Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm vs SWFA SS 2.5-10x32 Ultralight

I agree with that. I have two of Leupold's 1.75-6x VX3i. I had a heavy duplex put in one and left the other with the standard duplex. I used the HD on my MRC for a while, then switched it for the other one. Even in low light I don't lose the standard reticle. But outside of testing several different loads, neither of them were often off the 1.75x setting. Granted, most of my hunting is done at ranges less than 100 yards, and I find that 1.75x is plenty of magnification. As always YMMV, but the lower power scopes work for me.

I'm not a fan of the 2.5-8 Leupold. The weight and mag range are good but the rest leaves me unimpressed. I know they are the best set and forget hunting scope in existence to many here but that hasn't been my experience. I haven't tried the SWFA UL yet but the eye relief concerns me. For a light scope, I'd be looking at a Z3 3-9. For light-ish scope at a lower cost, I've been very impressed with the Razor LH 1.5-8. They can be had for just a hair over $400. For me there is no comparison between it and the Leupold 2.5-8. The image, eye relief, eye box, reticle, and adjustments are all better in the Vortex.

Vortex quality in the scopes starts at the Razor line. I won't own one lesser, but the Razors are G2G.

No problems here, though when I do use my .45-70 here, it has a 1.5-5 VX-3i on it.

Looks a-bit wet.

Having some fun in a tree.

That's how much rain we got this year. That area is normally dry, and it obviously doesn't drain well, but I kill a deer or two there every year. It's a natural funnel

I would not use the SWFA on a 30-06. I have one, and like it for what it is. It is not for rifles with recoil. 223, 243, etc., it’s a neat scope.

The field of view in a 2 1/2 X 8 Leupold VX-3i is about 37.5' @ 100 yds at the bottom magnification. How much field of view do you think you require?

IMHO field of view is way down on the list of priorities in selecting a scope. I've done a lot of hunting in the thick stuff & w/ various scopes that have a max FOV of around 30' to 40' @100 yds & lack of FOV has never been an issue on shots either standing or running no matter how close.

Having more FOV just makes the job easier for me.

I have rifles with 3 to 3.5 on the bottom, it's never cost me a deer, I just like more FOV.

If you like lots of fov, the 1.5-8 Razor has 72 ft of it at 100 yds.

Leupold 1-4X20 has about that amount, too.

I've used it on several woods rifles.

You can pick up a moving deer, look ahead for a hole, then pop him when he get there. .

I bet the Razor has some nice glass. How is it at 6 to 8 power?

It's very good glass. The view is nice across the mag range. I'm able to use 3" dots as targets at 500 yds, which isn't bad for an 8x scope.

Hmmm. I'm assuming 30mm tube, I'll check it out, and it sounds useful and interesting.

The LH's are 1" tubes. Amazon has them for around $405 right now.

You're making this hard.....must resist......

Ditto on the Leupold 2-7 Shotgun/ML Scope. I've had a few and they're great hunting scopes. Sometimes we let what works best for long range or bench shooting influence us too much when we choose scopes (and guns) for hunting. Hunting comes down to being able to see and hit a pretty large target, often pretty close-up if we're whitetail hunters, and quickly, because the deer are often in spots like the one in Vic's picture, and moving.

Another good one I've actually used is the 3-series 1.5-5. Mine was an old one circa 1980, but it was nearly an ideal scope for the woods, with enough Xs for open fields too. I keep my scopes set on Low, but like having some power on tap for when it's an advantage. Now, I might spring for the VX-5 HD version, based on positive results with a 2-10.

Well I found out what SWFA means but do they actually make their own scopes or does some famous scope maker do it for them and put their name on 'em?

I believe you'll find that a large optical contractor builds them to spec... just like most scope "manufacturers".

Well, I found a new Vortex Razor HD LH 1.5-8x32 for $367.00 and took a chance and ordered it. Once I have it I will post my thoughts. I have 30 days to return it if I don't like it.