Leopoldo VX2 4-12x AO vs Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42

[pontoon]

Leupold VX2 4-12x40 AO vs Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42

Leupold VX2 4-12x40 AO has AO, Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42 has side parallax. Leupold is 13.2 oz vs vortex at 16.5 oz. Vortex has more magnification maximum and minimum. What do you think? The Vortex is the better scope, but is it worth the extra 3 ounces? Right now I have a Leupold 3-9x40 which is 11.2 ounces but no parallax adjustment so the longer the shot the more parallax error that will be introduced. Alternatively there's Leupold 3-9x33 EFR which has parallax adjust less eye relief smaller objective but less weight at 12 oz. Leupold calls it a rimfire scope, and I don't see a ton of upside to that one over the vx2 4-12.

 

[GKPrice]

Leupold VX2 4-12x40 AO has AO, Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42 has side parallax. Leupold is 13.2 oz vs vortex at 16.5 oz. Vortex has more magnification maximum and minimum. What do you think? The Vortex is the better scope, but is it worth the extra 3 ounces? Right now I have a Leupold 3-9x40 which is 11.2 ounces but no parallax adjustment so the longer the shot the more parallax error that will be introduced. Alternatively there's Leupold 3-9x33 EFR which has parallax adjust less eye relief smaller objective but less weight at 12 oz. Leupold calls it a rimfire scope, and I don't see a ton of upside to that one over the vx2 4-12.

Please explain how the Vortex is the "better" scope ?

 

[dotman]

Please explain how the Vortex is the "better" scope ?

My guess is based on magnification and parallax adj? Just based on what I read, makes me wonder if the vortex is better then my swaro z3 4-12x50 without parallex adj? I do have a vortex HST 4-16x44 and really it isn't that impressive optically. Really by a true comparison as why would you spend more on Cortecpx but less on Leupold and not consider Swaromand Zeiss and the leupold options in the same price ranfpge as the Vortex Razor Lin as the Leupold VX2 is just not what most would use to compare.

IMO, I'd stick with what you have and not change for maybe a slight improvement. I think parallex adj has been over rated by the long range hunting/target group but for most it isn't a needed option.

 

[pontoon]

Please explain how the Vortex is the "better" scope ?

Vortex Razor HD line is usually good glass. I would estimate it's on par with some Meopta and Zeiss offerings and less good than Swaro of course. Beyond that the magnification minimum is lower (good) and the max is higher (good). If we're looking at cost the Vortex is about twice as expensive. So either it's a ripoff or it's got better glass. I would probably prefer side parallax over AO but that's just a guess at this point as I have no experience with either. Usually side parallax shows up on better scopes but from what I'm aware doesn't necessarily mean it's a better scope.

 

[dotman]

Vortex Razor HD line is usually good glass. I would estimate it's on par with some Meopta and Zeiss offerings and less good than Swaro of course. Beyond that the magnification minimum is lower (good) and the max is higher (good). If we're looking at cost the Vortex is about twice as expensive. So either it's a ripoff or it's got better glass. I would probably prefer side parallax over AO but that's just a guess at this point as I have no experience with either. Usually side parallax shows up on better scopes but from what I'm aware doesn't necessarily mean it's a better scope.

If your looking at the Vortex Razor i think your better off with a swaro. I have had a lot of Vortex glass over the years, I've almost sold it all. Not sure what it is but over time it just isn't that great, maybe it's just me. I don't think comparing the VX2 to a Vortex Razor is fair with the price diff, I'd look at the swaro vs razor befor leupold vx2. The swaro Z3 line is cheaper, amazing optically and weighs less at around 14oz depending on which you prefer. I have a swaro Z3 4-12x50 with BT and it weighs 14.5 oz and i'm extremely impressed with it, worth every penny.

 

[pontoon]

The vortex is about 800-900 new (they are always on sale). The vx2 is something like half that. The Swaro z5 3.5-18 is about 1600-1700. That swaro looks like a mighty nice scope though. Maybe I'll wait a year and get the Swaro if I feel like it would be a good idea at that point. The Swaro is also 16 oz but has even more magnification so you get a little more performance per ounce and almost certainly better glass quality to as well.

Does the Z3 have parallax adjustment?

