I had the vx-3 and sold it recently for a vx-3i. Nothing wrong with the vx-3, I just did it to try the new one. Optically they look the same to me. Visually you can tell them apart easily. The vx-3i has been VAVE'd to save money and it shows. They no longer machine the center turret housing with a nice rounded profile, they just chop off the corners (saves machining time). The new vx-3i does not come with the screw-on rubber eyepiece protector at the rear (like it would stop scope bite anyway!). It is now an accessory you can buy to add-on. You can tell they also saved some money with the way they machine the zoom ring.
Nothing wrong with any of these changes, but it all adds up to less money spent in manufacturing so a cheaper sale price.
