It wouldn't be a comparison between a Niikon and aLeupold VX-IIIthat is for sure. I would look at a Nikon 3-9x40 Monarch and a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 and that would be it . The Nikon is a short tube scope and would be better for shorter actions unless you like offset mounts. The Zeiss will handle both short and long actions. Zeiss has etched reticle the Nikon doesn't. The Zeiss is about 3 ounces heavier. Both great scopes with great w/e adjustments something the Leupold doesn't have.