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Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
#5371084
10/21/14 01:46 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 478
Arrowslinger82
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 478 |
Im lost!! thought I had figured out that I wanted the Viper HS 4-16x44 thats on sale for 309.99, But after talking to the guy at Cabelas, he's got me thinking maybe go with a 3-9x40 Leopold VX2. In the store its not easy to really tell the difference. I know that I probably won't notice at all on clear days when Im in the mid range for the scope. But I think Ill end up noticing when I need to glass further or low light conditions. He mentioned one thing that struck me as weird. He said Vortex scopes are great if the gun is a hunting gun thats meant to be used. But if the gun is to be passed down it should have a Leopold on it... Seemed like a personal preference thing. Nikon is in the mix too, but it seems like they are simply a cheaper made scope at the same price point (500 and below). Would I need a 4-16 or a 4-12 on a .308? Or would a 3-9 be sufficient and then I could go with 50mm objective
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371371
10/21/14 03:26 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,384
nsmike
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,384 |
The preference for Leupold is purely because they've been around longer they are more likely to be around in the future. I wouldn't make that bet! A 50mm objective might be better is the glass is equal, but I believe that the Viper has superior glass, negating any theoretical light gathering advantage.
for every stereotype there's a prototype don't be the prototype
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371382
10/21/14 03:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,576
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,576 |
Part of that is just the name. My dad doesn't know what a vortex is never heard of one. He shot my 243 this weekend which wears a 4x16x44 vortex HS LR and said dang that's a nice scope. Im sure any of them will do I have three Leupolds and don't have a complaint out of them yet. I do like my vortex too. I could buy 2 of the leupold vxII's for what I paid for the vortex though.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: nsmike]
#5371384
10/21/14 03:33 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,573
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,573 |
The preference for Leupold is purely because they've been around longer they are more likely to be around in the future. I wouldn't make that bet! A 50mm objective might be better is the glass is equal, but I believe that the Viper has superior glass, negating any theoretical light gathering advantage. Vortex has actually been around for over 30 years, they just change focus from birding to sport a little over 10 years ago.
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371395
10/21/14 03:36 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 478
Arrowslinger82
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 478 |
Is a 3-9 or 4-16 better for my application? Will it really make that big of a difference?
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371420
10/21/14 03:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,576
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,576 |
If it is a moderate/normal range hunting gun to a couple hundred yards I think a 3x9 will be plenty but a 4-16 would work also.
I have a 3x9 on a couple guns and it has served me well.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: redchevy]
#5371502
10/21/14 04:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,264
fowlplayr
Shenanigans Scorecard keeper
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Shenanigans Scorecard keeper
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,264 |
Cabela's salesman. Stick with the Vortex.
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371558
10/21/14 04:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,573
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,573 |
Is a 3-9 or 4-16 better for my application? Will it really make that big of a difference? It's like 4wheel drive, do you need it no!!! But sure is nice to have!
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371586
10/21/14 04:47 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,781
Gone to Texas
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,781 |
Im lost!! thought I had figured out that I wanted the Viper HS 4-16x44 thats on sale for 309.99, But after talking to the guy at Cabelas, he's got me thinking maybe go with a 3-9x40 Leopold VX2. In the store its not easy to really tell the difference. I know that I probably won't notice at all on clear days when Im in the mid range for the scope. But I think Ill end up noticing when I need to glass further or low light conditions. He mentioned one thing that struck me as weird. He said Vortex scopes are great if the gun is a hunting gun thats meant to be used. But if the gun is to be passed down it should have a Leopold on it... Seemed like a personal preference thing. Nikon is in the mix too, but it seems like they are simply a cheaper made scope at the same price point (500 and below). Would I need a 4-16 or a 4-12 on a .308? Or would a 3-9 be sufficient and then I could go with 50mm objective Vortex Viper on sale for $309??? Don't buy it! Stay away from it! BRB, gotta run to Cabelas....
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Gone to Texas]
#5371604
10/21/14 04:54 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,264
fowlplayr
Shenanigans Scorecard keeper
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Shenanigans Scorecard keeper
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,264 |
Im lost!! thought I had figured out that I wanted the Viper HS 4-16x44 thats on sale for 309.99, But after talking to the guy at Cabelas, he's got me thinking maybe go with a 3-9x40 Leopold VX2. In the store its not easy to really tell the difference. I know that I probably won't notice at all on clear days when Im in the mid range for the scope. But I think Ill end up noticing when I need to glass further or low light conditions. He mentioned one thing that struck me as weird. He said Vortex scopes are great if the gun is a hunting gun thats meant to be used. But if the gun is to be passed down it should have a Leopold on it... Seemed like a personal preference thing. Nikon is in the mix too, but it seems like they are simply a cheaper made scope at the same price point (500 and below). Would I need a 4-16 or a 4-12 on a .308? Or would a 3-9 be sufficient and then I could go with 50mm objective Vortex Viper on sale for $309??? Don't buy it! Stay away from it! BRB, gotta run to Cabelas.... Ooohhh, I just noticed that. Arrowslinger - are you sure it was a Viper?
