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Leupold VX-3 vs. Vari-x III: Better? |
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SAKO75
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 246 |
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Posted: October/30/2005 at 08:35 |
DOes anyone see a significant improvement in optics with the vx-3 over the vari x III? or is it all marketing hype?
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Dale Clifford
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: July/04/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5087 |
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When you say an improvement in the optics, what parameter? Clarity, resolution, brightness? After calibrating the side focus with a laser range finder and marking them with colored indelible ink, the new Leos are very consistent with the focus and reading against the range finder. An older Leo 3 (both in 6.5X20) has an extremely fast in and out of focus at the indicated range but is off on readings about 25 yds (if one could call the veniers on the ring accurate-which is stretch of the imagination at any rate). I find the older leos to be what I would call "sharper" or perhaps "cleaner" and I find the new Leos to produce less eye strain with a "warmer" tinge and are definitely easier to get a good shot when shooting into the early morning sun. There is a difference, whether one is better or not probably depends on the shooter preference. There is a difference in the click settings- the older Leo is more postitive and gives better returns to zero. (3 shots-12 clicks up 3 shots 12 clicks right-3 shots 12 clicks down-3 then 3 with the last 3 must be in the same holes- with a rifle and load combination known to be capable of this). At any rate I have a 6.5X20 Nikon that performs this test better than either.
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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Just for the record here is Leupold's spill about the new VX-III scopes.
The Leupold VX-III scopes |
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SAKO75
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 246 |
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come on chris, spare me the marketing hype. you see all the scopes. what do you think?
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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Just posting it for people reading that do not know what the differences are in the old Vari X-III and the new VX-III.
The new index matched lens system uses specific coatings for specific lenses and yes this does increase the light transmission. A light meter can see the difference but in order for you to see the difference you really have to look close and use resolution charts. The average Joe that picks up a VX-III and a Vari X-III to haul to his deer stand and shoot three times a year won't see any difference. Avid hunters and shooters that really use their stuff will see a difference in the optics and appreciate the new features.
The finger adjustable windage and elevation is a big improvement that was long over due and does make a difference.
The lockable fast focus eye piece is also a much better design than what they had.
The new reticles, side focus and new scopes are also part of what makes the VX-III better than the Vari X-III too.
Basically Leupold is just catching up to what the competition is doing. Elite 4200s, Grand Slams, Monarchs and Conquest woke up the sleeping giant. I think Leupold will continue to improve their existing lines while launching new and exciting products.......just hope they don't further price themselves out of the market. |
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