How is the Leupold VX6 compared to VX3 or Swarovski z3

Originally Posted by JGRaider

Originally Posted by 1pika

Does the VX6 have better optics than the VX3 or swaro Z3?

I just had a friend here at the campfire do a coparison between my VX6, Z3, Conquest, Kahles, and a Diavari. I asked him earlier if it was Ok to copy and paste his personal analysis, so I'll give you the highlights......in his words

"Just a quick report/observation.

None of the scopes were attached to a rifle. Stacked two at a time on a tripod. Viewed my electric meter on pole at 80 yards.

Zeiss Victory Diavari

Easily apparent that the Diavari is optically superior to the VX6. Whether it's worth twice the price of the VX6.... no way! I got my two 2.5-10x42mm Diavari's for under 1200, so for a 200-300 difference I'd choose the Diavari as I prefer the clarity, brightness, resolution, and reticle.

Swarovski Z3 3-10x42mm

My oldest boy and I went back and forth with this scope and VX6 for a good 30 minutes. The Swaro is brighter and resolves a tad better.

Zeiss Conquest 3-9x42mm

VX6 edges the Conquest out. VX6 is brighter and resolution and clarity is just a tad better.

VX6 does however have the best FOV over all the scopes viewed. Eye relief and eye box (even non-rifle mounted on tripod) was noticeably better."

He then decided to keep it a little longer, mount it, and do some low light testing........he had this to say after that:

"I'm going to hang a wt deer mount out in the woods on a tree, and use it as my control/baseline for the testing. The area I hunt is thick with Oak, Hickory, and Blackjack trees. The 30 minutes after legal sunset should prove to be practical test.

The scopes I'm going to test against the VX6:

Zeiss Victory Diavari 2.5-10x42mm
Schmidt and Bender Klassic 3-12x42mm
Swarovski Z3 3-10x42mm
Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40mm

My Kahles CSX has a 50mm objective, so I'm not going to run it against the VX6.

OK, did a field test this late afternoon through sunset.

As previously mentioned, the Zeiss Victory Diavari is clearly optically superior. No contest, and readily apparent.

The Zeiss Conquest is clearly a step below the VX6.

So the battle was between the VX6 and the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42mm

During normal daylight, both scopes appear to be almost a draw. The Swaro did edge it out (barely), but I feel this could be subject. Really too close to call.

However, once the sun goes down, it's a different story. Testing the scopes side by side 10 minutes after legal sunset showed that the Swarovski does indeed edge out the VX6. The Swaro appears brighter, and the resolution is better.

Both my oldest son (age 16.5) and myself concur. I did not tell him my opinion and observations until after he gave me his findings to ensure he wasn't influenced by my observation.

As stated previously, the VX-6 has the most generous eye relief, eye box, and FOV. It's quite easy to get behind, and the FOV is simply wonderful.

Even though the Swarovski Z3 is optically better, one would still have no difficulty with killing game 30 minutes past sunset with the VX6."

Hopefully he will read this thread and offer his insight as well. I didn't have it in my possession very long before I sent it to him. I did compare it, although not real long and hard like I plan to, to my 44mm Conquest, my neighbors 42mm Swaro A, and my VX3 3.5-10x40. I found the optics better in the VX6 than the Conquest and VX3 (but both get me past legal light), and very, very close to the Swaro A. This is through my 51 yr old eyes, and obviously your eyes may see it differently. One thing in which there is no doubt, however, is what he touched on......the eyebox, FOV and just overall user friendliness of the VX6 is fantastic. The eye relief at higher ranges is not nearly as critical as the others. The euro focuser is great as well, and everything that is supposed to spin and twist does so very smoothly. Another thing, if you're into yardage or MOA dials, the MOA dial that comes with it pops up and down to reset the zero. The two free CDS dials you can order do not pop up and down, but are a lower profile than the VX3 version. I revolution of the dial is 20 MOA. As he also said, i find it very easy to "get behind". I'll post some more in a week or two when I get it mounted and dialed in in case someone cares. I paid $799 for my VX6, so you can decide for yourself if it's a good value or not. I personally don't buy into any manufacturers marketing hype, not swaro, leupold, zeiss, etc. I always look through them and make up my own mind and decide whether it's a keeper or not.

