00,lifetime warrentee and 4 inch eye releif . super bright and clear ,great in low light conditions. __________________ WHO ME ?

September 5, 2009, 04:18 PM	#9
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	I voted Leupold, but the Zeiss would be a close 2nd depending on which features are most important to you. The Zeiss is slightly better in low light and overall clarity in my experience. The Leupold is good enough to work until well past legal shooting time however. The Leupold is also lighter, smaller and has more eye relief. I have both scopes on rifles in my safe and the Leupold goes hunting more often.

September 5, 2009, 04:46 PM	#10
handlerer Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2007 Location: Billings,MT Posts: 277	I seem to recall that whwn you look through a Leupold scope you are looking through Nikon glass. So why pay more for Leupold, when it's really a Nikon in disguise.

September 5, 2009, 04:58 PM	#11
GONIF Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Location: PHOENIX IT'S A DRY HEAT AZ Posts: 844	with Leupold you get a good scope ,but you pay too much for what you get . __________________ WHO ME ? Last edited by GONIF; September 5, 2009 at 05:07 PM.

September 5, 2009, 06:26 PM	#12
Waterengineer Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Aurora, CO and Palm Beach, FL Posts: 863	The Scope made by Carl....that would be Mr. Zeiss to you. The low light brightness and long eye relief make it the winner.

September 5, 2009, 07:57 PM	#13
Major Dave (retired) Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2008 Location: Between Dallas and Shreveport, LA Posts: 569	"Have you driven a Ford - lately", Or looked through the NEW (this year) Leupold VX - 3? Not "Vari - X III", or " VX - III", but "VX - 3" - new for 2009. New features are: Xtended Twilight Lens system using wavelength specific lens coatings designed to optimize the transmission of low-light wavelengths. For enhanced viewing earlier and later in the day. Also good for "dark timber", etc. Blackened lens edges to reduce light diffusion, cutting glare while improving resolution and contrast. DiamondCoat 2, which increases light transmission for greater brightness, clarity, and contrast, while providing scratch resistance to exterior lens surfaces. End result - try it, you'll like it. Don't bad-mouth Leupy until you have looked thru this one! P.S. Price of 2.5 - 8 X 36 is $430. Higher magnifications are higher prices. __________________ Artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be but a vulgar brawl. Last edited by Major Dave (retired); September 5, 2009 at 08:01 PM. Reason: Typo

September 9, 2009, 02:16 AM	#14
Dr Raoul Duke Junior member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: On the Left Coast of North America Posts: 104	Best Scope near $500 I have been choosing Nikon scopes for quite some time now, and I think they are excellent, both in quality and clarity, but in value. I was an almost life long Leupold addict, but Nikon and their Monarch line of scopes have won me over. Dr. Raoul Duke Gonzo Forever

September 9, 2009, 02:50 AM	#15
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,777	Leupold and Zeiss both produce excellent optics.... The edge hear goes to leupold... The difference is in warranty service turn around... Everything that's had to go back to Leupold has always come back quickly... Zeiss doesn't do anything quickly.... I don't know if they send stuff back to Germany or what but 4-5 months is a little excessive.... The only and I mean only knock I have on the Zeiss conquest is that they haven't held up as well as the VX-III series leupolds have on our big weatherbys....

September 9, 2009, 03:51 AM	#16
Dannyl Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Cape Town - South Africa Posts: 627	Call me biased if you wish, but I have been using a Leupold VXII 4x12x40 since I bought my 30-06 rifle in 96' and when I finally replace it, I will be mounting a newer generation Leupold. Great results on the bench, metallic Silouhette up to 500M and hunting (up to 350M so far) Brgds, Danny

September 9, 2009, 11:21 AM	#17
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I always recommend Leupold scopes. Good scope, great warranty, outstanding customer service. If you want a better scope, get a Swarovski (notice I said "want", not "need"), they really are superior. And no, Leupold does not use Nikon lenses. They both buy glass from the same source and grind the lenses themselves. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

September 9, 2009, 02:54 PM	#18
trooper3385 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Location: South Texas Posts: 814	I have at least one of each one of these scopes. In my opinion, as far as clarity and light gathering ability, the Zeiss is the better out of this group. However, Leupold has an excellent warranty and they stand by there products. I believe the Zeiss is better glass, but not by much over the Leupold. I can't remember what the warranty is on the Zeiss or how good there warranty service is on there products, but it can't be better than the Leupold. In my opinion, the Zeiss is a hair better than the Leupold, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Leupold. In fact, this last 2 scopes I purchased were VX-III's. The other two are also excellent scopes as well. You shouldn't go wrong with any of these.

September 9, 2009, 11:42 PM	#19
fireroad Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2008 Posts: 126	After being a long time Leupold fan and eagerly awaiting the new VX-3 I have to say I'll pass. The Zeiss Conquest is far more impressive, as is the Bushnell 4200/6500 and Sightron SII Big Sky. The Zeiss warranty is excellent, not as fast as Leupold, but pretty darn good. If your are set on Leupold save your money and get the older (discontinued last year) VX-III. PM me and I'll make you a deal on a barely used 3-10x40.

September 9, 2009, 11:52 PM	#20
Fremmer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2005 Location: Nebraska Posts: 3,482	CDNN has Leupold VX III's on sale; I think they were around $300.00. They aren't the newest version, but they are great scopes. That's what I'd do.

September 10, 2009, 01:08 AM	#21
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,777	Nothing at all wrong with the VX-3... It's an evolution of the VX-III... Great scope and I have no issues with the VX-3 that's on my 22-250.... It seems to be as good or better than the VX-III and Vari X-III scopes I have on my other rifles...

September 10, 2009, 06:50 PM	#23
LanceOregon Junior member Join Date: May 10, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,774	Man, if you buy your scopes at Cabelas you will definitely get ripped off. Don't you shop around and look for good deals? I stumbled on a secret that Bud's Gun Shop.com heavily discounts Nikon Monarch scopes. So much so that they really become an incredible bargain when purchased from Bud's. You think that the price is $419? Dude, how about thinking that it is almost $90 less than that!!!! ---

September 10, 2009, 08:16 PM	#24
RichM Junior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Posts: 13	I have a VX-II and it is the "old" Vari-X-III. You can almost see in the dark with it. I'm real happy and only paid $300 - got free rings and free shipping. I bought last year after looking at the Zeiss, Bushnell, and Burris scopes. The one I liked best was the Burris Signature Select - I thought i was better than all the others but it was heavy. The Zeiss and Bushnell 4200 were nice but I chose to give Leupold my money. American made (most of it) and great service aside from the fact that my other Leupolds have NEVER been in for service. I did buy a Bushnell for my muzzleloader and could not get it to group so I put the Leuopld on my ML and sighted it in. The Bushnell I bought confirmed that they aren't there yet. Last edited by RichM; September 10, 2009 at 08:22 PM.

September 10, 2009, 09:27 PM	#25
klcmschlesinger Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2007 Posts: 201	Oregon Did I say that is where I buy them? That is where I was doing research. They have a nice selection to look at. I don't have to travel to 10 different stores to line them up and compare them. I have found much better prices in a bunch of places. CDNN has VXIII for $399, Able ammo has he Zeiss for $419, Leupold VXIII all over Gunbroker for about $350 + Shipping. Don't worry about where I buy it, I'm looking for opinions on quality. __________________ klcmschlesinger The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote, "a flute with no holes is not a flute, and a donut with no hole, is a danish."