I should have my 16" SFAR this week. I haven't hunted in years and am jumping into a deer lease. 300 yards would be a maximum distance and I would basically have to search out a place to find that. My budget is around $800.
My options so far are the VX-3HD twilight hunter with Firedot in either 3.5-10X -50 or 4.5-14X-50. There is $100 between the 2 but when I am at dusk, I won't be able to  have the 14x cranked up.Edit: Only reason going to 50mm objective, is that is the only size to get the FireDot reticle. There is also the Mark3HD in 4-12x-40 with FireDot reticle.
I can't stand Vortex.
Is there anything else in this price range and size with good eye relief I should be looking at?

I'm curious about the Mark3 HD 3-9.  Its greatest asset is the weight at 15.6oz.  It's SFP, but for this mag range, it works.  Elevation and windage are 15 mils, FOV is about 100ft if calculated at 1x.  And the Firedog is pretty bright.  I'd think for you purpose of shooting to 300 yards, this would work well.  IMHO, the 4-12 doesn't translate as well.  It's eye relief has almost 1.25" in variation from low to high.

I think the closest option to the Mk3 3-9 is the Trijicon Accupoint 3-9 at 13.4oz

There are ther options that are in this mag range, that are popular, that fit your budget, but are heavier.  Also, while many will be illuminated, none will be as bright as the Firedot.
Primary Arm GLX 2.5-10 at 22.5oz FFP
Primary Arms GLX 4-16 at 23.5oz FFP
Trijicon Credo 2-10 at 23oz FFP
Trijicon Credo 3-9 at 17.02oz SFP
Trijicon Ascent 3-12 SFP 17.8oz, non illuminated

Leupold makes the VX3-HD 3.5-10x40 with the Firedot. It doesn't suck. I wish they made the 2.5-8 with Firedot, but they don't care what I think.

SWFA 2.5-10x

I have both, and the SWFA is better than the Leupold in every way, if you don't need illumination.  Might not be the best choice if you're going to a lot of dim light shooting.

Ended up catching the 3.5-10x50mm for $699. Picked up gun and suppressor today. Scope comes in today....Forgot to order the scope mounts! Ughhh Attached File