I have a monarch and really like it. The brightest of all the moderately priced scopes (if not all of them). 95% light transmission.

As for the Sightron they actually make the glass for Leupold, the SII compares favorably to the VXIII glass. They offer a lifetime warranty and from what I hear honor it amazingly.... If you like the sightron I would easily give it a shot, I know that is the next on my list.

Go to www.opticforum.com and ask them... You will probably get the same advice as you do hear.