VX-3HD vs VX-5HD
- Thread starter deerfarmer
- Start date
Optically you will never get twice the performance for twice the money. It isn't there to get; but the VX5 is better and there isn't much use pretending it isn't. Mechanically the VX5 is superior, but depending on what you are doing you may never know the difference. If you want to spin dials all day everyday the VX5 is a better bet although the VX3 is considerably better then they used to be.
The VX5 weighs almost 1/2 pound more and since the erector assemblies don't have a significant difference in weight its all in the tube. That additional ruggedness may matter to you; or conversely people trade their rifles off to save 1/2 pound all the time. Your pick.
I have both, it just depends on what rifle they are going on.
The VX5 weighs almost 1/2 pound more and since the erector assemblies don't have a significant difference in weight its all in the tube. That additional ruggedness may matter to you; or conversely people trade their rifles off to save 1/2 pound all the time. Your pick.
I have both, it just depends on what rifle they are going on.
Thanks dogleg for the solid info. Seems like the VX3 would be my best bet for a hunting rig as I would be in the category of minimal dialing. I was sort of leaning that way but wanted to explore both options to make sure of my choice. I can appreciate the better optical quality but the extra weight for me as well would probably overtime be a deal breaker
I have some Freedom's, VX3's, and VX5's. I did a compare, look through one, then the next, then the next. You can see an upgrade in clarity and brightness between each scope. Having said that, they are all excellent quality. Its like most things, you pay a lot for a perhaps nominal upgrade, but it is a noticeable and appreciable upgrade. IMO you won't regret buying the best you can afford with Leupold's.
From my experience (I own both) it depends on what you want out of the scope. The VX-3HD is simple, tough, and reliable — so good value / bang for the buck — sufficient for most hunting. But the VX-5 is hands down the better scope, and to answer the OP’s question, price: performance isn’t linear — once you’re past the VX-3‘s performance, you have to pay a lot more for small further improvements — so twice the price doesn’t equal twice the scope.
I would say there’s 3 main differences, and depending on individual needs, they’re not important to everyone:
(1) Low light
Side by side on a sunny day there’s not much difference at the same magnification, other than a wider FOV for the VX-5.
Once you start losing light or it becomes overcast, the VX-5 pulls ahead — in extreme low light the difference in clarity and resolution is almost startling.
(2) Mag range
Leupold series designation tells you the mag range — so a VX-3’s range is roughly three times the starting mag (3-9, 3.5-10, 4-12x, etc), a VX-5 is five times (3-15x) and the flagship VX-6 is six times (3-18x). The VX-3 is sufficient for most hunting, but some might want the versatility of a wider range — say for thick bush at low mag, then plains/ mountains/ targets.... using the same rifle and scope.
(3) side focus / illuminated reticle
A couple VX-3 models have side focus or an illuminated reticle, but no VX-3 model has both. To get both you need to move up to a VX-5 or VX-6. Some don’t care that they use their illuminated reticle infrequently, they still want to have it for the one time they might need it, say shooting into a dark background or shadows. Same with side focus — some don’t want the extra time and fuss to set it. Others want the ability to dial out as much parallax error as possible, especially at higher mags.
I also have a VX-6HD and it’s an outstanding scope, but there is less difference between it and the VX-5, compared to the difference between the VX-3 and VX-5. Again, law of diminishing returns.
I would say there’s 3 main differences, and depending on individual needs, they’re not important to everyone:
(1) Low light
Side by side on a sunny day there’s not much difference at the same magnification, other than a wider FOV for the VX-5.
Once you start losing light or it becomes overcast, the VX-5 pulls ahead — in extreme low light the difference in clarity and resolution is almost startling.
(2) Mag range
Leupold series designation tells you the mag range — so a VX-3’s range is roughly three times the starting mag (3-9, 3.5-10, 4-12x, etc), a VX-5 is five times (3-15x) and the flagship VX-6 is six times (3-18x). The VX-3 is sufficient for most hunting, but some might want the versatility of a wider range — say for thick bush at low mag, then plains/ mountains/ targets.... using the same rifle and scope.
