Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 Riflescope Review | Optics Trade Reviews

By Jurij Cigler Feb 3, 2023

Today, we will be reviewing the Zeiss rifle scope series Conquest V4 4-16x44, which was introduced in 2018 at the IWA Fair. In this review, we'll cover some of the features of the Conquest V4 series and then get into more detail on what makes the model 4-16x44 so special and how it can enhance your shooting experience.

About the Conquest V4 series

The Conquest V4 is a successor to the DL series, but with fewer models of rifle scopes available. Although this may change in time, as of now users have limited choices when it comes to the V4 lineup compared to that of its predecessor. Yet even so, the characteristics and features are superior because they incorporate modern technology advances not found in earlier versions.

The DL rifle scopes provided magnifications that catered more to European preferences, but with the Conquest V4 series, we now have two models designed specifically for American shooters. These offer magnification ranges tailored to their individual needs.

Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 riflescope with BDC turrets with locking function

Different configurations

Zeiss Conquest V4 series offers five distinct models to choose from:

The series offers two rifle scopes specifically designed for the European market: the driven hunt specialist 1-4x24, and the twilight specialist 3-12x56. I am confident that these scopes will be extremely successful here in Europe, where hunters typically don't use high magnifications - which is why I believe that the 4-16x44 and 6-24x50 models won't achieve as much popularity.

It would be a great decision for Zeiss to introduce the 2.5-10x50 model, as its four-time zoom factor and magnification range are exactly what European hunters crave. This will surely prove an advantageous addition and make them even more popular with their customers across Europe.

Zeiss Completes Their Lineup with the V4 Riflescope

With that out of the way, let's move forward. Now with Zeiss' Conquest V4 series, Zeiss's selection is even more comprehensive than ever before.

For the best of the best, Victory V8 reigns supreme with a price tag of 3000 euros. Coming in not so far behind is Conquest V6 for 1700 euros and finally, the most affordable option yet: Conquest V4 priced around 1000-1100 euros.

With the completion of Zeiss' lineup, their offering is now complete. A price point of 1000 euros has proven to be successful time and again with Zeiss rifle scopes. The V4 series continues this trend.

After examining the V4 riflescope, it is obvious that this series delivers an impressive price-to-performance ratio with its superior optics.

For now, there are five models in the V4 series; I've already talked about them at the beginning of this review. So, we have the driven hunt specialist 1-4x24. The model that I have here is the 4-16x24 and is most suitable for stalking if compared to the others from this series. We also have 6-24x50, which is suitable for long-range shooting. Then we have 3-12x56, the twilight specialist. Lastly, there is the 4-16x50 model, which is very versatile and great for precision and target shooting.

Looking for a 4x zoom scope?

Optical performance

Let's move on to the optical performance of the Conquest V4 4-16x44 riflescope. This is an American-oriented magnification range. It has a four times zoom factor, like all other rifle scopes in the Conquest V4 series.

On the lowest magnification, the field of view is 9.5 meters at 100 meters, and on the highest magnification, it is 2.4 meters at 100 meters. The scope features an excellent light transmission rate of 90%.

Physical properties

This Conquest V4 model features 4x minimal magnification and 16x maximal magnification. The objective lens diameter is 44 millimeters. The scope is 35 centimeters long and weighs 600 grams. It features 30 millimeters main tube. It is filled with nitrogen and designed to be both fog-proof and waterproof - making it the perfect addition for any outdoor enthusiast.

Turrets

When ordering the V4 4-16x44, you have three options for turrets:

ordinary capped turrets,
a BDC elevation turret or
a BDC elevation turret with a locking function.

Note: Both models that have an American-oriented magnification range can be ordered with BDC turrets.

In this evaluation, we have the 4-16x44 model with a BDC elevation turret with a locking function. Zeiss labels this as their ballistic BDC; it's more tactical than what one would usually expect to find on a typical BDC turret.

The elevation turret on this scope is of a multi-turn type. It can be rotated for three turns, with one click equaling 1/4 MOA, which is approximately 0.7 centimeters at 100 meters. One rotation equals 20 MOA, and altogether the turret offers 60 MOA of point-of-impact movement.

The clicks on the elevation turret are nice and crisp; they are very audible, and you can clearly feel them.

An added benefit of this V4 riflescope is that the turrets feature a zero stop. The ballistic turret and the tactical turret can be reset to zero with the hexagonal tool included in the box when purchasing the rifle scope.

Turn indicator

The turn indicator is inadequate, as the only indication it provides is fine white lines at the base of the turret – which can be difficult to distinguish due to their proximity. As a result, telling which turn you’re in requires extra effort and often proves confusing.

Windage turret

Moving on to the windage turret. The clicks on the windage are crisp, both with the tactical turret and the classic hunting turret. The point of impact is like on the elevation turret moved 1/4 MOA which is 0.7 centimeters on 100 meters.

Resetting the windage turret to zero is also simple. You just pull the turret out and align the arrow with the dot at the bottom of the turret.

Both elevation and windage turrets are counter-clockwise, meaning that rotating the turret counter-clockwise will move the point of impact to the right with the windage turret, and up with the elevation turret.

Parallax adjustment

The Conquest V4 4-16x4 features a parallax adjustment on the side turret, which can be adjusted from 50 meters to infinity. This is an excellent addition considering this riflescope boasts a maximum magnification of 16x.

Illumination system

In the past, the 4-16x44 model was not available with illumination; however, this has changed and now you can order this model with an illumination system. The illumination is controlled using the side turret, which also controls the parallax adjustment.

