Leupold Vari X III vs Vari X 3 vs VX III or whatever???

I have a sense that one of these versions is SUB-PAR in quality/perfomance compared to the others... Will someone please explain the differnces to me? What are the problems that cause this poor reputation? Thanks so much, Paul

Here is the sequence:

1. Oldest Vari-X III: friction adjustments, single coated lenses

2. Middle Vari-X III: click adjustments, single coated lenses

3. Late Vari-X III: click adjustments, Multicoat-4 lens coatings

4. VX-III: click adjustments with finger turn knobs, Index Matched lens coatings

5. VX-3: current model with finger turn click adjustments, dual bias springs, blackened lens edges, latest lens coatings with very hard scratch resistant outer lens coatings

Thanks, but how can you tell the difference between 1, 2 and 3? I get the friction control difference, but 2 & 3? Is there an indication on the scope itself?

If you've got the box it will say Multicoat-4 if the scope has it. Otherwise look at the lenses. MC-4 will show a greenish tint instead of the older blue.

mathman did a great job with the sequence. The optical quality and adjustments & repeatability (bias springs) on the older Vari-X models wasn't very good for the prices and in comparison to other brands.

I've owned quite a few Vari-X and VX-III scopes and parted with most. The newer VX-3 are a big improvement not enough for me to forgo Zeiss & Kahles.

VX3 Xtended Twilight Lens System and DiamondCoat 2 lens coating are the big deals for me. The VX3 shows a greenish tint when you look into the objective.

jim

It can be almost as confusing as the Minox binocular lineup.

Thanks guys.. I have 2 of the Vari X IIIs.... That may end up for sale!!! They both have the friction adjustment for changing the magnification... Anyone got an idea of what they are worth? Thanks again, Paul

Isn't the sequence VXIII, VX-III, than VX-3? I know the last is obviously correct, but the first two are labeled slightly different.

Newer VX-III's will also have finger adjustable turrets underneath the caps opposed to those needing a coin.

VariX III-->VXIII-->VX3

jim