Thread: Two Leupold Questions, CDS, Freedom vs. VX3i

Hi NZHS community,

Firstly, I’m curious about the Leupold CDS system. However, I have also seen articles and reviews saying the CDS system in the Freedom, and VX3i models is questionable, so I thought I would approach the forum of truth for some user feedback.

Secondly, I understand the main difference between the Freedom and VX3i is the lens coatings, with the VX3i having better low light performance. Has anyone compared them side by side? I have been weighing up purchasing a VX3i, but if I can save myself a few bucks if the Freedom stacks up, I’ll consider it against the other contenders.

Cheers in advance.

I haven't used a freedom but a mate got one and he told me he was impressed for the money.
I have a vx3i and had a vx3 before that, while I haven't dialed any real range with the i yet the previous vx3 was totally reliable and repeatable in its dialing....providing you remembered which revolution you were on so cant see why the improved version would be worse.
My 2 vx6s both dial fine too.

The VX3i is discontinued and has been replaced by VX3hd so if you buy 3i its left over stock. I recently replaced my VX3i 1.5-5x20 with a VX3HD 2.5-8x36 and absolutely love it. While most the performance gains will be down to size its definitely a sharper picture. The HD also has the the zero lock CDS turret which I haven't had a good play with yet as pointy things a scarce. Sorry no comparison with freedom but can recomend the VX3HD.

The VX-Freedom are a very good scope for money the glass quality at dusk and daylight
is very good. The adjuster on windage and elevation are the let down. Not the glass quality

If you require good low light performance for your type of hunting / eye sight then Leupolds are not the right scope. They are very clear in full daylight but fall over and fail very quickly at dusk with the colour definition washing out.
I would take several scopes for a trial at dusk and compare them until full darkness. Leupold has been the first to fail in the trials I have done. A side by side comparison is the only way to tell

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

If you require good low light performance for your type of hunting / eye sight then Leupolds are not the right scope. They are very clear in full daylight but fall over and fail very quickly at dusk with the colour definition washing out.
I would take several scopes for a trial at dusk and compare them until full darkness. Leupold has been the first to fail in the trials I have done. A side by side comparison is the only way to tell

@Moa Hunter next time we catch up I have a small story that sort of corroborates that

I've had nothing but success with the VX3i line of scopes, owned the 3.5-10 and 4.5-14. Both dialled well and have better glass than the freedom.

I've got a Freedom 2x7 on one rifle, Bergara .308, and a VX3 4.5 x 14 on my other, 7x57 Ruger. Impressed with both of them. Used for different hunting situations but both do the job very well. Both value for money in my opinion. Low light? Both worked for me, haven't compared with more expensive options though. I guess it depends on budget and how much use the scopes going to get.

Vx3i are great scopes for the money diall well and lifetime warranty.
Prefer the vx 5hd to the swaro z5 bit its horses for courses.
My z6 leaves them all for dead but i shoot most with the vx3i

Keep an eye out for 2nd hand VX-R patrols, these are no longer offered new by Leupold but were the precursor to the VX6/VX5 models. The patrol models come with firedot reticle and moa exposed turrets w zero stop.

Get a Leupold Mk4

Have had both, replaced the Freedom with a VX3i
Better glass, in my opinion
Anyone want to buy a VX Freedom 4-12 ? ��

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

If you require good low light performance for your type of hunting / eye sight then Leupolds are not the right scope. They are very clear in full daylight but fall over and fail very quickly at dusk with the colour definition washing out.
I would take several scopes for a trial at dusk and compare them until full darkness. Leupold has been the first to fail in the trials I have done. A side by side comparison is the only way to tell

What were the other brands you were making a comparison with?

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

If you require good low light performance for your type of hunting / eye sight then Leupolds are not the right scope. They are very clear in full daylight but fall over and fail very quickly at dusk with the colour definition washing out.
I would take several scopes for a trial at dusk and compare them until full darkness. Leupold has been the first to fail in the trials I have done. A side by side comparison is the only way to tell

My experience has been the opposite?

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

My experience has been the opposite?

Same, they've been great.