Great review JG. Sounds like Leup has stepped to the plate. The new stock turret sounds cool too.

Originally Posted by Ebby

JG, would the CDS dials that fit on the VX3 scopes fit the VX6? I'd like to know. I have several dials and am about to sell a VX3 and would like to keep the dials. If they will fit, I'll order one up. Thanks

Lee

Unfortunately they are not interchangeable. The stock VX6 moa turrets look like this....

[Linked Image [quote][/quote] The VX6 CDS looks like this...please note this is a blank dial, sent to me for illustration only from a Leupy tech guy. It is a lower profile CDS than the VX3. <img src=

Thanks JG. Of course you get 2 free with scope right?

Yes you do.

I'm rather impressed with Leupold's VX-6. The optics for the most part falls in line with their immediate competition. What sets this new line apart is the magnification range and again, the generous FOV, ER, and eye box.

The VX-6 cranked up to 12x has more FOV then the Swaro Z3 set at 8x.

ER on the VX-6 does indeed appear to be constant throughout the magnification range. And typical of Leupold scopes, it's quite easy to "get behind" (eye box).

I'm seriously contemplating picking up a VX-6 1-6x24mm for my .375 H&H

I look forward to reviews on tracking.

Is a zero stop available?

Great review,thanks very much.
I have not had my hands on a VX6,but it sounds like a very good scope for the money and I like the stock moa turret system pictured.

I can tell you that to my eyes,the Ziess Diavari is also top of the heap,followed by Schmidt and Bender.

In the next tier come my new VX3 and Ziess Conquest.

It sounds like Swaro and VX6 will fill the niche between these two levels. To my mind that makes it a really good scope for hunting in daytime conditions during legal light in most places.

I might get one for my 375 that I'm getting ready for Africa.

Originally Posted by Ackleyfan

Is a zero stop available?

Zero stop on the CDS for sure. If you want to twist the dial more than one revolution you should use the MOA dial it comes with.

I have no doubt that the vx6 is great. Someone commented on the excellent FOV , which it may have but at 2x it has 57' while the 2-12x50 z6 has 75'. So what does that make the FOV for the z6?

Additionally the weight is 17+ oz for the vx6 with a 42mm obj while the 50mm z6 weighs only 1 oz more at 18

Obviously you pay a lot for these increases

This is not directed at anyone in particular, nor do I mean any offense.....I'm personally through buying $2000 glass to hunt with, especially on my rifles. I find myself worrying about beating the piss out of 'em instead of hunting with them. The cost nowadays doesn't justify the incremental increase in so called performance to me.

Now if I got a deal like Fosteology did on his diavari's that would be another story!

Originally Posted by DAMARA

Actually, the Swaro Z6 2-12x50mm has a FOV of 63' at 2x and 10.5' at 12x

The Z6 1.7-10x42mm has a FOV of 75.6' at 1.7x and 12.6' at 10x

You're right, the Z6 series has exceptionally glass, but at a premium (almost 2.5 times more than the VX-6).

Sorry about that I was looking at the 1.7-10

Does the vx6 have any tube effect ob 2x like the zeiss models have where you don't get an increase in FOV just see more inner tube as you lower the power?

Also is it sharp to the edges on the lowest power settings? The diavari's sometimes are not at the extreme low setting.

Just curious

Thx

Let's see some pics of the vx-6

That's a good question, and honestly, I didn't spend much time on the lowest power settings. My recollection was no tunnel effect, and a full sight picture edge to edge throughout the magnification range.

Originally Posted by DAMARA

Let's see some pics of the vx-6

This is all I've got.

As compared to a VX3 3.5-10x40 CDS
[Linked Image <img src=

Thanks for the pics JG. Is that a Texas Safari rifle?

As the 30mm tubes have never bothered me on hunting rifles, the VX-6 is something I'm getting a bit giddy about. My 6X36 with the etched std duplex reticle is working flawlessly!!! Love those etched reticles...

