The standard Vari-X III will be more than enough for low light conditions, you don't need the illuminated reticle. As for comparrison between the Leupold, Zeiss and Swarovski, try to get service on one of the imports and check out their warranty. Leupold has lifetime, UNCONDITIONAL warranty with service next to none. Damage the imports and you pay to repair, IF you have a few months to wait for reparis. Want to compare the German high priced scopes against Leupold, than compare them against the LPS series. You want the best, you got it and and made in America.