RE: Nikon Monarch vs. Leupold VX-III ?
I have a new monarch 2.5x10x42 with NP reticle, optically it doesn't give up much if anything to the VXIII's (have as well).IMO styling sucks on the monarch, power ring on mine is stiff and eye positioning is more critical with the Monarch vs the VXIII. As far as the BDC I hate it personally, the circles are large and distracting to me. I prefer the Leupold BP of the 2.
BUTI suggest you take a boo/consider the Zeiss Conquest with Rapid Z reticle. IMO better then both of the above optically &features.. I have been playing with my newest Conquestthat has theRapid Z600 reticle, its nice and clean...I like! This is my 4th Conquest and nothing but good experiences.