So looking at the eyepiece and its fast focus and rubber cushion ring.....where does that leave a guy as far as pop up lense covers?

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

So looking at the eyepiece and its fast focus and rubber cushion ring.....where does that leave a guy as far as pop up lense covers?

Butler Creek

Originally Posted by JGRaider

Especially when the 2K+ glass price is artificially jacked up because of a diminishing market for goods like that. The VX-6 if done right is a homerun

Originally Posted by JGRaider

Now if I got a deal like Fosteology did on his diavari's that would be another story!

The deals are there for Diavari's if you keep your eyes open. I paid $1400 for a 2.5-10x42 with elevation turret a little over a year ago (used but like new from a member here) and $1100 for brand new in box 2.5-10x42 on gunbroker just a few weeks ago.

I lucked up and bought two more (gently used) this week. One for 850!

Originally Posted by JohnMoses

Thanks for the pics JG. Is that a Texas Safari rifle?

Yes it is, in my own custom, spray can, granite finished something, and a final coat of alumahyde. It's a 12 yr old tikka 695 whitetail in 7mag that shoots lights out. Even I can do sub MOA with it.

Originally Posted by FOsteology

I lucked up and bought two more (gently used) this week. One for 850!

You bastid !

Originally Posted by JGRaider

Originally Posted by FOsteology

I lucked up and bought two more (gently used) this week. One for 850!

You bastid !

Dang, at that price i would be happily buying a scope i had no use for...

Quote

Dang, at that price i would be happily buying a scope i had no use for...

I did that with the Swaro I have last summer. Finally settled on the toy. The rilfe will be here next month.

Originally Posted by FOsteology

The VX-6 cranked up to 12x has more FOV then the Swaro Z3 set at 8x.

ER on the VX-6 does indeed appear to be constant throughout the magnification range. And typical of Leupold scopes, it's quite easy to "get behind" (eye box).

HUGE. Ease of use seems under rated when shopping. New model scopes, even at a VX2 level, are so bright that by the time you start comparing Swaro and VX6 the above mentioned specs begin trumping any increase in brightness of some Euro's for me. Leupold reticle choices make it even harder to go elsewhere. I am so pleased they have upped their game in the last little while. It was not long ago I felt them non-competetive and now it is hard not to pick one at a price point. When looking now I go straight to Leupold and will typically see what Meopta might compare and from then start the whole brain war in my head. Just me.

There has been alot of talk about Leupolds quality dropping lately I hope to see leupold correct alot of those issues , like errector assembly's that are 100% accurate and bullet proof, even if the scope weight would increase , leupold makes one of the nicest looking scopes in my opinion, but after hearing of some of the issues that members are having with out of the box VX6's sure makes one think twice.....

Well if people would be honest about it and put aside their blind biases, they would find that not everything Z,L, and Swaro makes is bulletproof either. You could find numerous examples of Conquest breakdowns around the various forums. There have been numerous examples here (I have one right now that's a POS). Every manufacturer has a CS dept and repair facility for a good reason.

A couple weeks ago I compared a VX6, a Swarovski Z3 and a zeiss HD5 all side by side and IMHO the VX6 excelled in just about every optical characteristic. Only real difference was the robust size of the 30mm VX6. I am just not certain about it size on a lightweight rifle even though it's not all that heavy. But she is chunky! The one thing that really impressed be was the reticle on the VX6 , much better than the ones on VX3's. But in the end I bought a VX3 3.5-10x40 at less than half the price of the VX6.

Originally Posted by AlaskaCub

Good analysis. The Z3 duplex is sorta fine, but useable. The VX-6 duplex is one of the best, as is its eye box.

Like you, I prefer 1" scopes. The 30mm is bulkier, but the VX-6 is pretty sleek for a big scope.

As you can tell, I'm a VX-6 fan. I have several Zeiss Conquests, a Zeiss Victory, a Z3, a Z5, several VX-3's, a Kahles and others. So, my VX-6 opinion isn't without comparisons.

