Opinions on Leupolds

[Elkhntr08]

Looking at the VX-3i 4.4-14x40 or the VX5HD 3-15x44 to mount on a 300 Weatherby. Is the VX5HD worth the extra money? I’m happy with duplex, don’t need anything fancy. The CDS might be nice, but not sure if it’s worth double the cost.
Only other scope I’ve considered is a Zeiss.
Looking for help spending my money.

 

[WKR]

I just bought a Zeiss conquest v4 4-16X50. To me the Zeiss has better quality glass but leupold is still good.

 

[blkqi]

FYI you can get CDS on the VX-3i as well.

 

[Corvus Corax]

With a .300 Weatherby shooting 180’s you should have a maximum point blank range of around 330-350 yards. Where you’re no more than 4” above or below point of aim. I guess it depends on where, how and What you are going to shoot.

 

[LightFoot]

I have had lots of scopes along the way, including Zeiss, Swaro, Leupold, Vortex, and several others.

The VX5 is a great scope and the CDS-ZL is a great feature that is also available on the VX3i. Which 4.5-14x40 are you looking at, the 1" tube or 30mm tube with side focus?

The 1" VX3i is a great value and just as dependable as the VX5. The VX5 gives you better glass and slightly more (and less) magnification. For most hunting, you will probably not notice a difference.

It is just money. You can always work hard and make more.

Good luck.

(I went through the same debate and I just ordered the 4.5-14x40 30mm, so you know where I am at)

>>>----JAKE----->

 

[Elkhntr08]

Guys, I’m just looking at options. Have several of the Vx3i scopes, all 1” tubes. Looking for something to take advantage of the 300. Has a Burris Fullfield E1 on it right now. It’s a good scope, just looking for the next step up.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

The VX5HD offers better FOX at the minimum and maximum zoom. The glass on the VX3 could be considered "mid-grade" while the VX5HD could be considered "high-grade".

I have a VX6HD on a 300 Win Mag and it has been flawless. Very pleased with the optical clarity and no issues with repeated dialing to 1000 yards. Based upon my experience with my VX6HD, I just got a VX5HD for a 6.5 CM.

The CDS can be great where it makes sense. The old adage "garbage in, garbage out" is applicable but the same thing is true for up dialing.

Quite a few viable scopes in the VX5HD price point. May want to consider looking at the SWFA and NF options.

 

[OutdoorAg]

Leupold is a classy looking scope. Maybe the classiest. Once you get past the VX3 line, there are scopes I like better for the same money as the 5 and 6 lines.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Leupold is a classy looking scope. Maybe the classiest. Once you get past the VX3 line, there are scopes I like better for the same money as the 5 and 6 lines.

Things do get interesting once you get to the VX5HD and VX6HD price points.

 

[JLane330]

A buddy and I were talking about this a couple weeks ago. I own two VX3i's and three VX5HD's, all with CDS. I also have some other older Leupold scopes that have been rock solid (they don't dial). I find the glass to be excellent for my purposes. I don't dial a lot like some guys here, and haven't had issues (yet?) with my scopes tracking (there are threads about this topic on here).

Between the VX3 and VX5, here's why I would choose the VX5 personally.
- Field of view is larger for the VX5 vs the VX3 at any given magnification
- The ZL2 on the VX5 allows two full turns of elevation vs the ZL on the VX3 which is one full turn. Side note: the ZL is new on the VX3. That was my biggest complaint about those scopes before. I like that they lock now.
- The eye relief distance is much more consistent across the magnification range on the VX5 vs the VX3. The VX3 varies a good bit.
- The VX3 has less elevation adjustment, especially in the 1" tube versions. This may not matter on your rifle or shooting distance.
- The VX3 tends to be lighter weight for similar mag and objective specs. This may be more related to tube diameter?
- The fire-dot isn't available on the VX3. I like it on my VX5.
- Anything over 10X probably needs a parallax adjustment (ie "side-focus").

