Searching for an honest zeiss conquest v4 6-24×50 review before making your investment? This high-magnification powerhouse has impressed me with its ability to display the finest details—I can actually see individual .177 pellet holes and even the exposed fibers of target cards when set at 24x magnification.
The Conquest V4 series perfectly balances premium European engineering with accessibility, priced right around the $1,000 mark. Specifically designed for long-range precision shooting and hunting, this second-focal-plane scope features a generous 50mm objective lens that performs admirably even in twilight conditions. With impressive specs including 90% light transmission, 80 MOA of elevation adjustment, and the ability to withstand submersion up to 12 feet for 2 hours, the Conquest V4 6-24×50 offers serious performance. Additionally, at 24.3oz and 14.5 inches long, this scope provides substantial capabilities without overwhelming your rifle setup.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll examine everything from optical clarity to tracking accuracy, sharing my hands-on experience with this increasingly popular zeiss scope.
What’s Included and First Impressions
Upon receiving my Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50, I was immediately struck by the careful attention to packaging—something that hints at the premium nature of what’s inside.
Unboxing the Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50
The scope arrives in a sturdy blue and white Zeiss-branded box, representing the company’s signature colors. Inside, I found the scope securely nestled in custom-cut foam inserts that prevent any movement during shipping. Furthermore, the package contains a comprehensive user manual, warranty information, a Zeiss microfiber cleaning cloth, and transparent flip-up lens covers—not the cheap plastic caps you might expect, but quality protective accessories that complement the scope’s premium positioning.
Build quality and design overview
Holding the zeiss conquest v4 6-24×50 for the first time reveals its exceptional build quality. The one-piece 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube feels solid yet not overly heavy. The matte black anodized finish is evenly applied with no visible imperfections, offering a non-reflective surface ideal for hunting scenarios.
The turrets exhibit precise machining with crisp, audible clicks—each representing 1/4 MOA adjustment. Meanwhile, the magnification ring turns smoothly with just enough resistance to prevent accidental adjustments. The overall construction showcases Zeiss’s renowned German engineering principles, balancing ruggedness with refined esthetics.
Initial setup and mounting experience
Mounting the conquest v4 6-24×50 proved straightforward thanks to its standard 30mm tube diameter. I selected medium-height rings for my rifle setup, which provided perfect alignment with my cheek weld. Moreover, the generous 3.5 inches of eye relief made finding the optimal mounting position relatively simple.
The zeiss v4 6-24×50 features a second focal plane reticle, consequently requiring careful consideration during mounting to ensure proper eye alignment. Once secured, zeroing the scope was intuitive—the capped turrets can be reset to zero after sighting in, thus maintaining your zero reference point for future adjustments.
Overall, the initial impression of the Zeiss Conquest V4 aligns with what you’d expect from this respected German optics manufacturer—thoughtful design, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail throughout the unboxing and setup experience.
Key Features and Technical Specs
Let’s dive into the technical prowess that makes the zeiss conquest v4 6-24×50 stand out in today’s crowded optics market.
Magnification range and zoom performance
The powerful 6-24x magnification range gives this scope impressive versatility in the field. At 6x, I found myself with a comfortable 19-foot field of view at 100 yards, perfect for scanning and target acquisition. Zooming to the maximum 24x magnification narrows this to approximately 5 feet, offering incredible detail for precise shot placement. The 4x zoom ratio provides sufficient flexibility without compromising optical quality, and the zoom mechanism turns with satisfying resistance – neither too loose nor too stiff.
Eye relief and field of view
One standout feature is the generous 90mm (3.54 inches) eye relief, which remains consistent throughout the zoom range. Unlike some competitors that lose eye relief at higher magnifications, the zeiss v4 maintains comfortable viewing distance regardless of setting. This consistent eye relief pairs nicely with the field of view measurements, making target acquisition smooth and natural even with rapid magnification changes.
Weight, length, and tube diameter
Tipping the scales at 24.3 ounces, the conquest v4 6-24×50 balances power with portability. Its 14.5-inch length is standard for scopes in this class, while the 30mm main tube provides ample internal adjustment range and structural integrity. The 50mm objective lens maximizes light gathering capability without excessive bulk.
Waterproofing and durability tests
Perhaps most impressive is Zeiss’s commitment to durability testing. The scope is waterproof to 400 mbar, essentially allowing submersion to significant depths. Through rigorous testing, Zeiss has subjected this optic to shock tests with up to 1,500g of force, equivalent to the recoil of a .460 Weatherby Magnum. Additionally, the conquest v4 withstands extreme temperature variations from -40°C to 50°C, ensuring reliable performance in virtually any environmental condition. Zeiss even performs 90-minute vibration tests to simulate rough travel over uneven terrain.
