Quoted:
The VX3 line has upgraded glass. Better optical quality than before. That puts them back into the game. They are now competitive with scopes of their price range, and in many cases better.
Leupold held out a long time on their name, but they are not deaf to all the condemnation and bashing they get across the entire WWW of forums. I suspect they upgraded the optics in response to the claims that lines like the Monarch are better than the VX-III. That was true. The VX-III wasn't horrible like some make it out to be. It was up there as better than average and clear and bright. But for the money, it simply wasn't. Other scopes were obviously superior at the same price point or equal to the Leupold for much less money.
Zeiss Conquest is really the best optics for the money. Side by side with Leupold, price is about the same - but the difference is a total joke. Zeiss blows them away. The VX3 has closed the gap and is respectable. They're real good and hard to tell now with the Zeiss. I still give the edge to Zeiss. But it's nothing to write home about.
Only question is, will time heal Leupold's wounds and will people recognize that the VX3 quality has caught up with market demands and expectations? Or will the bashing of Leupold continue?
I've owned and own Leupold VX3, Nikon Monarach (new and old models), and Zeiss Conquest. I speak from actual observation.
No, I speak from the VX-3, not the VX-III. The VX-3 is a better scope, all the way around, as compared with the VX-III, but I do not think it as highly of it as you do.
Leupy does not listen, really. Their Laser Rangefinders sucked ass, so they relaunched them. They still suck.
Their Golden Ring Spotting Scopes are ok, though Nikon's Fieldscope line is better, but they are left behind when compared with others.
What I dislike from Leupold is they move forward, incrementally, begrudgingly, and we are expected to fawn over them and get "the vapors" because they did something they should have years ago?
Again, if the OP goes with a VX-3, then he will get a solid scope, just one that I do not think is as deserving of praise as others.
As always, YMMV.