I've been debating on a scope upgrade. I'm looking at the NXS 5.5-22x50 and Conquest 6.5-20x50. Has anyone been able to compare these two?
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
Rifle Scopes Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
- Thread starter Brandon05_88
- Start date
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
What would be your primary use for this scope?
I have a 5.5-22x50 NXS and a 4.5-14x44 Zeiss. The NXS is the better scope for long range purposes. The Zeiss made a fine hunting scope. The limitations on the Zeiss (for me) were attributed to the Z-Plex reticle. The NXS NP-R1 reticle can be used for more applications.
For the money, the Zeiss outshines my Nikon scopes. I, however, wouldn't compare the Conquest line to NXS.
What would be your primary use for this scope?
I have a 5.5-22x50 NXS and a 4.5-14x44 Zeiss. The NXS is the better scope for long range purposes. The Zeiss made a fine hunting scope. The limitations on the Zeiss (for me) were attributed to the Z-Plex reticle. The NXS NP-R1 reticle can be used for more applications.
For the money, the Zeiss outshines my Nikon scopes. I, however, wouldn't compare the Conquest line to NXS.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GardDog223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For the money, the Zeiss outshines my Nikon scopes. I, however, wouldn't compare the Conquest line to NXS. </div></div>
I would have to agree. Your not comparing apples to apples with this. The Zeiss is far less expensive than the NXS and doesn't offer near as many features as the NXS either. The Zeiss is a great scope and they have awesome glass but if you can afford the Nightforce and your going to need it for the type of shooting you do, then that's what I would get. If it's just a bench or hunting gun, then the Conquest will work great.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GardDog223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For the money, the Zeiss outshines my Nikon scopes. I, however, wouldn't compare the Conquest line to NXS. </div></div>
I would have to agree. Your not comparing apples to apples with this. The Zeiss is far less expensive than the NXS and doesn't offer near as many features as the NXS either. The Zeiss is a great scope and they have awesome glass but if you can afford the Nightforce and your going to need it for the type of shooting you do, then that's what I would get. If it's just a bench or hunting gun, then the Conquest will work great.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
Those two scopes are at different price points. Sightron S3, Vortex PST, Bushnell FFP 4200, Nikon Monarchs, *cough* Leupold *cough* offerings would be more realistic.
I really like the conquest scope glass for the price but features wise they bore me. Good hunting scopes though.
Those two scopes are at different price points. Sightron S3, Vortex PST, Bushnell FFP 4200, Nikon Monarchs, *cough* Leupold *cough* offerings would be more realistic.
I really like the conquest scope glass for the price but features wise they bore me. Good hunting scopes though.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
Currently, I have a Leupold VX-II 6-18x40 Adj. Obj. with target knobs that's a year old. I've mostly been developing a load with this rifle and haven't shot at long range. Most of my shooting will either be from a bench or prone off a bipod and at targets usually under 600 yards. I do plan on coyote hunting with this rifle (.243 Win.). Yesterday, I was able to look through a Leupy VX-3 and a Conquest 4.5-14, and the Conquest was much brighter. I'm just trying to see if it's worth upgrading to a Zeiss that would work or would the NXS be better?
Currently, I have a Leupold VX-II 6-18x40 Adj. Obj. with target knobs that's a year old. I've mostly been developing a load with this rifle and haven't shot at long range. Most of my shooting will either be from a bench or prone off a bipod and at targets usually under 600 yards. I do plan on coyote hunting with this rifle (.243 Win.). Yesterday, I was able to look through a Leupy VX-3 and a Conquest 4.5-14, and the Conquest was much brighter. I'm just trying to see if it's worth upgrading to a Zeiss that would work or would the NXS be better?
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
I have a NXS5.5-22x56, my friend has a Conquest 4.5-14x50, and a 6.5-20x50, both with target turrets. I shot with all three last sunday, and I was very impressed with Zeiss clarity and contrast. The Z-plex reticle is thin enough for precision shooting. Zeiss didn't have as much adjustment as the NF, but he's mainly shooting 100-500yds. Both Conquests passed the box test. His 4.5-14 is on a hunting rig. The target knobs on the Zeiss were not as crisp as the NF, but they were adequate. I talked him into the Conquests because we found them on SWFA's sample list. Both were Demo's with full warranties and arrived in new condition. He paid less than most you see here in the for sale section and they were flawless.
