I have a VX6 non HD 3-18x44 and a VX5 HD 3-15x44. I have noticed that the new VX6 HD is about $1100 more than the VX5. They share the same glass, coatings, tube, reticles, firedot etc. All new VX6 scopes come with alumina caps, so there is a difference there. Is 3X worth $1100?? Seems like the VX5 is a real sweet spot for value.
Leupold VX5 vs VX6
- Thread starter DMS1
- Start date
I have 2 VX-6HD 1-6 scopes and also have 2 VX-5HD 3-15x44 scopes. I paid more for the 1-6 scopes than I did for the 3-15 scopes.
I bought the 1-6 VX-6HD optics instead of saving money with the 1-5 because I think that the 1-6x magnification range is the sweet spot for a LPVO. For the purpose these optics are serving the extra $$$ was money well spent.
Now the 3-15x44 VX-5HD optics are both on hunting rifles. Biggest decision maker for me not to spend the extra $$$ for a 3-18 was the fact that I have never required the use of that high of magnification while hunting. Even the 15x scope will seldom, if ever, be used at it's full magnification. I have also came to realize that the better the glass you buy the less magnification you will use. For me the substantial difference in price between the 3-15 and the 3-18 wasn't worth paying the extra for magnification that I would never use 99% of the time.
The purpose the optic has to serve for you will be the determining factor. There is always a line you will cross where the extra is of no value to you.
Just my .02
I bought the 1-6 VX-6HD optics instead of saving money with the 1-5 because I think that the 1-6x magnification range is the sweet spot for a LPVO. For the purpose these optics are serving the extra $$$ was money well spent.
Now the 3-15x44 VX-5HD optics are both on hunting rifles. Biggest decision maker for me not to spend the extra $$$ for a 3-18 was the fact that I have never required the use of that high of magnification while hunting. Even the 15x scope will seldom, if ever, be used at it's full magnification. I have also came to realize that the better the glass you buy the less magnification you will use. For me the substantial difference in price between the 3-15 and the 3-18 wasn't worth paying the extra for magnification that I would never use 99% of the time.
The purpose the optic has to serve for you will be the determining factor. There is always a line you will cross where the extra is of no value to you.
Just my .02
I have a VX5 3-15 and agree it's very good value scope. The glass is very impressive. I havent done much tracking tests with it yet but will when I get a chance to stretch the legs out on the rifle it's on. I think I will buy another one for my 308.
Yeah, VX5HD 3-15 offers best value for long range hunters.
VX6HD has electronic scope level.
VX6HD has ZL turret for windage. IMO it's useless, wind is constantly changing, dial for elevation and hold windage, remember to put the scope on max power. TMOA is nice, but windplex will do the trick.
To me, the only advantage VX6 has is the extra power. But I think 15 power is plenty for ordinary people like me. If you shoot 1000 m, you might need the extra power to read mirage.
I don't like alumina caps, I use neoprene scope coat on my VX5HD 3-15 for better protection.
These are my opinions, your shooting style might be different.
I see VX6HD as a full size luxury sedan, it's nice to have, but you pay for it. Also, it's a hunting scope, there is a small chance you will destroy the scope. I don't see many G wagons on off road trails. I don't think VX6HD is going to make someone a more successful hunter. If you have $2500 burning a hole in your pocket, go for the VX6HD, it's definitely a slightly better scope. Personally, I would get the VX5HD, use the rest of the money to fund my beer and steak addiction.
VX6HD has electronic scope level.
VX6HD has ZL turret for windage. IMO it's useless, wind is constantly changing, dial for elevation and hold windage, remember to put the scope on max power. TMOA is nice, but windplex will do the trick.
To me, the only advantage VX6 has is the extra power. But I think 15 power is plenty for ordinary people like me. If you shoot 1000 m, you might need the extra power to read mirage.
I don't like alumina caps, I use neoprene scope coat on my VX5HD 3-15 for better protection.
These are my opinions, your shooting style might be different.
I see VX6HD as a full size luxury sedan, it's nice to have, but you pay for it. Also, it's a hunting scope, there is a small chance you will destroy the scope. I don't see many G wagons on off road trails. I don't think VX6HD is going to make someone a more successful hunter. If you have $2500 burning a hole in your pocket, go for the VX6HD, it's definitely a slightly better scope. Personally, I would get the VX5HD, use the rest of the money to fund my beer and steak addiction.
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Korth Group Ltd
Regular
The differences are as follows:
- All VX-6's are illuminated (with the ability to turn on/off the built in electronic scope level) - of note, all scopes have a lifetime guarantee. Leupold's electronic 5 year warranty only applies to range finders and items not mounted to a firearm.
- Alumina flips caps factory installed on all VX-6's
- Throw lever included with all VX-6's
- Windage CDS dial on the VX-6
Optically, the scopes are the same - the only mechanical difference is a 6x vs 5x erector system.
We see much higher volumes of the VX-5 HD heading to market, as the scope offers a great value for the features.
Hope this helps,
KGL
- All VX-6's are illuminated (with the ability to turn on/off the built in electronic scope level) - of note, all scopes have a lifetime guarantee. Leupold's electronic 5 year warranty only applies to range finders and items not mounted to a firearm.
- Alumina flips caps factory installed on all VX-6's
- Throw lever included with all VX-6's
- Windage CDS dial on the VX-6
Optically, the scopes are the same - the only mechanical difference is a 6x vs 5x erector system.
We see much higher volumes of the VX-5 HD heading to market, as the scope offers a great value for the features.
Hope this helps,
KGL
