Go with the Varix III, the burris signature series is a more compareable model to the vari x III. I tried both the signature series and FF II from burris this summer and opted for the signature series. I have a VarixIII 3.5x10x50 already. I was thinking Varix III all the way but the price was way up and the deal on the signature series was to good not to try. 100% honesty here, I see no difference in clarity between it and the vari x III and to this point am very pleased with my decision. However I would never choose a FFII over a Vari XIII, big difference and for the difference your talking I wouldn't even question it....the LOOPY gets the nod.

I answered your question on illuminated plex...I say no need. I have 50MM scopes in Leupold, Burris and Bushnell Elites in all cases if its legal you can easily shoot & actually well past or before. I also don't like the extra thing to go wrong or a battery to fail in the field. I would save the money on that option and put it into your other needs for the trip or your bow obession...he!he! BTW I live/hunt in Saskatchewan, Canada so I know what Nov. deer hunts are like and the 50MM will do the job just fine.

You should really talk to your outfitter and ask him what the plan is for you when you are hunting there. IE: locations of stand/blind and shooting distance (average and farthest), then practice and hone your skill for the trip. In most case 100-200 yard shots are the norm in Saskatchewan for outfitters to set their hunters up on. Also if you hunt in Sask, you'll most likely be hunting over bait or meadows where the shots will only max out to 200, if lucky. If they put you on a cutline in many areas of canada, expect the longer pokes to be a possibility. In any regards put a call into your outfitter and get the score, that way you'll have a good idea what to expect before you arrive.