I have a NXS5.5-22x56, my friend has a Conquest 4.5-14x50, and a 6.5-20x50, both with target turrets. I shot with all three last sunday, and I was very impressed with Zeiss clarity and contrast. The Z-plex reticle is thin enough for precision shooting. Zeiss didn't have as much adjustment as the NF, but he's mainly shooting 100-500yds. Both Conquests passed the box test. His 4.5-14 is on a hunting rig. The target knobs on the Zeiss were not as crisp as the NF, but they were adequate. I talked him into the Conquests because we found them on SWFA's sample list. Both were Demo's with full warranties and arrived in new condition. He paid less than most you see here in the for sale section and they were flawless.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
i will throw my hat into the ring too,
i own an nxs 3.5-15x50 MIL MIL zero stop, AND a zeiss conquest 4.5-14x50 and i would call it a hell of a lot closer than some will admit.
many an evening i have set both scopes up out the window comparing the picture at different mags and i must say, the zeiss is right there, and if i was really a little less bias, maybe brighter picture in some cases?????
the nightforce is on my 308, and well derr, it has some of the best features in the business, thats why i bought it.
the zeiss is on my 223 varminter and it gets used the most by far, (just because i shoot more vermin inside 300m than long range targets or hunting.) all shots at night almost exclusivly.
i would happily put my conquest on ANY rifle i ever purchase as i like it that much.
the ONLY problem i have with mine, and it was so easy to overcome its not really an issue, is the zero line on the scope body does not reach all the way up to the lines on the target turret.....i know, i fixed it with a single pencil line( read removable, lol) but that is the closest thing to an issue i have. also a 20 moa base would negate this problem as the scope would be zeroed closer to its mechanical bottom.
tracking is perfect as when i first mounted the scope i zeroed, cranked all the way up, all the way down, back to zero and it was in the same hole. rinse and repeated about 4 times as well as remounting scope, and 'moding' the pic rail on the rifle for more elevation.
i dont think there is another scope in the same price range as my zeiss that i could recommend honestly. the scope is superb; awesome picture quality, fantastic and forgiving eye relief (and i will honestly state it is better than my NXS) i find the clicks on the target turrets very crisp and tracking is as you would expect from zeiss, great.
i went with the No. 4 reticle as i think it is great for getting you on target, and although a little thicker than the MLR in my NXS, i still have shot several groups around .25moa.
as far as it not having enough elevation, thats BS as a 20 MOA base and you will be well past 1000 with a 308 i should think.
get the zeiss if you cant afford an nxs, or in reality wont use the features of an NXS as much as you think. you wont regret it.
PLUS 1 Zeiss Conquest, great costomer service if anything should ever happen. again, except for features, i think the zeiss is right there with the NF. i can clearly see why the hensoldt line is really the best of the best (arguably) when their "entry level scopes" are so damn good.
you will not regret it if you go the zeiss route.
i will throw my hat into the ring too,
i own an nxs 3.5-15x50 MIL MIL zero stop, AND a zeiss conquest 4.5-14x50 and i would call it a hell of a lot closer than some will admit.
many an evening i have set both scopes up out the window comparing the picture at different mags and i must say, the zeiss is right there, and if i was really a little less bias, maybe brighter picture in some cases?????
the nightforce is on my 308, and well derr, it has some of the best features in the business, thats why i bought it.
the zeiss is on my 223 varminter and it gets used the most by far, (just because i shoot more vermin inside 300m than long range targets or hunting.) all shots at night almost exclusivly.
i would happily put my conquest on ANY rifle i ever purchase as i like it that much.
the ONLY problem i have with mine, and it was so easy to overcome its not really an issue, is the zero line on the scope body does not reach all the way up to the lines on the target turret.....i know, i fixed it with a single pencil line( read removable, lol) but that is the closest thing to an issue i have. also a 20 moa base would negate this problem as the scope would be zeroed closer to its mechanical bottom.
tracking is perfect as when i first mounted the scope i zeroed, cranked all the way up, all the way down, back to zero and it was in the same hole. rinse and repeated about 4 times as well as remounting scope, and 'moding' the pic rail on the rifle for more elevation.
i dont think there is another scope in the same price range as my zeiss that i could recommend honestly. the scope is superb; awesome picture quality, fantastic and forgiving eye relief (and i will honestly state it is better than my NXS) i find the clicks on the target turrets very crisp and tracking is as you would expect from zeiss, great.
i went with the No. 4 reticle as i think it is great for getting you on target, and although a little thicker than the MLR in my NXS, i still have shot several groups around .25moa.
as far as it not having enough elevation, thats BS as a 20 MOA base and you will be well past 1000 with a 308 i should think.
get the zeiss if you cant afford an nxs, or in reality wont use the features of an NXS as much as you think. you wont regret it.
