First of all, thanks for all of the replies and info.
It sounds like some more info. about the types of hunting I do and the way I intend to use the scope may be helpful. This scope will go on my "all around" rifle, which will be used here in Alaska for deer, goats, black bear, and, with any luck, sheep and caribou. When I go "back home" (Montana) I'll be going for elk, deer, and pronghorn.
I don't intend to take many shots over 200 yards. I've belly crawled through short grass and cactus to get close enough to shoot pronghorn within that range, but sometimes you just flat out run out of concealment, so I won't discount the occasional shot over 200 yards. With the terrain here (in Southeast Alaska, anyway) most of my shots should stay within that range.
I'm inclined to stay in the 3x9 variable power range because I don't feel I have a need for anything with higher magnification than that, and have never found myself wanting more than this in my past hunts.
I've gotta say, though, with rain four of the past five days, and more on the way, the idea of Rainguard seems to be more and more appealing! I have used the Butler Creek scope covers in the past, but up here everything seems to get wet no matter how hard you try and keep it dry.
Our local dealer does carry the Zeiss Conquest (nice glass!) but I have heard that Zeiss uses some plastic parts in the scope internals. Anybody know for sure???
Also, I've been told again to stay away from the Bushnell Elites due to their short eye relief. Any of you guys have an Elite 3200 or 4200 on a .300 mag or bigger? All I have heard is they don't suit a gun with "heavy recoil," which is a pretty subjective term. Some guys think a 30-06 kicks too hard, while others can shoot a .338 all day long.
Thanks again for all of the replies and info. It's been a big help.