Taking all this into account, I like the Sku 172368 (VX3HD 3-15x44 with firedot). If you shop around you can often find it in the $900 range, sometimes cheaper (I've paid a good bit less than this in the past).

I'm open to other brands and scopes too. I really like the looks of the Swaro scopes, and expect the glass to be top notch. Thing is, the CDS is an easy to use system than is nicely integrated. I hope it ends up being reliable over time. If not, I'm glad Leupold's warranty is what it is.

Hope this helps!

 

[OutdoorAg]

WTS - Bushnell LRHS 3-12

Have a bushnell LRHS 3-12x44 with FF g2h reticle. Good overall condition with clean glass. Some minor dings on turret edge I’ve touched and a couple on the objective bell. No ring marks. $720 or trade toward kimber montana in 280ai.

www.rokslide.com

This before a VX5 or 6.

 

[Ramtough14]

I don't have much else to add. I have a handful of VX6HD's that I've been really happy with. I have a buddy with a VX5HD he loves. I just say, I really love the FEW system. Find something if shoots well, and shoot it a long ways

 

[JLane330]

A couple other thoughts came to mind.

- The Leupold CDS scopes come with one included cap. They charge $80 for additional caps. That seems really expensive given what it is. I think they used to be ~$25 iirc. With that said, it's a nice solution. There are aftermarket caps for some scopes, but those really start adding to the price as well.
- Both the VX3 and VX5 are SFP scopes. The cost jump to get to FFP seems crazy (but maybe it's worth it). I think other brands might have more affordable FFP scopes if that's preferred.
- The alumina flip caps are pretty nice, although pricey. I found them from SWFA for ~$55 each end and they fit the VX5's nicely, if you want flip caps. I haven't looked for some for a VX3 but assume they exist?

The cool thing is that there are lots of quality scope options out there with widely varying costs.

 

[BigGamer]

I absolutely love my vx5HD. I have it on my 7m rem mag. I've never had issue with it and it always keeps it's zero after bouncing around in a truck. The CDS system works really well IMO. I practice out to about 500 yards and the CDS is always spot on for me. Really clear glass, etc. Can't go wrong. Also, pretty darn good warranty! Though, ive never had to use it for any of my leupolds.

 

[Middleofnowhere]

The Leupold is made in USA while the Bushnell is made in China and Zeiss...

the 30mm tube on the VX-5HD allows you more room to dial if you should ever decide to stretch out your distance. I would put Leupold’s VX-5HD and VX-6HD in similar class as any European glass.

 

[Fireman03]

Huge difference between 1" and 30mm tubes, way brighter and crisper image imo. And the vx5 and 6 are sweet scopes. I love the performance in all light conditions.

 

[OutdoorAg]

The Leupold is made in USA while the Bushnell is made in China and Zeiss...

the 30mm tube on the VX-5HD allows you more room to dial if you should ever decide to stretch out your distance. I would put Leupold’s VX-5HD and VX-6HD in similar class as any European glass.

Leupold is assembled in the USA. The parts, they come from...

 

[Middleofnowhere]

Leupold is assembled in the USA. The parts, they come from...

That’s a bullsh** justification to advocate for a 100% made in China scope.

All the aluminum and machining on the Leupold is made in USA. The glass comes from Japan.
Nighforce is the same, their glass is from Japan or Germany.
Only the Vortex AMG is 99% US made (reticle from Germany).

 

[_Scooter_]

FYI you can get CDS on the VX-3i as well.

I just ordered a VX-3i 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL.

New to hunting, wanted a pretty straight forward, quality scope that wouldnt break the bank and one that I can grow with. Not doing any long distance stuff and this would be a hunting rifle only. I think I made a good choice. Could have spent more, but for a first scope I think it's great for my intended use.

 

[OutdoorAg]

That’s a bullsh** justification to advocate for a 100% made in China scope.

All the aluminum and machining on the Leupold is made in USA. The glass comes from Japan.
Nighforce is the same, their glass is from Japan or Germany.
Only the Vortex AMG is 99% US made (reticle from Germany).

I respect your attempt to buy all American made. I personally DGAS.