re: Monarch or Zeiss?

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Anyone who has shot much will say that the scope makes a rifle.

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You got that right. Optics are more important than rifle IMO. Most factory deer rifles are capable of pretty much the same accuracy and the average shooter won't even see any difference. The scope is where it is at giving you better light gathering, target acquisition and eye relief.

I've not been to Idaho, my question is how far are you planning on shooting? If Idaho compares to my hunts in Utah, Nevada, or the SW you may be shooting quite a ways. It may pay off to have the extra power in the Nikon.

I own the Zeiss Conquest you mentioned and its a great scope; but dont be lead to believe the Conquest compares to the German made models. The Conquest scopes are great and are lots of bang for the buck. I compare them to a Porsche Boxster or a Harley Sportster.... sure its made by the same company but it sure as heck isnt as nice as the Carrera or the Springer Softail either. The Conquest scopes are really no better than equally priced Nikons or Leupolds..

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I own one as well and have been told the following (not sure if it is true or not): The Conquest is made of components produced in Germany but assembled in the good ol' US of A. This allows the price to not be increased by an import tax...

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This is largely true, the main difference is the tube diameter. Zeiss does ship the parts to the US for assembly in the Conquest series. American scopes generally have a 1" tube, and European scopes generally have a 30mm tube. The European tube allows for a greater range of windage and elevation changes, and its argued that the 30mm is both stronger and allows for greater light transmission.

I own both the Conquest and German made models, plus a few Swarovski's. I can say without question that the European models appear brighter, particularly in low light conditions. I also feel the fit and finish is a bit more refined in the European models as well. I believe if all things were equal between them that professional shooters would be using Conquest scopes; they're not.. they use European models.

Its my belief that Zeiss found a clever way to get good use out of the glass that wasnt good enough for their premier scopes and using their powerful name tapped into the middle price range scope market.

Zeiss all the way. Way better optics than Nikon and $399 is a steal for scope of that quality. Meopta has some stand alone optics too.

The Zeiss is on! Thanks fellas. Now time to get mad at the deer.