I've had a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x50mm in #4 illuminated since they came out. It's been a very durable scope that has served me well. I spent a brief time riding a 300WSM and the last few years on a .270Win.
In all the time I've had this scope I've only used the illuminated dot twice during actual hunts.
The setting can be adjusted so it's very dim and will not "blind" your image.
This rifle is generally used for open areas, fields, clearcuts, logging roads...places where legal daylight is all I've ever needed.
I've developed another point of view about the illuminated optics. I'd rather take additional $$$ the illumination feature cost and put it towards better glass to start with.
If that's what you want, though, then roll with it.
I certainly don't fault Leupold for trying new features....as long as they continue to make and improve on their "classics".
