Leupold VX_II vs. VX-III ?

montanabob · 12-17-2004, 11:55 PM

I'm comparing the VX-II and the Vx-III along with what power requirement I really need. I live in NY and thus mainly hunt whitetails. However, I get out to Montana as often as I can, where elk is the primary game. Naturally, 3x9x40 might be ideal size scope. But, considering cost I might be better off with a VX-III 2.5X8 vs. VX-II 3x9. I shoot a Tikka .300 WSM. I'd like to think I really need the extra power, but only on rare occasions have I really needed it. Any suggestions?

skeeter 7MM · 12-18-2004, 01:01 AM

Just my opinion but I think the VX II is the best value scope offered in the Leupold line up. Why?? the VX II is the same optically as the Vari X III and IME & O it is no slouch. In my comparison I found the VX III to be disappointing and not worth the extra $. The power difference in all reality is meager so the 3x9x40 will be just fine for all your needs.

7mmaniac · 12-18-2004, 10:52 PM

The VX-III 2.5-8x36 is one awesome little scope. Smaller than the 3-9x40 physically but giving better field of view and alnost as much power. I just bought a VX-III 3.5-10x40 but I went to buy the aforementioned. They were out and I'm pretty in impatient. I got a new rifle and just HAD to put a scope on it. But the VX-II's are very good too. Just last year that VX-II would have been a VX-III optically anyway. Can't go wrong either way.

oldelkhunter · 12-20-2004, 10:15 AM

VX-II is the best value in the Lineup as Skeeter has pointed out. If you want a better all purpose scope at a not much higher price look at a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 or a Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 which is cheaper then the VX-II and a better scope

quiksilver · 12-20-2004, 01:53 PM

I bought a VX II 6-18 a few years back. At the time, it seemed a bit excessive (I hunt whitetail in PA), but I went for it anyway. I never turned my old 3-9 down past six anyway. My hunting buddies laughed.

So, enter Antler Restrictions - Now we PA hunters have to count points. Who looks like the genius now??? Now, when I tag out in archery, they all wanna borrow my gun, so they can count the points. Who's laughin' now??!

Just something to think about if A.R.'s are in the works in N.Y.

The bigger scope has, on rare occasion, been a benefit, but has NEVER been a hinderance.

montanabob · 12-22-2004, 07:24 PM

Thanks to all of you. There's lots of good input. I am leaning toward the VX-ll and even going to the 4-12x50 or the VX-lll 4.5-14x40 as they are pretty close in price. Even though I haven't gone up in power yet, it makes sense to have it their if you need it. Thanks Again