Gents,

Any of you have 1st hand experience with the Minox Z3 3-9x40 scopes??

If yes, what has been your experience, good, bad, so-so??

I'm considering a model with the BDC ballistic compensation reticle, so if you have experience with this reticle, that would also be of great interest. How did the drop compensation markings match whatever load you used it with??

Thanks a lot in advance.

- mike

I think Bobby Tomek has one. Maybe he'll chime in. You could drop him a pm.

LWD

I have one with the standard reticle and love the scope. Its ability to resolve fine detail under low lighting/low contrast situations is as good as you'll find in anything under $1000.

Light transmission is superb, and the contrast level of the image renders a sharp, well-defined subject even under poor lighting conditions.

The only thing I'd change would be the reticle, which is closer to the Leupy duplex and thus is a little thin against a dark target. I prefer the Nikoplex or Z-plex #20. But Minox is in the process of offering more reticle choices at this very moment.

All in all -- even with the standard reticle -- it's a GREAT scope for the money. And while I still think the Monarchs are the best value out there, in terms of overall optical performance, I'd rank the Minox slightly ahead of both the Conquest and Monarch. The differences are minute and may not be be noticeable under typical field conditions, but they do exist. But with that being said, a Minox, Conquest or Monarch will serve you exceptionally well and provide years of terrific service.

---

My first time to use the Minox in the field was a dreary, gray morn -- before the sun was actually up -- and a time there was fine mist in the air. But the optical quality helped make the 280 yard shot a breeze

Thanks mate, and, as usual, with an enticing picture...

- mike

quote:

in terms of overall optical performance, I'd rank the Minox ahead of both the Conquest and Monarch.

Wow, that's a ringing endorsement! Thanks for the info.

LWD

That Schott glass is truly impressive...

If you rank their glass above the Conquest I'll have to take a closer look for myself. I consider the Conquest to be the benchmark for it't price point.

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
Gents,

Any of you have 1st hand experience with the Minox Z3 3-9x40 scopes??

If yes, what has been your experience, good, bad, so-so??

I'm considering a model with the BDC ballistic compensation reticle, so if you have experience with this reticle, that would also be of great interest. How did the drop compensation markings match whatever load you used it with??

Thanks a lot in advance.

- mike

I read about the Minox Z3 3-9x40mm scope on another forum and it was ranked equally with the Conquest. After doing additional internet research I decided the Z5 2-10x40mm was well worth the additional monies. Better yet Camera Land NY had new scope "open box" specials running so I ended up purchasing 2 of them...here's a link:
http://www.cameralandny.com/op.../minox.pl?page=66010
I haven't mounted them yet but the glass is very clear and offers great low light clarity at dusk.

Yeah, I just ordered one. We shall see what it is like when it shows up...

- mike

Thanks gentlemen. I'm also torn between the Minox Z3 3-9x40 and the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40. But something tells me you can't do wrong with either.

do yourself a favor & call Doug at Cameraland

I have been following these and the reviews on the scopes glass seems to be great. I guess some people do feel they get a bit fuzzy on the edges on the 2-10x40mm ones.

The scary thing is that there are reports of the scopes breaking in as little as 25-50 shots on rifles like .338 and 300 wby. Glass is one thing but if they are breaking that quickly I can't see trusting one to hunt with.

The reports are on Z3 scopes so I don't know if Z5s are any better.

You can read the reviews here

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/...rt_test_of_Minox_3_9

The reviews are great at the begining of the thread and the reports of scopes breaking come in towards the end.

quote:

I'd rank the Minox ahead of both the Conquest and Monarch.

My experience as well.

I have a 3-9x40 that I bought from Doug at Cameraland. Have owned it for several months with no issues. I like it, a LOT of scope for the money.

Andy

Lighter than the conquest. Glass is just as good.