This illumination system allows users to choose up to 10 different levels of light output, helping them customize the brightness according to their surrounding environment. The illumination on the 4-14x44 scope is daytime bright, like on all Conquest V4 riflescopes.

The dot in the reticle is nicely adjustable. Users can effortlessly view the dot through this scope and be able to see it clearly despite any type of lighting condition.

The toggle switch between each brightness level is a great addition. Not only can you turn off the illumination with a single click of the turret, but you don't have to rotate it all the way down. This convenient feature allows you to quickly return to your previous setting.

The illumination is powered by a single CR2032 battery, which is stored in the side turret. To install the battery, simply unscrew the cap on the left turret and insert it.

Reticle

The reticle on the Conquest V4 4-16x4 features a reticle positioned in the second focal plane. This means that the reticle stays constant in size regardless of the magnification setting.

As I mentioned before, the scope can be ordered with or without an illumination system. Depending on which configuration you choose, there are various reticles available to fit each setup.

If you opt for a model with illumination, there are four distinct reticles to choose from:

60
ZBi / 68
ZMOAi-T30 / 64
ZMOAi-1 / 93

When selecting a model without illumination, you have the option to choose among these four reticles:

20
ZBR-2 / 92
ZMOA-2 / 94
ZMOA-T30 / 64

In my opinion, the V4 4-16x44 riflescope is best suited to reticles 20 and 60 due to its status as an SFP scope.

Get a closeup of reticle 20 and 60 by watching our reticle subtension videos

Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 20
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 20
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 20

Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 60
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 60
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 60
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 60
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 reticle 60

How to mount a Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44?

Interestingly enough, Zeiss does not offer the option to buy this rifle scope with a ZM/VM rail underneath. At present, it can only be mounted using 30 millimeters scope rings, however, we are hopeful that in the future they will include an additional alternative allowing customers to purchase it with a ZM/VM rail included.

Want a Quality-Made Scope Mount?

Where are Zeiss Conquest V4 riflescopes made?

Now, let's take a closer look at the origins of the Conquest V4 series. The Conquest DL and Duralyt series that came before the V4 series were made in Europe; however, this has changed with the new Conquest V4 line which is now manufactured in Japan.

Zeiss has made an intriguing move manufacturing the Conquest DL series in Japan. However, despite this change in a production location, there are no noteworthy differences with regard to optical quality; hence it is not a deciding factor when evaluating V4 against its predecessors.

However, some hunters might be convinced that if they pay a thousand euros or more, they should receive a German-made hunting rifle scope. This might convince some hunters to get another rifle scope. But as I said, the optical quality is not impaired because the series is manufactured in Japan.

Zeiss is taking a daring risk with this move and only time will tell if it pays off.

Read our blog post to learn about the history of the Zeiss riflescopes

Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 price and warranty

You get a 10-year warranty when purchasing the Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44. The price for the basic model, without illumination and with capped hunting turrets, is 1100 euros.

If you opt for an illuminated ZBi or ZMOA-T30 reticle, a 100 euro surcharge will apply. Moreover, if your model features BDC turrets, that's another hundred euros added to the bill. The model that features BDC turrets with a locking function will cost an additional 200 euros.

Scope of delivery

With the Conquest V4 4-16x44 scope, you'll receive:

a quick guide,
a hexagonal tool, which will allow you to reset the elevation turret back to zero,
lens cloth,
bikini covers for the protection of the ocular and the objective lens.

You may also purchase the following accessories for this riflescope

Pros

Let us take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Conquest V4 4-16x44 rifle scope. With the Zeiss rifle scope, you can expect to receive an exceptional product for around 1000 euros. You are also provided with a 10-year warranty like many other more expensive scopes such as Conquest V6 and Victory V8 manufactured by Zeiss.

Moreover, it is also equipped with a parallax adjustment feature -- making this product even more valuable.

Pros summary:

great price-performance ratio
10 years of warranty
parallax adjustment

Cons

While the good qualities of this product are strong, certain areas could still be improved. Deciding between a rifle scope made in Japan or Germany can be a tough decision, however, this one's Japanese construction may sway some people. Although the optical quality is not diminished here, many may still choose to go with the German-made option instead.

Unfortunately, the current version does not provide users with the option to choose the ZM/VM rail. Hopefully, this feature will be added in a future update for enhanced flexibility.

I believe it would be a great benefit if Zeiss decided to include a classic BDC turret as opposed to the more tactical-oriented one. The lack of numbers on this current turret makes it difficult for hunters when they need to quickly adjust their point of impact, whereas, with a classic BDC-style turret that has specific distances marked by numbers, hunting is much simpler and easier.

Cons summary:

made in Japan, not Germany
no ZM/VM rail option
BDC-tactical turret

Final thoughts

The Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 rifle scope is an excellent choice for hunters and shooters who are looking for a reliable, high-quality scope without breaking the bank. Its 10-year warranty and great price-performance ratio make it a great value for the money. Plus, its parallax adjustment and BDC-tactical turret allow you to quickly adjust your point of impact with relative ease. While some may be concerned about its Japanese construction, there are no noteworthy differences in optical quality; hence it should not be a deciding factor when evaluating the V4 against its predecessors.

Overall, the Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 rifle scope is an outstanding product that offers an exceptional level of precision, accuracy, and performance. Despite its lack of features such as a ZM/VM rail option or classic BDC turret, these minor drawbacks are easily overlooked when taking into consideration all the benefits one gets from owning this rifle scope. All in all, it's an excellent choice for any hunter or shooter who wants to get maximum performance from their rifle at a reasonable price.