Has anyone compared them? Any real difference with the new vs the previous model?

Looking at one for my Tikka .223 and maybe one to replace my FX-3 6x42 (long range reticle) on my Sako 25-06 unless someone can change my mind...

I have a VX-3 3.5-10x40 and a VX-3i 2.5-8x36. Not exactly apples to apples, but I don't see any difference between the VX-3 and VX-3i.

Maybe a head to head comparason would show some difference. I doubt it would be that much.

DF

The major difference is price. A few dealers are selling the new models cheaper than the closeout prices on the former models. And the new models have for sure lowered the value of VX-3's because of it.

A few minor changes. Not sure about the low light performance increase, but as stated, head to head is the only way to test that. From the description of the improvements, there should be some gain.

I decided to keep my 6x42 on my 25-06 and I'm going to go with the new VX-3i 3.5-10x40 and no CDS on my .223 for coyotes. Read about tracking issues so I don't want to deal with that.

I thought the vx3i has some improved erector performance?? Might be worth finding out if this is the case, especially if planning on turning the elevation turrets

the vx3i is the same optically, better price point, and can be has with illumination.

I've looked through both extensively at work and don't believe there to be any difference optically. As too different erector systems I don't have a clue.

twin bias erector spring system to add pressure, stability and repeat-ability. Guess it would be impossible to tell without tearing one apart, but that's what they say.

So that should make the CDS system more reliable and tracking better?

Again, so they say.

If anyone is willing to gut one of each and show the parts side by side, that would tell the internal story. And, Leupold would still repair them. lol

I compared both over the course of several evenings and could not tell any difference in low light capability or resolution.

Ordered the CDS version....hope it's reliable

The VX3's had this too. It was an upgrade from the VXIII.

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.

cotis you don't make a great arguement for getting one lol. I don't like to hear cutting corners on machining. I would rather pay more for a better product

Ive got the VX3i 3.5-10x40mm CDS. Very nice glass for the money spent and seems to be well made. After getting an issue ironed out with the CDS turret binding, its been great. The scope tracks well and has held up good so far on my Kimber Montana 7WSM after a short load development session. No complaints so far.

I have 7 of the 4.5x14 VX IIIi scopes. I shoot out to 600 yds with them. They come back to the same point of aim at a hundred after turning them up and down.