(3) side focus / illuminated reticle
A couple VX-3 models have side focus or an illuminated reticle, but no VX-3 model has both. To get both you need to move up to a VX-5 or VX-6. Some don’t care that they use their illuminated reticle infrequently, they still want to have it for the one time they might need it, say shooting into a dark background or shadows. Same with side focus — some don’t want the extra time and fuss to set it. Others want the ability to dial out as much parallax error as possible, especially at higher mags.
I also have a VX-6HD and it’s an outstanding scope, but there is less difference between it and the VX-5, compared to the difference between the VX-3 and VX-5. Again, law of diminishing returns.
Here’s my VX-5HD 3-15x44 sitting on a Sig Cross .308. It has side focus and an illuminated reticle, and I think the weight is around 20oz give or take. The idea behind the Sig Cross was to keep things lightweight, and even though the VX-5 is a little heavier than a VX-3 it’s not by much given the features it has, and still much lighter than comparable offerings from other manufacturers that easily run around 30oz.
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I just mounted a VX-3HD on my Cross. The light weight and optical quality, usability of the CDS dial, and 3.5-10x mag range compliments the rifle well (mine is the 6.5 Creedmoor version). The 4.5-14 version is .2 ounces more as well, so it's a really nice ultra light option. IMO the tube size and offset of the VX-5HD probably makes it more practical to mount as far as comfort goes though, you do need a bit extra mounting height to get into a good shooting position.
twatermelon
CGN Regular
- Location
- 2642km from Tofino
I agree with all the opinions already. I have a VX3HD in 3.5-10x40 on one hunting rifle (a magnum too) and a VX5HD in 3-15x56 on another. Obviously the huge objective diameter on my 5 is a giant difference in light transmission, my favorite part about it. Ruggedness I would say is equal. I have put them both through their paces and haven't had an issue. I like to dial, so there's cds turrets on both.
I don't see myself upgrading to a VX6 in the future, I'm pretty pleased with both of these. Twice the price isn't twice the scope but they both have a lot of value still. You'll be happy either way.
I don't see myself upgrading to a VX6 in the future, I'm pretty pleased with both of these. Twice the price isn't twice the scope but they both have a lot of value still. You'll be happy either way.
From what I've read the 5HD and 6HD use the same glass and also I believe coatings. The difference is the 5x vs 6x glass as mentioned above, 6HD also includes the excellent flip up caps, and is generally speaking a little more of a fully loaded model.
twatermelon
CGN Regular
- Location
- 2642km from Tofino
Yeah, luckily I got the Aluminas from the seller when I bought my 5HD. They are nice.
The largest difference in light transition between the two scopes you are seeing is most likely attributed to the quality and coating on the glass and less to do with the objective lens size. Over 44mm there is basically no advantage to a larger objective.
Bingo! But I ain’t paying over a grand extra for it vs the 5
How do you like the ring height on your setup? I just bought a new Sig Cross in 308 and thought the VX-5HD was a perfect pair. Unfortunately it's sold out everywhere right now so I'm still looking at options.
Sorry I didn’t see this post until just now.
I’m happy with the ring height. I got lucky and had them on hand from another project — they’re Nightforce Ultralights with titanium crossbolts and jaws for a high strength to weight ratio — and they happened to be the right height for an old school setup with a low HOB (height over bore).
But I did have to lock my riser in the lowest position to get a good cheek weld with these rings. As you probably know, when the cheek riser seems to bottom out, some gentle force reveals one lower position that doesn’t stress anything, and that’s what I went with.
I prefer that anyway — even though it’s not taking advantage of the generous HOB an adjustable cheek riser allows for — it’s more compact, less likely to snag, and more in keeping with traditional hunting setups (where non-adjustable stocks require low-mounted scopes).
If it helps, these are Nightforce 30mm X-Treme Duty Ultralight 4-screw 0.885” (low)
