Leupold-Just the Facts Please

[Bobcat]

Here is an e-mail from Leupold explaining and comparing the features on their scopes. I hope this will clear up some of the confusion since the new models were introduced:

With all of the recent changes, it can be difficult know exactly how each product will perform. Every scope Leupold currently produces, including the Rifleman, is fully coated (all lenses, internal and external, are coated) and utilizes glass, coatings, and optical systems of equal or better quality than the discontinued Vari-X II's of the past. The price of the Rifleman is lower due to increased efficiency in our production process, not from reduced quality.

To make things easier, I have compiled a brief summary of our current scope lines as well as the features belonging to each.
It is important to note that every lens (internal and external) in every Leupold scope is coated, but the type coatings will vary. "Fully multicoated" means that each lens is coated with multiple layers of lens coatings, such as Multicoat 4. "Fully coated" means that each lens is coated with a single lens coating; Leupold uses magnesium fluoride.

-LPS
The LPS line uses 1/4 MOA, low profile, finger-adjustable adjustments and our Diamondcoat lens coatings producing a total light transmission figure of approximately 94%. It is important to note that Leupold light transmission figures are measured as a total, throughout the entire optical system - on a per lens basis the light transmission totals are well above 99%
-Vari-X III
The Vari-X III line has seen little change and is still optically the same as those produced in the 90's. Vari-X III's utilize 1/4 MOA "click" adjustments and are fully multicoated with Multicoat 4, producing a total light transmission figure of approximately 92%.
-VX-II
The VX-II line uses a combination of Vari-X III and Vari-X II (discontinued) technology. VX-II's also utilize 1/4 MOA "click" adjustments, but the lens coatings are different. The external lenses are coated with Multicoat 4 and the internal lenses are coated with magnesium fluoride, producing a total light transmission figure of approximately 86%.
-VX-1
The NEW VX-1 also utilizes a combination of Vari-X III and Vari-X II technology, utilizing 1/4 MOA friction (non-clicking) adjustments. The external lenses are multicoated and the internal lenses use magnesium fluoride, also producing a total light transmission figure of approximately 86%.
-Rifleman
Though the Rifleman line of scopes uses a different maintube (for aesthetic reasons), it is optically the same as the Vari-X II (discontinued for 2001). The adjustments are exactly the same as the Vari-X II (1/2 MOA friction) as are the lenses and coatings. All lenses, internal and external are coated with magnesium fluoride, providing a total light transmission value of approximately 82%. Basically, the Rifleman is a newer-looking matte version of the Vari-X II that helped build the Leupold reputation.


I hope this helps reduce confusion. If you have any further questions, we will be more than happy discuss them.

Regards,

Tim Lesser



Leupold Customer Service
Product Specialist Group
Phone [phone]

[BozoWise]

Great information. I have always been a satisfied Leupold fan yet never fully understood the differences in models. Till now that is.

[Mike Birdwell]

Thanks for the info! Great stuff Regards Mike ;D

[ICMCumin]

It would be interesting to compare light transmission between Loopy and some of the others we have discussed on the board.

Recognizing that light transmission isn't everything, it still weighs heavily when I select (and buy) a scope.

[Bobcat]

Nikon Monarch and the Burris FF-II and Signature are 95%.

[hunter9850]

nothing beats a BURRIS .
HUNTER

[Okie Newton]

I have Leupold on all of my center fire rifles. I am very happy with them. I kind of favor the vari x 3 4.5 by 14x50mm. A little pricey but I like em.

[doorgunner]

Bob: You did good! That is the ultimate answer to a lot of questions that people have had since Leupold changed their product line. I've got Leupolds on every single scoped firearm that I own. Based on your post, I might end up "upgrading" my old Vari-X II's to VXI's. I recently bought a VX-I for a lever action rifle that I purchased. I compared the optical quality to my current Vari-X II's, and it was actually better, and a whole bunch cheaper than I paid before. Thanks for the extra effort and "homework"!

[texasshooter]

Bobcat.

Now all we need is for someone to take that document and add the information for the new VX-III line of scopes. I am anxious to see one of these. They are claiming as high as 98% light transmission. I am also interested in seeing the two new reticles that they are introducing in this line.

[Bobcat]

Hey doorgunner et al......Leupold is adding ballistic reticles for big game and varmints to their VX-III's!

Boone and Crockett Big Game and Varmint Hunter's Ballistic Aiming Systems: These exciting new reticles, a VX-III exclusive, will make long-range accuracy and range estimating easy to master. Each reticle features mutiple aiming points for long ranges and windy conditions. Two selector settings provide a quick and easy way to set the aiming points to match your ballistics.

[txpred]

Purchased a VX III 4.5x14x50 last week and it performs very well. We were hunting a few days ago and I could see very well even after the naked eye sight faded. not to mention 3 shots in a dime at 100 yards. I feel good about my purchase, Have not missed anything yet, took a coyote and a bobcat so far. I figured if I downed an animal for every dollar I spent, that would justify my purchase. 648 to go. ;D

[doorgunner]

The Burris arrived today, finally. Side by side with a Vari-X II, the Burris is much brighter. I was pleasantly surprised. I just hope that it's as durable as my Leupolds.

[Bobcat]

.....just drop it off here and I will bang it around in the bushes for you! ;D

We need to go calling!! ......probably not today.....to busy building an ark!

Bob

[1st cav sgt ret]

hey Bobcat I know what you meen,been stuck in the house all week,something needs to break loose soon or I may start trying to build a new rifle (like I need another one)

[texasshooter]

Hey Txpred... is that a VX-III or a Vari X III. I didn't know the VX IIIs were available yet. If it is a VXIII what reticle did you get? Can you see a difference in the VX III and the Vari XIII (assuming you have a Vari X III to compare it too).