Help choosing scope

[unfazed]

New to hunting and will be hunting out west (Utah). Since I’m new I don’t have a preference for ffp, sfp, parallax adjust or reticle. The scopes I’m currently considering are

1. Leupold VX Freedom 4-12x40 - Duplex
2. Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x44 - #20 Duplex

Trying to keep it under $700, any other recommendations or suggestions between these two?

 

[Thinkingman]

Since you're new, I would avoid FFP.
You won't see much love for LeeOhPold on this forum...Way too many warranty claims for it to be considered a reliable hunting scope.
The Zeiss with a heavy duplex in SFP is solid.

 

[Southern Lights]

If you can stretch it, or find used, a Nightforce 3-10x42 is hard to beat and a really tough and reliable scope for all hunting and even longer range dialing.

 

[BigNate]

IMHO you should pony up a little for a better choice. A Maven or Nightforce shv are just a little more but more reliable.

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

New to hunting and will be hunting out west (Utah). Since I’m new I don’t have a preference for ffp, sfp, parallax adjust or reticle. The scopes I’m currently considering are

1. Leupold VX Freedom 4-12x40 - Duplex
2. Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x44 - #20 Duplex

Trying to keep it under $700, any other recommendations or suggestions between these two?

I got a freedom 4-12 or 4-16 sitting in a drawer. I’ll sell it for $400 shipped (I live in Alaska and I won’t charge extra).

 

[tylobear52]

In that price range I'd highly recommend you look at what Trijicon has to offer, especially their Huron if you're not looking for bells and whistles. Credo and Accupoint [also by Trijicon] are similar with illumination and go way up in price at the high range. All of these would be more durable and hold zero better than the Leupold, probably the zeiss too although I have no personal experience with them.
P.S. Welcome to the greatest hobby on earth!!