Ziess Conquest VS Sightron S3

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skeetlee

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Between the two scopes in question what scope do you fellas think is the better all around scope? The Ziess cost a bit more but resale is about the same, so i figured this would be a fair comparison. Lee
 
I would disagree with the Zeiss Conquest being better than a Sightron S3. I would go for the Sightron S3 without question, when I've used them side by side I preferred the Sightron it's a very clear scope. The Conquest is a good scope as well but I would take the Sightron over the Zeiss any day. Now if you start getting into the expensive Zeiss scopes I wouldn't but the Conquest is their economy line and it is apparent.
 
The S3 scopes might just hang in there with the upper end Zeiss, i would like to read a hands on comparison. ed
 
I would completely disagree with Zeiss being better than Sightron. Between the Conquest and SIII, there actually is no comparison. The conquest has a one inch tube and the knobs are not nearly as nice. The SIII has a 30mm tube and much better turrets. Both scopes are very bright and clear. I personally believe the Sightron model is better in every way. Now, the Zeiss Diavari line is better than the SIII scopes.In reality, the conquest and SIII are both excellent scopes worthy of consideration.
 
If you do a little shopping IMO the costs of each scope are quit comparable.

I have both scopes. And both scopes shine in their own ways. So it really depends on how you are going to be using the scope, and under what conditions.

As mentioned above the Zeiss is 1" and the SIII is 30mm. The SIII is also a longer and heavier scope than the Conquset.

I have used both scopes for "tracking" out to 600 yards. And both scopes track very well. However the Zeiss has better knobs "IMO" than the SIII. And the knobs on the Zeiss are exposed---which I prefer. Some people prefer unexposed target knobs-so again that is a judgement call.

The glass on both scopes are very clear. And IMO perform about the same for clarity and the ability to use in low light situations. I realize the SIII should outperform the Zeiss in low light conditions-but mine does not. They are about the same.

The Zeiss has the advantage in available reticles. And the SIII has the advantage in that you can get higher power magnification.

To make a decision between the 2 scopes. I would make my decision based on how the scope fits my needs. The actual quality difference is a toss up.

I have been considering a new SIII in 8X32 for a varmint rig I am putting together. However I can not get past the fact that my only reticle choice is a dot, and the adjustments are 1/8 minute. For dialing I really prefer a 1/4" adjustment, and exposed knobs. But the price for what you get is a good deal. Tom.
 
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I must be in the minority because I think the Zeiss has much better glass. The turrets and tracking are about the same IMO but when I dial down my 6x24x50 SIII to 20x to match the Zeiss at 100 yards the Zeiss is much better(to my eyes). After all that though I wouldn't kick the SIII out of bed
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Tom nailed it! I personally would say overall they are a wash. Just comes down to what options you want. About the only two complaints I have with Sightron, is they don't offer exposed turrets and the limited reticle choices. I also have a SII Big Sky and it's no slouch either. Both the SIII and Big Sky, fair nicely against higher priced scopes. They also are getting a reputation for having a Leupold like warranty!
If your into spinning turrets, the SIII offers 100 or more MOA of adjustment in all but one scope in that line. My Big Sky has 80 moa of adjustment and track very good. Zeiss tracks just as good from the ones I've used, but I don't think they have as much adjustment as the Sightrons. I could be wrong and maybe someone that knows for sure could post up, but I'm pretty sure it's not as much. The only other complaints I have with the Zeiss, is in the RpdZ reticles, the lines seem to close for my liking. I know people that think I'm crazy and are very happy with that reticle, but their just to close for me. The other is their customer service was so so in the past. That said, they could have corrected that by now, as it's been sometime since I've heard anything bad about Zeiss's cs.

Either way, your getting a very nice scope!




 
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Tom, are you sure that the SIII is 1/8 adjustment? Thought I didn't see 1/8 until you got into some of the target models in the Big Sky line. I could be wrong though, I'll look it up latter. And yes, 1/8 sucks for spinning turrets. I learned that one the hard way!
 
Originally Posted By: tuneredThe S3 scopes might just hang in there with the upper end Zeiss, i would like to read a hands on comparison. ed

Ditto.

I can't chime in here on which is better between the Zeiss and the Sightron as I've never owned a Sightron.
But, when it comes to buying a scope for a sporter, 1" tubes rule, in my house..
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And, I do have three Zeiss scopes, all Conquests with 1" tubes, and I like them. That's about all I can add to this thread.
 
Zeiss Conquest with Rapid Z600 reticle is what I am using. The optical quality is on par with scopes in the two thousand dollar range. The Rapid Z reticle (ballistic drop compensating reticle) is the way to go, no scope turret movement required by the hunter while trying to go un-spotted.
 


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