 

[dotman]

The vortex is about 800-900 new (they are always on sale). The vx2 is something like half that. The Swaro z5 3.5-18 is about 1600-1700. That swaro looks like a mighty nice scope though. Maybe I'll wait a year and get the Swaro if I feel like it would be a good idea at that point. The Swaro is also 16 oz but has even more magnification so you get a little more performance per ounce and almost certainly better glass quality to as well.

Does the Z3 have parallax adjustment?

The Swaro Z3 line is $800-$1000 new as well. Just not sure why your comparing a $400 scope to a $900. Z3 does not but it is set so that it isn't an issue until your really shooting past 800 yards. Really I truely believe parallex is more of a long range issue. The Z5 has it and can be found for around $1300, unless you want the BT then you pay a tad more. Do you really need parallex, if so look at the Nightforce line as the SHV is just over $1k.

 

[pontoon]

Because I care about ounces about as much as I care about how high definition a scope is. It's going on an ultralight rifle so in order for me to justify the extra weight it has to be worth it.

 

[dotman]

Because I care about ounces about as much as I care about how high definition a scope is. It's going on an ultralight rifle so in order for me to justify the extra weight it has to be worth it.

If you care about ounces get a swaro or keep your leupold. What are you putting the scope on? I have a Forbes that weighs 5.5lbs bare but with my swaro and bubble level weighs 6.7lbs. What do you see your max range being? I'm very happy that I put a swaro on vs a VX2 but the VX2 you can't deny is a great scope and more then capable out to 500.

FYI...Natchez has the best prices on demo swaro optics and with shot show ending soon you'll start to see demos come up again at great prices.

 

[pontoon]

Kimber Montana .270 win. 5 lbs 10 oz before alu trigger guard titanium bolt knob and bolt fluting. Still working on getting ahold of a bolt knob and someone who will flute the Mauser type bolt. I still have some work to do before I know what the max range might be but ballistically speaking in the conditions I'll hunt the gun and ammo will be capable of 800 yards. I need to practice though to figure out what MY max range is. I'm still a total novice.

Thanks for the tip on Natchez

 

[dotman]

Kimber Montana .270 win. 5 lbs 10 oz before alu trigger guard titanium bolt knob and bolt fluting. Still working on getting ahold of a bolt knob and someone who will flute the Mauser type bolt. I still have some work to do before I know what the max range might be but ballistically speaking in the conditions I'll hunt the gun and ammo will be capable of 800 yards. I need to practice though to figure out what MY max range is. I'm still a total novice.

I had a kimber, watch 24hr for the ti bolt knob. My Forbes is a 270 win as well, really I don't see shooting past 600 with a light weight setup. I'm planning to test the Matrix 165gr and Nosler 150gr LRAB but still not going to be a super long range setup. I'm hoping for great results out of the matrix bullet out to 700 max for hunting and 1000 for fun.

Really your current leupold is probably more then capable! It is harder to shoot a light weight gun long range then a heavy twice the weight setup, if you don't have a 800+ yard range to pactice on I would be more realistic and stay sub 500 as that is still a long poke.

Pm Luke Moffat, he had his bolt fluted and found a way to drop weight off a Montana. I think he runs the VX2 2-7x33 and can still make a 400+ yard shot.

 

[pontoon]

I can shoot any distance if I drive 2.5 hours. I actually found a gunsmith/machinist who just spiral fluted two bolts and is waiting to hear back if it worked or not. Glad I don't have to be his Guinea pig

Thanks for the tips! I subscribed to email notifications for when those demo scopes go on sale for a few stores.

 

[luke moffat]

I am looking to go from a Leupold ultra light 3-9X33 to possibly a new Vortex 3-15 Razor LH.

Mainly because I set my Kimber 308 with QD scope mounts as well as a peep and front sight. If I want to go simple and ultralight I will just use the peep and front sight and have a sub 5 pound rifle to hunt with (4 pound 14 oz).

If I am going sheep hunting or something then the extra weight of 5 oz from the ultralight to the 3-15 Razor isn't as a big of a deal since when I want to go ultralight now I can drop the scope completely. 15X should be fun now that I have found a good load for my 155 scenars at over 2900 fps with my 20" barrel to see how far I can accurately hit with the little ultralight rifle.

Contact Chris84 I believe his name is on 24hrcampfire forum. Thats where I have gotten my last 3 ti bolt handles btw.

 

[pontoon]

Thanks. A month ago he said he'd make more in a month or two so we'll see. What do you think of the new vortex vs the Swarovski Z5?