Thread: Vixen 3-12x40 BDC vs VX3i 3.5-10x40 CDS

Looking to stretch out a bit - max 500m. The Vixen appears very good value and nice and light but has anyone tried one to compare optically with VX3? I like the fast focus that is missing on the VX3. I’m well aware of the good Leupold warranty and have used a VX3 before.

Vixen about $420 vs VX3 about $700 second hand. Has anyone put side to side or at least given the Vixen a good NZ thrashing?



Thanks

I run two vixens: a 2-8x32 on a Howa mini and the 3-12x40 on a Tikka.
Compared to VX2s of similar magnification (I don't have a vx3 to directly compare):
They seem to be brighter (especially in twilight) and larger FOV (i wear glasses, so it might be about eye relief?).
The Leupolds can be mounted lower as the variable magnification ring is not so pronounced.

I have a 4-16 Vixen BDC and a 4.5-14 VX3 with a S1 dial, was shooting them both today. Glass is better to my eye on the Leupold, but the Vixen is still perfectly acceptable, especially for the price. The eyebox at full power on the Vixen can be a little finicky, but Id imagine at the lower mag range your talking about wouldn't be a problem. I haven't thrashed mine yet, no idea how it will go on that front.
In my opinion though, you are comparing apples with oranges. If they were both BDC I would say go with the Vixen, but I personally would far rather a CDS scope than use BDC. You can map a BDC on Strelock (frankly they are useless if you don't) but for me its not quite as simple as just dialing and holding centre. Personal preference though, if you have used and like BDC, I don't think you would miss to many if any animals because of the difference in glass quality between the two.

Those are both very useful reviews thanks. I was thinking 3-12 to avoid the need for parallax adjustment and also keep 3x power for Bush hunting. I do agree that CDS is more user friendly than a drop reticle especially for the longer ranges.

I’ll see if anyone else has used a Vixen before dropping any $$$

Ive got a vixen 4-16 its a bloody good scope for the money and optics are bloody good
There will be only a slight difference in optical quality in good lighting you may notice a bigger difference in low light bush conditions
There will be a internal component Difference Quality wise With adjustment etc
How much I don’t know as I haven’t used mine all that much
As got it just before the wet weather come and made my shooting range inaccessible

But for what I have used it for 204 ruger and 22lr it seems an awesome buy for the money
The leupold will be the better scope though as you do get what you pay for

If you want a scope that will last a lifetime get the leupold they have the warranty to back it up
The warranty even covers 2nd hand scopes

If you want something cheap that will get the job done (very well I might add) but it maybe not quite as good and not as reliable down the track ( I haven’t had mine long enough to tell you how long it will last) vixen is a great scope (for a cheap scope)

I have the Vixen V3 with the G4 ? reticle, its a 2.5 to 15 I love it. gathers a lot of light

Originally Posted by johnd

I have the Vixen V3 with the G4 ? reticle, its a 2.5 to 15 I love it. gathers a lot of light

You may want to mention that is no longer a cheap scope

Originally Posted by rambo-6mmrem

You may want to mention that is no longer a cheap scope

I guess you are right, rambo, they do come a bit dearer. If they had the marketing hype of the other V brand they would be a lot more popular. Weirdly you cant even find them on Vixens own web site.

I know nuts eh they make a very good scope but the marketing is non existent
A few shops are starting to catch on though

I have 2 Vixen scopes both 30mm tubes and both with Illuminated rectiles a V-11 5-20x50mm duplex reticle on my 204 and a LVF 2.5-15x50mm BDC10 reticle on my 300wsm
I like the scope on the 204 and it was cheap compared to other scopes of the same quality without an illuminated red dot and has certainly helped me fertilise my paddocks with exploding plovers.
the 2.5-15wirh BDC 10 reticle is still work in progress as I haven,t had it long or had time to access it for longer shots but again a well priced scope.
both scopes are bright and work well into the sunset.

Thanks for the additional information - Vixen seems pretty good value for money.

Older VX3 B&C on trade me at moment - might see how high that goes in the next day or so