Both are good, but the leupold isnt even remotely in the same class, glass wise. Swaro glass is amazing. Ive owned many of both and it isnt even close
I don't agree with that. I own three Z3 3-9x36 and a bunch of Loopy 2.5-8x36. Comparing the Z3 to the VX3i there is an advantage to the Z3 but it is not that wide to my eyes. The Z3 will have a little bit better light transmission on dusk but the Leupold is very close behind. I'd say the Loopy is at least 95% of the brightness of the Z3 but only 66% of the price.
What generation are your Leupolds, Vari-X, VX-III, VX-3, VX3I?
They are VX-III, VX-3, VX3i. But see in my post I compared the VX3i model to the Z3. I'd like to compare the 3HD Loopy but I don't have one. I really like the little Swaro Z3 scope. I think it is a fantastic small size hunting scope, especially with the #4 reticle, which my three have. But with all optics, there comes a point where a small gain in brightness (performance) comes with a much higher gain in price. To my mind, the VX3/VX3i Leupold line seem to be right at that point of offering very good optics at an affordable price. They are much better than the cheap rubbish lines but compare quite favourably to the higher end optics. I really like my Z3s but I also like my Leupolds.