DF

Originally Posted by JGRaider

no doubt I have had several failures of Zeiss, Kahles, dropping guns mostly, off center rings, making stuff "farmer tight" (borrowed from Mule Deer) and Leupold (my fault with some funky rings twice). Its an emotional issue more than anything else, some folks just hate Leupold so they go out and buy a Bushnell Elite with a glued on adjustment saddle

. Its best not to be prejudice too much for or against any one vender. Me I am (still) an optical hater but now its mostly against all variable scopes..

If I could have convinced myself to spend $1,000 on a scope that day it wounds hands down been the VX6. I am just not of the belief that I need to spend that much money on an aiming device.

I'm no Leupold hater, and I realize that there a mechanical device and anything can break, and if they do break Leupold will fix them, but it would be nice to have leupold have a bullet proof reputation like NF!

BTW I'm really interested in the VX6 after reading yours and DF's and a few others reviews on them , but ater reading about another members issues it just makes me think twice...Leupold can do better!

Originally Posted by Dirtfarmer

Originally Posted by AlaskaCub

I haven't been able to put a Z3 next to a VX6 in bad light yet, but owning 2 Z3's, I'll agree that Swaro's duplex is too fine, and Leupold's is better.

Still, the best hunting reticle for my tastes is the Meopta #4. That one just stands out (no pun intended) to me as the leader of the pack as a low-light visible reticle. Leupold's #4 isn't bad, but I think Meopta's is better.

i took my VX6 to Sask. this year and my buddy took a Z3, to me i dont see any difference optically, if there i cant tell...both are more than good enough

i love the VX6 duplex and non-critical, fixed eye relief on all powers

my grips was the power ring in that cold was a b!tch to turn... i just left it on 6x

I agree that Z3 and VX-6 glass quality are close. The VX-6 Duplex is way better than the Z3 duplex. Slimmer, sleeker scope, advantage Z3.

My Z3 is a 4-12x50 BT, my comparative VX-6 is a 2-12x42. I like them both, maybe the VX-6 a little more. The CDS, IMHO, is better than the Swaro BT, which I think needs an aftermarket turret.

Most scope for the buck: Leupold.

DF

leupold. had a z3 but the dang reticle was too thin for me.

You could have sent it to Swaro for a retro fit German #4 at a cost of $125.

Disgusting to spend Swaro bucks, then spend more to make it Kosher.

DF

From where I sit, Leupold needs to take a hard look at their QC and make improvements. I like the VX-6 optics, but each VX-6 I've purchased (only a sample of three granted) has had QC issues.

For me, the perfect riflescope for my needs remains to be the Zeiss Victory Diavari 2.5-10x42mm. And I managed to find yet another one this week with an illuminated reticle for the same price as a new VX-6 with firedot.

I have had that zeiss and I wish they still made it. I do think the vx6 has better eye relief on all powers, more fov, and more versatile power range. That being said if they were the same price, I would get the zeiss as it's optics are over the top good

Originally Posted by FOsteology

thats my next scope purchase. the diavari. looked at one at a local shop recently. not about to drop 2k or whatever on a new one tho

I have two Z3's....a 3-10x42 and a 4-12x50 with the BT. I like the BT better than the CDS, as you can set up the BT anyway you want on your own without having the mfg engrave or supply anything further. For basic hunting use, I think it's pretty good. It's very similar to my single-pin sight on my hunting bow, at least in concept, so that might be why I like it so much.

I don't like the concept of the custom-engraved CDS. Change your load, your dial is cooked and you need to pay for another one. If you're into MOA-based turret spinning, the MOA CDS probably makes more sense than the BT, but for most hunters, I think even the BT goes unused, as most of us simply don't have a need for it. I have it because it happened to be on the scope when it appeared for a good price.

I have my Z3's because they were priced right. I got the 4-12 for 750 and the 3-10 for 650. I have thought of having them retrofitted with #4's. For what I have in them, I'm still not at a bad price, and probably makes them more capable in low light. The optics are, but the duplex reticle isn't the best.

tdd....have Leupy make a CDS dial in MOA and problem solved. I will be the first to acknowledge that Leupy needs to get QC up to snuff and keep it that way. I personally do not like the "all things to all people" mentality there, but that's just me.

I agree that for a CDS I'd go with MOA and not yardages, BUT....

