I currently own several Zeiss scopes and have been very pleased with their performance. I just bought a Sako 85xs Varmint in .223 and am seriously considering a HD5 with the varmint reticle . I will be shooting coyotes, fox and other (small) predators and varmints. Yardages from 40 to 300. Has anyone tried this scope? Thanks in advance for your comments.
Rifle Scopes Zeiss Conquest HD5
- Thread starter GaryinHouston
- Start date
I've got the Varmint Z in the previous version of the conquest line, and absolutely love it. It's a 6.5-20x50, and sits atop my .204 ruger. For relatively stationary squirrels and rock chucks, I have the choice of twisting the turrets or using the holdovers of the reticle. For coyotes, I use the reticle holdovers. The reticle is the perfect thickness for small varmints and punching paper targets. (I like the scope enough, that when I'm going to be playing around with a different rifle punching paper, I'll move this scope over to that rifle...) I've looked thru the newer HD5 series of scopes, and would upgrade if I could. I feel the glass is that much better. The only downside (for me) is that the Varmint Z is only offered in the 5-25x50 of the HD5 line (I think). If you prefer the 3-15x42, you have to choose from the Rapid Z-600 or Rapid Z-800 reticles. Both those reticles are significantly thicker than the Varmint z reticle, and not as well suited to small varmints like ground squirrels and prairie dogs. The ballistic calculator works pretty slick for all three reticles...
Thanks Maverick. I do own the Conquest 4.5 to 14 x 50 with the Z-800. This one is on my Rock River .223. It is a great package. In addition I have a 6.5-20 x50 Conquest with the Varmint Reticle on my customized Tikka 22-250. I have easily shot PD's out to 300 yards. The new scope would be going on my new Sako .223 Stainless Varmint. Can't wait to put this together and get to the range. If the Sako shoots as well as the Tikka I will be very happy. I do like the idea that the HD-5 is only 14 inches long. Although it is a little heavy I think I stand it. There is one gun store in Houston that may have one for me to look at. If I like it I will be on the phone with Optics Planet. If anyone knows of a cheaper price than OP let me know.
Well hell, looks like I don't have to sell you on the "Rapid Z" reticles. Grab the 5-25x50 w/ varmint Z in the HD5 and don't look back! If you're looking for a deal, connect with Doug at the CameraLandNY website. He's showing a HD5 "Demo" 5-25x50 w/ varmint Z and lockable target turrets for $899. I've purchased his "Demo" scopes before and can't tell they've even been handled.
Thanks for the lead on the cheaper price. I hope to see on today at one our local gun shops. Which part of the country are you in? Just talked to Doug. He has one in stock.
Thanks
Thanks
Went to gun store at lunch. compared the Zeiss HD-5 and Swarovski z-5 both 5-25 x 50. The Zeiss was much heavier and maybe a bit shorter. I could not tell any difference in the glass of the two scopes. The Zeiss retail...the one I was looking at was 989. the Swarovski was 1689. I am going with the Zeiss. I did pick up the Zeiss Victory and could tell that the glass was better than the HD. But not for $1000 more. Thanks for your help. I am in Texas...live in Houston.
I currently have the old version conquest 6.5-20x50 with the rapid z varmint and love it, So much in fact that I had already ordered the 5-25 HD5 in the Rapid Z 1000 for another AR Varmint build. The scope should be here tomorrow and I cant wait to compare the 2. Ive already decided to sell the old conquest just because I wont have a rifle for it to sit on anymore but want to keep it long enough to see if there is even a difference in glass quality. Ive shot lots of pdogs out to 800 yards with the old scope and it was GREAT! I have read people are sayin that the glass in the HD5 is better than a Nightforce NSX, not sure if it is true but I have a Mk6 3-18 and the glass is better in the zeiss hands down.
Thanks for your comments Hooked. I too love the 6.5 -20 x50. Mine is 3 or 4 years old. Great scope! I have only been around PD's once and I could become addicted to shooting the little critters if I lived closer to them. Shot some last year when I went to New Mexico for coyotes. I held the HD and the 6.5 at the same time and you will notice a big change in weight. I would like to know if it is because of extra glass or thicker glass inside the scope?
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