Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10 vs 4.5-14
- Thread starter camckinnon
- Start date
people make comments with knowledge the new norm the weights are the same it's the same tube go with the 14 it is more money that's the only difference
Just look up the specs. For a hunting scope the 2.5- 10 is generally lighter and more compact. It also gives a better field of view at low magnification if it’s a 2.5 compared to a 4.5. I definitely wouldn’t want the low power on a hunting scope anywhere above a 3x. The lower the better when the target pops up close. And you’ll still be fine at reasonable hunting distances with 10x. Save a few dollars too.
Buying used is a great way to save even more $.
Buying used is a great way to save even more $.
I'll get heat for this, but i find the VX-3HD 3.5-10 abysmal as a hunting optic (i have never personally used the 4.5-14, but i cannot imagine it being better). The field of view and "eye feel" is like looking down a toilet paper tube. There are much much better optics to spend $1200+ on. In fact you could spend considerably less and get a much better optic.
I have both and like them. The 14x will be nice if you're doing a lot of longer range shooting or want to see details further out. I've used the 3.5-10 on the west coast hunting blacktail in everything from mountain clear cuts to heavy rain forest and never felt at a disadvantage with it. I also use it for general hunting here in SK and again, I find it very usable in all conditions and situations.
I haven't hunted with the 4.5-14 yet but I am sure it will work well for the more open terrain and longer distance shots very well. Probably won't be my first choice if I'm hunting heavy cover but I can't imagine it not working there as well. Many people hunt the woods with straight 4x scopes and do just fine. I guess a lot depends on your skill with target acquisition.
I haven't hunted with the 4.5-14 yet but I am sure it will work well for the more open terrain and longer distance shots very well. Probably won't be my first choice if I'm hunting heavy cover but I can't imagine it not working there as well. Many people hunt the woods with straight 4x scopes and do just fine. I guess a lot depends on your skill with target acquisition.
It's a 3.5x on the low end.
I have multiples of each and have hunted with both.
Not everyone hunts the same or same conditions but for me I prefer the lower magnification of the 3.5 for my purposes but 4.5 is workable.
I have yet to use the 14 but might have if I had it with me at that moment (I did use all of the 10x) but that was a one off, most shots are between the lowest range to about 7x.
Only reason I have more of the 4.5’s is they come up more often on the used market and usually are cheaper than the 3.5’s.
Dollar for dollar I’d go 3.5.
Weight difference is moot unless you’re building an ultralight and counting every gram.
Something else to consider is the 2.5-8; they are a fantastic scopes and are all you really need for most conditions in my opinion…highly underrated.
Not everyone hunts the same or same conditions but for me I prefer the lower magnification of the 3.5 for my purposes but 4.5 is workable.
I have yet to use the 14 but might have if I had it with me at that moment (I did use all of the 10x) but that was a one off, most shots are between the lowest range to about 7x.
Only reason I have more of the 4.5’s is they come up more often on the used market and usually are cheaper than the 3.5’s.
Dollar for dollar I’d go 3.5.
Weight difference is moot unless you’re building an ultralight and counting every gram.
Something else to consider is the 2.5-8; they are a fantastic scopes and are all you really need for most conditions in my opinion…highly underrated.