PLUS 1 Zeiss Conquest, great costomer service if anything should ever happen. again, except for features, i think the zeiss is right there with the NF. i can clearly see why the hensoldt line is really the best of the best (arguably) when their "entry level scopes" are so damn good.
you will not regret it if you go the zeiss route.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
that zeiss is a nice scope, but the nightforce has illumination, more adjustment, and a 30mm tube. i'm going nightforce on this one
that zeiss is a nice scope, but the nightforce has illumination, more adjustment, and a 30mm tube. i'm going nightforce on this one
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brandon0588</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Currently, I have a Leupold VX-II 6-18x40 Adj. Obj. with target knobs that's a year old. I've mostly been developing a load with this rifle and haven't shot at long range. Most of my shooting will either be from a bench or prone off a bipod and at targets usually under 600 yards. I do plan on coyote hunting with this rifle (.243 Win.). Yesterday, I was able to look through a Leupy VX-3 and a Conquest 4.5-14, and the Conquest was much brighter. I'm just trying to see if it's worth upgrading to a Zeiss that would work or would the NXS be better? </div></div>
Maybe check out the zeiss 4.5-14 with the rapid z reticle if you're mainly going to hunt with it?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brandon0588</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Currently, I have a Leupold VX-II 6-18x40 Adj. Obj. with target knobs that's a year old. I've mostly been developing a load with this rifle and haven't shot at long range. Most of my shooting will either be from a bench or prone off a bipod and at targets usually under 600 yards. I do plan on coyote hunting with this rifle (.243 Win.). Yesterday, I was able to look through a Leupy VX-3 and a Conquest 4.5-14, and the Conquest was much brighter. I'm just trying to see if it's worth upgrading to a Zeiss that would work or would the NXS be better? </div></div>
Maybe check out the zeiss 4.5-14 with the rapid z reticle if you're mainly going to hunt with it?
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
i hunt with the nxs 5.5-22x56 npr2 zero stop, and i've had lots of success with it, i like zeiss, but i'd stick with the nxs if it's in your budget
i hunt with the nxs 5.5-22x56 npr2 zero stop, and i've had lots of success with it, i like zeiss, but i'd stick with the nxs if it's in your budget
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jimi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
the ONLY problem i have with mine, and it was so easy to overcome its not really an issue, is the zero line on the scope body does not reach all the way up to the lines on the target turret.....i know, i fixed it with a single pencil line( read removable, lol) but that is the closest thing to an issue i have. </div></div>
That bugged me too, but put a tiny dot right below the turret with white-out and a toothpick. Go with the NXS if you can afford it, but you won't be dissapointed with the Zeiss at all if you can't spend that much.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jimi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
the ONLY problem i have with mine, and it was so easy to overcome its not really an issue, is the zero line on the scope body does not reach all the way up to the lines on the target turret.....i know, i fixed it with a single pencil line( read removable, lol) but that is the closest thing to an issue i have. </div></div>
That bugged me too, but put a tiny dot right below the turret with white-out and a toothpick. Go with the NXS if you can afford it, but you won't be dissapointed with the Zeiss at all if you can't spend that much.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
This scope will probably be shot 95% of the time and hunted with 5% of the time. My shooting style is kind of a mixture of benchrest/tactical. I really do want the NXS, and that's probably what I'll go with. Just gotta wait and see if Uncle Sam likes me on my income tax return. Thanks everyone for your responses!
This scope will probably be shot 95% of the time and hunted with 5% of the time. My shooting style is kind of a mixture of benchrest/tactical. I really do want the NXS, and that's probably what I'll go with. Just gotta wait and see if Uncle Sam likes me on my income tax return. Thanks everyone for your responses!
