Just a quick post to share my experience with the "newish" VX-3i series from Leupold. I have several Leupies , and i always considered them a good all around brand and line. I always bought either the VXR or VX2 models. The VX-3L (up until last year) was too unconventional with the weird "half-moon" objective. And i never shoot in low light. The VX6 is out of my budget for my use.
The new 3i line replaces the 3L line, and returns to a conventional circular objective, so when i mounted one to my 500y bench gun, I ordered up the biggest 3i i could find (25x) compared to my usual 18X VX2. I have owned three VX2 in 6-18x power, and have shot so many rounds with them that the optics are very familiar to me. The "2" is reasonably clear, and reasonably bright (38mm). My dealer charges me around 700 for a new one.
There is a jump in price ( to 1100) to go up to the "3i" , but the clarity and lack of aberration is unbelievable. The view is expectedly brighter (50mm) , but the contrast and detail is exceptional. If you have the money, and you are considering it-- i would say without a doubt go for it!
The downside , for me is the very tight eyebox at full power, but thankfully its on a 223 varmint with little recoil. I have a nightforce with similar power that has a noticeably bigger eyebox. And MSRP to match.
The new 3i line replaces the 3L line, and returns to a conventional circular objective, so when i mounted one to my 500y bench gun, I ordered up the biggest 3i i could find (25x) compared to my usual 18X VX2. I have owned three VX2 in 6-18x power, and have shot so many rounds with them that the optics are very familiar to me. The "2" is reasonably clear, and reasonably bright (38mm). My dealer charges me around 700 for a new one.
There is a jump in price ( to 1100) to go up to the "3i" , but the clarity and lack of aberration is unbelievable. The view is expectedly brighter (50mm) , but the contrast and detail is exceptional. If you have the money, and you are considering it-- i would say without a doubt go for it!
The downside , for me is the very tight eyebox at full power, but thankfully its on a 223 varmint with little recoil. I have a nightforce with similar power that has a noticeably bigger eyebox. And MSRP to match.
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