Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10 vs 4.5-14

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camckinnon

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Looking to put a scope on my new .308 for hunting. Probably will do a decent amount of target shooting as well, but nothing crazy far as a new shooter. Wondering if there’s any reason I’d be missing out going with 10x compared to 14x?
 
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 $.
 
camckinnon said:
Looking to put a scope on my new .308 for hunting. Probably will do a decent amount of target shooting as well, but nothing crazy far as a new shooter. Wondering if there’s any reason I’d be missing out going with 10x compared to 14x?
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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.
 
Scamaniac said:
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 $.
Click to expand...
It's a 3.5x on the low end.
 
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