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
I have both of these and for your application, definitely go with the NXS. The reticle options are better and the turrets have more positive detents in them. The glass in the Zeiss is a hair better, but the NF is a tougher built scope. I am of the same opinion as some of the other posters about this. I like my Zeiss and would not get rid of them, but I prefer the NF.
I have both of these and for your application, definitely go with the NXS. The reticle options are better and the turrets have more positive detents in them. The glass in the Zeiss is a hair better, but the NF is a tougher built scope. I am of the same opinion as some of the other posters about this. I like my Zeiss and would not get rid of them, but I prefer the NF.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
If you can afford the NXS i would suggest going with that. Great scopes, great glass, excellent build quality etc etc.
The Zeiss scopes are pretty good as well, but im sorta bias towards the NF scopes.
If you can afford the NXS i would suggest going with that. Great scopes, great glass, excellent build quality etc etc.
The Zeiss scopes are pretty good as well, but im sorta bias towards the NF scopes.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
Try to use both, not just look through them at the store. What really sets a good scope apart from a lesser scope is the way it performs in less than ideal conditions.
Nightforce scopes are not the end all, be all of scopes in terms of glass quality. If you have the money for a Nightforce and glass quality is of foremost importance, take a look at the Swarovski scopes. The glass is noticeably better than that of the Nightforce scopes (the Z5s and up are anyway).
If you consider the Nightforce in terms of the total package though, it's tough to beat for the price. It has very good glass and is built like a tank. On my last build, I had gone with the Swaro at first, because of the quality of the glass. Like I said, I could see a difference. Still, I found myself babying the rifle that had the Swaro on it, while abusing the rifles with Nightforce on them. In any case, I sold the Swaro and got another Nightforce. I felt that "settling" for a tad bit less on the glass quality end was a worthwhile trade off in terms of the complete package.
Just take note that although the 5.5-22X does have illumination, adjusting the brightness is a PITA. The only control that is readily accessible is an on/off switch. To adjust brightness you have to remove the battery and use a small screw driver to twist a pot switch that is under the battery. Adjusting is a bit of a hit and miss proposition too. Believe me, you won't want to be doing it much.
I don't know how much magnification you actually need, but the little 2.5-10X32 is a heck of a package. Made in the USA (using Japanese glass), small, relatively light, readily adjustable brightness, etc.
Try to use both, not just look through them at the store. What really sets a good scope apart from a lesser scope is the way it performs in less than ideal conditions.
Nightforce scopes are not the end all, be all of scopes in terms of glass quality. If you have the money for a Nightforce and glass quality is of foremost importance, take a look at the Swarovski scopes. The glass is noticeably better than that of the Nightforce scopes (the Z5s and up are anyway).
If you consider the Nightforce in terms of the total package though, it's tough to beat for the price. It has very good glass and is built like a tank. On my last build, I had gone with the Swaro at first, because of the quality of the glass. Like I said, I could see a difference. Still, I found myself babying the rifle that had the Swaro on it, while abusing the rifles with Nightforce on them. In any case, I sold the Swaro and got another Nightforce. I felt that "settling" for a tad bit less on the glass quality end was a worthwhile trade off in terms of the complete package.
Just take note that although the 5.5-22X does have illumination, adjusting the brightness is a PITA. The only control that is readily accessible is an on/off switch. To adjust brightness you have to remove the battery and use a small screw driver to twist a pot switch that is under the battery. Adjusting is a bit of a hit and miss proposition too. Believe me, you won't want to be doing it much.
I don't know how much magnification you actually need, but the little 2.5-10X32 is a heck of a package. Made in the USA (using Japanese glass), small, relatively light, readily adjustable brightness, etc.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
I'll vote NXS. I never own one, but I recently bought four Conquest from reputable online store in NY with debris inside on all of them. Glass is superb. But assembly quality is not parallel with Zeiss name.
