Boltman, you can easily see a target and very clear at distances less than ten yards with the above mentioned Nikon scope on the infinity setting (at 4X). For hunting purposes I usually set my scopes on 150 - 200 yards. When I shoot targets I set it a little higher. I don't think I have ever used the infinity setting except this little test. The Nikon Monarch has settings out to 1000 yards. I don't shoot beyond that. The majority of my scopes do have adjustable objectives and I definately prefer them to the fixed objective for long distances. As far as Leupold being better than Nikon, I don't see it. I think the Nikon has a little more clarity and I think the Leupold has legendary durability. Both scopes are excellent and I don't think either choice would be wrong.