Leupold VX-1, VX-2, and VX-3: Difference Between of Them

Nowadays VX-1, VX-2, VX-3, VX-3L, VX-6 and VX-R series are substantial part of Leupold hunting scopes series. Difference between some of them is more obvious. VX-R is series of Illuminated scopes with variety of new FireDot reticles. VX-6 is premium hunting rifle scopes series with 6:1 zoom ratio that allows hunters to perform wide variety of tasks with single scope. VX-3L is the series of unique designed rifle scopes that have cutout on the objective lens. Thus you are able to mount 30% lower the rifle scopes with large 50mm or 56mm objective lens.   

However if you will try to find difference between VX-1, VX-2 and VX-3 you will find out that it is not so easy. For deep understanding of the difference between of them we have to go 55 years back and follow the history of VX series.

Vari X Scopes

Leupold's first scope with variable magnification was called Vary-X and it was introduced in far 1959.  This series was replaced by Leupold Vari-X II in 1962. Both series have magnesium fluoride coating. They provided hunters with 82% light transmission, 28 MOA adjustment range with ½ MOA increments. There was not any significant difference between of them.

Vari-X III was next upgrade that happened in 1974. Leupold have increased light transmission up to 92%. Adjustment range was increased up to 44 MOA with same ½ MOA increments. Vari-X III rifle scopes had power indicator with range estimation. Next 10 years Vari-X II and III remained unchanged.

In 1984 Vari-Xc II replaced Vari-X II series. These hunting rifle scopes had increased to 56 MOA adjustment range and ¼ MOA increments. In the same year Vari-X III series was upgraded as well. Adjustment range has increased up to 58 MOA and hunters could perform them by ¼ MOA field clicks. Some of Leupold Vari-X III scopes were built from two pieces main tube, some – from single piece. These scopes offered firs generation of illuminated reticles.

Leupold VX-I, -II and -III rifle scopes

Leupold Vari-Xc II series was replaced by VX-II in 2001. These hunting rifle scopes' lenses were covered with Multi Coat 4 and had 92% of light transmission. Adjustment range was the same 56 MOA with ¼ MOA increments. Leupold VX-II had fast focus lockable eyepiece. Main tube was made from two pieces.

Vari X III series was replaced by VX-III in 2004. Same year Leupold have introduced VX-I Series of hunting rifle scopes. From that moment these three series split up to different classes. VX-I series represented hunting scopes in low price segment, while VX-III was the series of premium hunting scopes. VX-II was somewhere between.

Lenses of VX-I was coated with implementing of Multi Coat Technology. It had 86% light transmission. These scopes were equipped with tactile power indicator, classic focus eyepiece and were made from two piece main tube. Adjustment range was 52 MOA with ¼ MOA micro friction.

Lenses of Leupold VX-III was produced from premium high quality glass and covered with index match coating. It made it possible to receive 98% of light transmission. These rifle scopes had tactile power indicator with range estimation, fast focus lockable eyepiece and were made from single piece main tube. Hunters could perform adjustment by finger tips through 58 MOA range for 1 inch main tube scopes and through 116 MOA for 30mm main tube.

VX Series Today

In 2009 VX-III series has been replaced by VX-3. In three years VX-I and VX-II scopes became VX-1 and VX-2 relatively. VX-1 is the scopes of entry level that have low prices. VX-2 is series of hunting scopes in medium price segment, while VX-3 is premium optics that offers last achievements in rifle scope development field.

The main and most important parts of the scope are lenses. After all this is what forms the actual image. That is why all lenses that Leupold use in their rifle scopes are made from high quality lead free glass. Before lens go to assembly department it undergoes a series of tests and covers with special coating.

Leupold VX-1 rifle scopes provide hunters with quality optics that coated with Multicoat 4 and have 92% light transmission. Windage and elevation adjustments perform by finger tips with ¼ MOA clicks through 52 MOA adjustment range. VX-1 models have two piece main tube, tactile power indicator and classic focus eyepiece.

Today there are 4 models of Leupold VX-1: 2-7x33, 3-9x40, 3-9x50 and 4-12x40. They are priced in range of $209.99 - $299.99.  

Leupold VX-2 allows 94% light transmission because its lenses have blackened edges and coated with index match Diamond Coat. These rifle scopes comes with tactile power selector, externally threaded fast focus eyepiece and have 1 inch in diameter main tube that made from two pieces. VX-2 rifle scopes have 56 MOA adjustment range. Adjustments perform by finger tips with ¼ MOA increments. These models filled with Argon/Krypton gases that protect them from fogging even with rapid temperature changes.

Some Leupold VX-2 scopes models equipped with Custom Dial System (CDS) and some – with Adjustable Objective (AO) for parallax adjustments. CDS models are prepaid for additional custom dial knob. After you've purchased it just call to Leupold by 1-800-Leupold and tell them as much information about your cartridge as you can. They will produce custom knob that will have yardage on it. After you install this knob all you need is to set appropriate distance and make a shot using center of your reticle for aiming. No need in hold over and elevation adjustments.

Leupold VX-2 scopes have price range of $299.99 - $599.99.

As I said earlier Leupold VX-3 is premium class optics. These scopes are built with implementing of latest coating technologies such as Xtended Twighlight Lens System and Diamond Coat 2. First coating optimizes transmission of blue-violet part of light spectrum that dominates in the low light condition. Thus hunters will get 98% of light transmission and bright clear picture even at the dusk or early morning. Diamond Coat 2 protects lenses from abrasion and scratches.

Main tube of Leupold VX-3 maid from a single piece and depending on model has whether 1" or 30mm diameter. Rifle scopes with 1 inch main tube have 58 MOA range adjustments, while 30mm scopes have 116 MOA range. All adjustments perform by finger tips with ¼ MOA clicks. VX-3 rifle scopes come with tactile power indicator with range estimation and lockable fast focus eyepiece.

There are 28 models of Leupold VX-3 scopes with 78 different options (finish and reticles). Some models available with Side Focus (SF) or Adjustable Objective (AO) for parallax adjustments. Some models equipped with illumination reticles and some with CDS. VX-3 scopes are priced in range of $399.99 and $1099.99.

As you cans see Leupold VX-1, VX-2 and VX-3 have gone through many updates before they have become of what they are today. VX-1 is right choice for those who looking for simple, affordable and reliable optics. VX-2 rifle scopes provide hunters with many useful features and still have acceptable price. By the way VX-2 is most popular hunter's choice. Leupold VX-3 scopes are right choice for those who want to use advantages of latest achievements in rifle scopes developing field. 

To read more detailed review of Leupold VX-1 rifle scopes visit http://www.GGRifleScopes.com/Leupold-VX-1/

To read more information about Leupold VX-2 scopes go to http://www.GGRifleScopes.com/Leupold-VX-2/

If you are interesting in more information about Leupold VX-3 click on http://www.GGRifleScopes.com/Leupold-VX-3/