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371685
10/21/14 05:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 267
playoholic
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 267 |
Yep. Website says $309 on the 4-16 V-Plex.
Last edited by playoholic; 10/21/14 05:33 PM.
The biggest failure is the one who didn't try.
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371711
10/21/14 05:47 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,752
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,752 |
Personally, I now stay away from Nikon scopes, but that's just me. I had a Monarch die. These days I have Leupold, Vortex, and Burris. If you want turrets and tracking, I'd go for the Vortex. If it's just for hunting, I really like my 4.5-14x40 Leupold VX3's with the Varmint Hunter reticle. And if you want a hunting scope (set and forget type), the Burris Fullfield II in 4.5-14 is really quite a good scope. I also have a 6-18 Leupold VX2 which I like, but don't like as much as the VX3.
The Vortex, if it's the one I'm thinking it is, sounds like a very good deal. But be sure it's the one you want before you drop the $ on it.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371883
10/21/14 07:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,666
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,666 |
That's a huge deal. I just bought a Nikon 3.5-14x40 but would have bought the Vortex over that at that $. Get the Vortex and quit making things rough on yourself.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371895
10/21/14 07:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
crapicat
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595 |
Personally, I have all three brands various versions (depending on the rifle)...and love them all...got more Leupolds and Nikons though (been buying them longer)...I love the Vortex optics and the guarantee, as well...BUT MY NEXT PURCHASE in that dollar range is going to be a Ziess Terra ED....I bought the Zeiss Terra Binos last year...use them daily and they absolutely put my Steiners to shame...SO, I don't really think you can go wrong with any of them...BUT, you may want to check out the Zeiss Terra ED scopes next time you are in Cabela's...Just saying...Hope I don't confuse you more, but a qua lit scope is a quality scope...Good luck!
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371918
10/21/14 07:46 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,151
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,151 |
I own a vx3 and a pst. I like the cleanliness , size, and glass of the vx3. I believe it's a better look. The pst has a lot of nice features and a better reticle but that's opinion. The glass on both will put you past legal shooting light easy. In this specific case I would go with the bigger power. 3x9 just doesnt do it for me. The glass on vx2 and pst will be close. $309 sounds like a good buy but I didn't look it up.
If Nikon would get better reticles and not make their scopes look so cheap they would be better.
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: crapicat]
#5371921
10/21/14 07:47 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,666
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,666 |
Personally, I have all three brands various versions (depending on the rifle)...and love them all...got more Leupolds and Nikons though (been buying them longer)...I love the Vortex optics and the guarantee, as well...BUT MY NEXT PURCHASE in that dollar range is going to be a Ziess Terra ED....I bought the Zeiss Terra Binos last year...use them daily and they absolutely put my Steiners to shame...SO, I don't really think you can go wrong with any of them...BUT, you may want to check out the Zeiss Terra ED scopes next time you are in Cabela's...Just saying...Hope I don't confuse you more, but a qua lit scope is a quality scope...Good luck! Except that the Zeiss is only 12x, and is $140 more.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5371947
10/21/14 07:58 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,151
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,151 |
Not impressed with the terra
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5372237
10/21/14 10:09 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 442
jcneef
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 442 |
I just picked up my viper HS 4-16x50 from SWFA today and its going onto the .308 tonight... So thats how i feel about it haha I had this same debate for months but decided on the vortex after doing ALOT of research!
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5372268
10/21/14 10:20 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,752
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,752 |
When I first got the Viper PST I wasn't that wild about the MRAD reticle. Now I like it. Guess I just got used to it.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5372387
10/21/14 11:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,780
BA223
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,780 |
Sounds like a pretty good deal on a really good scope. If I was needing a scope, I'd buy that Vortex Viper for $309 and grin like a dang possum every time I thought about it.
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Brother in-law]
#5373045
10/22/14 06:06 AM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
crapicat
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595 |
Not impressed with the terra Which scope do you have?
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5373058
10/22/14 08:02 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,151
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,151 |
I have a vx3, conquest, and pst this week. I didn't think the clarity was there
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: Arrowslinger82]
#5373432
10/22/14 01:58 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,576
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,576 |
I think anyone debating the clarity of a vx3, conquest, and pst is picking fly poop out of the pepper.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Leupold vs Vortex vs Nikon
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#5373457
10/22/14 02:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,006
Stevarino
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,006 |
The preference for Leupold is purely because they've been around longer they are more likely to be around in the future. I wouldn't make that bet! A 50mm objective might be better is the glass is equal, but I believe that the Viper has superior glass, negating any theoretical light gathering advantage. Vortex has actually been around for over 30 years, they just change focus from birding to sport a little over 10 years ago. x2 Vortex is making some elbow room in the hunting industry, but been around for a long time. Good debate you have going here. When it comes to optics, you cant go wrong with either IME. I do appreciate the lifetime warranty with my new Vortex bino's!
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