To me it makes more sense to simply set up the marks on the BT to your load, then you twist to that mark and go. I guess 6 or 1/2 dozen the other, but I like the BT. Just preference, I guess.

I do see new reticles in the future for those scopes, but I believe my next scope will be a Meopta. I like them too much and there are deals out there with some shopping to be had. The rumored 1.7-10x42 R2 really has my attention.

I was really onboard for a VX6 when they were still "pending" from Leupold. I sat on a wait list for months, and couldn't wait any longer with hunting season approaching, so I got a NOS VX7 for that rifle when a sale popped up.

I like the VX6 in concept, I've just not been wowed by it when I look through it in person. I'm sure there are personal biases at work there, but that's just my perspective on it.

I am anxiously awaiting a couple of the R2 models from Meopta...the 1.7-10x42, and the 2-12x50. I like the #4's also from Meopta.

I'm looking forward to the R2 1.7-10x42 also. I'm waiting for the non-illuminated reticle versions to come out later.

Originally Posted by JGRaider

I am anxiously awaiting a couple of the R2 models from Meopta...the 1.7-10x42, and the 2-12x50. I like the #4's also from Meopta.

JGR,

With your connections, should you manage to get your hands on the new 1.7-10x42mm R2 I'd love an opportunity to examine and test it out as we previous did with the VX-6.

The new Meopta R2 with that particular variable range has me interested. Would love to set it side by side with my Z6 1.7-10x42 as well as my Diavari.

And they have hydro shedding type coatings as well

FOs and RD, if you fellows do that comparison, please do share your impressions. I'd be VERY interested.

I'm hoping, although it's a long shot, that maybe, just maybe, there will be some R2's at Meopta's booth at the Harrisburg PA outdoor show that starts this weekend. I won't get there till next weekend, but I will stop by with the Meopta folks and see what I can learn there.

Are thy usually with the euro optics guys ? Alex Roy's booth ?

Euro Optics will be there, but Meopta has their own booth, at least according to the iphone app for the show that I downloaded so I could plan out my visit.

Looks like Meopta is booth 350 and Euro Optics is at 357.

I would love that as well Fost. I'll try and make that work.

Originally Posted by RDFinn

And they have hydro shedding type coatings as well

Don't quote me, but I think they call that MeoDrop.

Originally Posted by RDFinn

Are thy usually with the euro optics guys ? Alex Roy's booth ?

RD, if you go talk to a very, very knowledgeable guy named Reinhard Seipp. GM COO and a great guy.

I guess I would be partial to Meopta variables over Leup based on recent comments here if for no other reason. but I am going to try some fixed scopes for a while.

i saved my pennies to try out the 2-12x leupold. IMO it was inferior to my 2-12x burris both in the eye box and optically, but now the burris is difficult to run across

one area most all of them could do better with is holding zero and getting the parallax set correctly in my opinion.

I like graduated turrets more than the BT set up. With that one, you just have three settings, usually at 100 yd intervals. In between distances are a guess. At LR, as the bullet develops more drop, seems to me that could become a problem.

DF

I own 4 VX-6 'scopes. Each has been perfect so far - long term I do not expect any problems. A hunting partner has two - they have been perfect. The four VX-6 2-12's (his and mine)are on heavy caliber hunting rifles. My 3-18 X 50 and 4-24 X 52are on long range P-dog/G-squirrel rifles where their ability to zoom down to find the target is a real advantage. The VX-6 'scopes have such excellent resolution that often I forget or do not feel the need to zoom up to maximum magnification.

Pleased - I think they are extremely good value. I have owned the Euro brands and today can see no reason to own them ... again. BTW - my favorite Leupold 'scope is still the VX-3 3.5-10 X 40 ...

Yes the 3.5-10x40 is one of my fav's too. I love my VX-6 though.

Originally Posted by LJB3

Yes the 3.5-10x40 is one of my fav's too. I love my VX-6 though.

+1, Exactly.

DF

What QC issues are there with the VX-6? Is it more of a form or function issue? I am in the market for a Z-3, but the VX-6 is right there, and would really like to buy US.

Thanks