Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Vx5hd vs shv vs vx3i

Looking at a scope for purely hunting and want the best light transmission.

Vx5hd 3-15x44 30 mm sf
Shv 2-10x42
Vx3i 4.5-14x50 30mm sf

Leaning towards the vx5hd but not sure if the 50mm objective of the 3i will actually be better in low light situations.

Thanks

I would get them all in hand for size and reticle comparison. I haven't seen an SHV reticle I like for hunting yet. I would likely pick the VX5 3-15 of your choices but only because it has a lower magnification on the low side.

One thing to consider with the VX5 is the shortness of the tube in front of the turret. You won't have much ER adjustment at all even if your mounts will fit. A picatinny might be necessary depending on what mounts you use and how your rifle fits.

I purchased a Swarovski z5 5-25X52, Leupold VX-6 4-24X52 and Bushnell 6500 4 1/2-30X50. I also had a Leupold 4 1/2-14X50. All three of the first three were noticeably better than the latter. So if you want the best for light, get one of them. So far none of the other scopes in the same magnification range that I have purchased stay with these for low light. That includes Nikon Monarch 3 5-20X44, Zeiss HD5 Conquest 5-25X50, Minox ZX5 5-25x56 SF. The scopes that regularly beat these in low light are the Nightforce with 56mm objective.

I would get the VX-5hd with the 56mm objective if you are looking for the absolute best lowlight scope. If you are going to compromise for the sake of weight and bulk then get the 44mm. Like others have said the reticle choice on the SHV is not great and they weigh too much for a general hunting scope.

If you get the 5HD for low light you may want to get the illuminated Firedot over the standard plex because it's a rather wide open plex. The outer heavy bars don't come close to center I don't believe.

The SH 3-10x42 is 20 ounces. Not to heavy and the MOAR works for me. The turrets work and that gives me comfort.My leupolds have not been trouble free.