The zeiss conquest v4 6-24×50 clearly demonstrates why German optics continue to set industry standards for precision and reliability.
Optical and Mechanical Performance
Upon field testing the zeiss conquest v4 6-24×50, I discovered what truly sets this optic apart from competitors in its price range.
Image clarity and light transmission
The optical performance of the conquest v4 6-24×50 is genuinely impressive. Featuring higher definition glass that delivers 90% to-the-eye light transmission, this scope produces exceptional image quality throughout its magnification range. The proprietary T* six-layer multi-coating enhances clarity significantly, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, Zeiss’s innovative LotuTec lens coating effectively repels water and dust, ensuring clear views regardless of weather conditions.
Throughout testing, I noticed the edge-to-edge clarity remains remarkably consistent, with minimal distortion at the periphery. The color contrast is outstanding—objects appear vibrant and well-defined even in fading light, although I observed that visibility begins to diminish slightly sooner than expected at true dusk.
Turret feel and tracking accuracy
The elevation turret provides a precise, somewhat soft feel with definite tactile feedback. Each click represents 0.25 MOA adjustment, with 20 MOA per revolution. Although the audible clicks aren’t as pronounced as some tactical scopes, they remain sufficiently distinct for accurate dialing.
Upon conducting box tests at 100 yards, the turrets tracked nearly perfectly. My tracking test revealed a minimal 0.97-inch correction factor when dialing for elevation, which translates to exceptional real-world accuracy.
Zero stop functionality
The zeiss v4 features an outstanding zero stop mechanism—rock solid yet remarkably easy to adjust. Simply loosening two Torx screws allows removal of the elevation turret cap, subsequently exposing the ballistic stop mechanism. After zeroing, this all-metal construction ensures absolutely positive return to zero.
Parallax and illumination controls
The parallax adjustment ranges from 10 yards to infinity, although I wish it included intermediate yardage markings between these extremes. The illumination control offers 10 distinct brightness settings with convenient “off” positions between each level, eliminating the need to cycle through all settings.
Reticle type and focal plane behavior
My test model features the ZMOAi-T20 illuminated reticle positioned in the second focal plane. This design illuminates only the center section, providing precise aiming in low light without overwhelming the target. Since it’s second focal plane, Zeiss thoughtfully included reference marks on the zoom ring to help calculate subtensions at different magnifications.
Field Testing and Real-World Use
After four hunting seasons in the field, the zeiss conquest v4 6-24×50 has proven its worth beyond the showroom floor.
Long-range shooting experience
Taking shots at extended distances is where this scope truly shines. During field testing, I successfully made a 554-yard mule deer shot, a distance where optical precision becomes critical. The scope’s 24x magnification provides ample power for identifying targets at these extended ranges, accordingly making it ideal for both target shooting and ethical long-range hunting.
Hunting scenarios and terrain adaptability
Throughout numerous elk and deer hunts, this scope has withstood harsh conditions that would challenge lesser optics. Its design specifically accommodates traditional and long-range hunting across varied terrains. The LotuTec coating proved invaluable in sudden rainstorms and snowfall, nevertheless maintaining clear visibility without compromising performance.
Tracking test results and consistency
Rigorous testing revealed impressive tracking accuracy. In a box test at 100 yards, elevation tracked nearly perfectly, with only a 0.97-inch correction factor. Additionally, when dialing for 20 MOA, the point of impact shifted 21.5 inches—merely 0.5 inch beyond theoretical expectation. However, windage adjustments were slightly less precise, moving the point of impact 3.5 inches versus the expected 4.2 inches.
Comparison with similar scopes
Beside competitors like the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50, the Zeiss Conquest offers superior optical advantages. Despite similar specifications (both weigh approximately 690g), the Zeiss delivers better field of view (6.3m vs 5.7m at 100m) plus unmatched durability. Furthermore, many experienced shooters find the Zeiss glass clearer than even respected alternatives like the Nightforce SHV.
Conclusion
After spending four seasons in the field with the Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50, this scope has certainly earned its place among premium long-range optics. The perfect balance between European engineering excellence and reasonable pricing makes it an outstanding choice for serious hunters and precision shooters alike.
Undoubtedly, the optical clarity stands as the most compelling reason to consider this scope. The ability to spot individual .177 pellet holes at maximum magnification demonstrates its exceptional resolution capabilities. Additionally, the consistent eye relief, reliable tracking, and rugged construction ensure this scope performs when it matters most.
Field testing revealed the true value of this optic. Making a successful 554-yard mule deer shot showcased what this scope can deliver in real-world hunting scenarios. The reliable zero-stop mechanism, effective LotuTec coating, and impressive light transmission all contribute to a shooting experience that inspires confidence regardless of conditions.