I'll vote NXS. I never own one, but I recently bought four Conquest from reputable online store in NY with debris inside on all of them. Glass is superb. But assembly quality is not parallel with Zeiss name.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
I agree go with NF. I have 4 zeiss conquests that I bought from a NY based firm. The two 4.5x14x44 with mil dot are fine. I bought a 4.5x14x44 with rapid z 800 in Aug. 2009 I installed it on my custom pac nor barreled 700 and it wouldn't sight in, the windage wouldn't come in. I would move 4 clicks and would jump 2 feet. Sent it in for repair and 3 months later I received a new scope, but after the Utah deer hunt. I purchased a 4.5x14x50 with rapid z 1000 in july 2010 from same place. Put it on a new savage weather warrior 270 WSM on Oct. 15, same thing windage would not zero. This was the first time installed had to wait awhile for the savage. I sent it in to Zeiss Nov. 6. They still have it. I will stick with my Leupold VX-Ls. No more Zeiss for me
I agree go with NF. I have 4 zeiss conquests that I bought from a NY based firm. The two 4.5x14x44 with mil dot are fine. I bought a 4.5x14x44 with rapid z 800 in Aug. 2009 I installed it on my custom pac nor barreled 700 and it wouldn't sight in, the windage wouldn't come in. I would move 4 clicks and would jump 2 feet. Sent it in for repair and 3 months later I received a new scope, but after the Utah deer hunt. I purchased a 4.5x14x50 with rapid z 1000 in july 2010 from same place. Put it on a new savage weather warrior 270 WSM on Oct. 15, same thing windage would not zero. This was the first time installed had to wait awhile for the savage. I sent it in to Zeiss Nov. 6. They still have it. I will stick with my Leupold VX-Ls. No more Zeiss for me
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
never seen a nxs scope. conquest 4-14 is good glass. mildot reticle reads good at 10x. adjustments are good. i run out of up and need a 20moa base to get 1000yardline with it on a .308 but thats par.
never seen a nxs scope. conquest 4-14 is good glass. mildot reticle reads good at 10x. adjustments are good. i run out of up and need a 20moa base to get 1000yardline with it on a .308 but thats par.
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
if you have only got the budget for a zeiss priced scope, they are the best for that price range, but like i said in my massive post before, lol, if you think you will need the added features of the NF, and are willing to pay double, than go that route,
i was lucky enough to be able to get both for a great deal, i put the nxs on my 308 becase i need to know that with that gun, if i drop it or bump it, it will in all likelyhood not affect the scope. i payed the extra for the insurance of having such a tuff scope, as well as the features that have become the industry standard now.
it is a BIG step going from a $1100 AUS scope to a $2400 AUS scope, but if you can afford it, go for it, if the former is more your price range, go for it. dont look back.
cheers, jimi
if you have only got the budget for a zeiss priced scope, they are the best for that price range, but like i said in my massive post before, lol, if you think you will need the added features of the NF, and are willing to pay double, than go that route,
i was lucky enough to be able to get both for a great deal, i put the nxs on my 308 becase i need to know that with that gun, if i drop it or bump it, it will in all likelyhood not affect the scope. i payed the extra for the insurance of having such a tuff scope, as well as the features that have become the industry standard now.
it is a BIG step going from a $1100 AUS scope to a $2400 AUS scope, but if you can afford it, go for it, if the former is more your price range, go for it. dont look back.
cheers, jimi
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
frankly im a little confused byr yer tactics so im just gonna keep actin tuff til i figger it out...
frankly im a little confused byr yer tactics so im just gonna keep actin tuff til i figger it out...
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you can afford the NXS i would suggest going with that. Great scopes, great glass, excellent build quality etc etc.
The Zeiss scopes are pretty good as well, but im sorta bias towards the NF scopes. </div></div>
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you can afford the NXS i would suggest going with that. Great scopes, great glass, excellent build quality etc etc.
The Zeiss scopes are pretty good as well, but im sorta bias towards the NF scopes. </div></div>
+1
Re: Nightforce NXS or Zeiss Conquest
The hardest thing for me in getting top quality scopes is that one, I could get 2 Loopys or Zeiss scopes for teh price of one NF, and two, very few people actually NEED the features offered by the TOL scopes other than the cool factor.
(And I do own a NF and love it..also Loopys and Zeis scopes on my hunting rifles, they do their job very well)
YMMV,
DT
The hardest thing for me in getting top quality scopes is that one, I could get 2 Loopys or Zeiss scopes for teh price of one NF, and two, very few people actually NEED the features offered by the TOL scopes other than the cool factor.
(And I do own a NF and love it..also Loopys and Zeis scopes on my hunting rifles, they do their job very well)
YMMV,
DT
