Leupold VX-2 Review

The Leupold VX-2 line is essentially the replacement for the popular VX-II scope line. However, this is more than just a name change, Leupold made some serious changes and updates to this optics line to keep it up to speed with the latest advancements in rifle scope technology. Early reviews of this line have been very positive and it looks like the Leupold VX2 vs VX3 debate will only get more intense.
 

Quantum Optical System – Many Leupold scopes now include their new Quantum Optical System. Essentially these scopes start with precision ground glass and then apply various coatings, and technologies to the lenses when assembling the scopes. The VX-2 starts out with the precision ground lead free glass and then has the Indexed Lens Matched lens coatings applied for improved light transmission; it is also coated with Leupold’s DiamondCoat lens coating to protect the glass from scratching. Finally, these models are waterproof purged with Argon/Krypton which is the updated method of waterproofing as opposed to Nitrogen purging previously used, and which is still used on other models.

Other Updates – Many but not all of the models in the this line are now available in versions that are compatible with Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS). Basically with a CDS compatible scope the shooter has the ability to order a custom elevation dial calibrated for a specific cartridge and load. The new VX-2 scopes also feature the European style fast focus eyepieces, and come with a bikini style scope cover.

VX-2 Comparison Chart

Model	6-18x40 TGT	6-18x40	4-12x50	4-12x40	3-9x50
Picture
Estimated Price	$549 - $579	$499 - $549	$509 -$579	$399 - $549	$415 -$475
Length	13.5"	13.5"	12.1"	12.3"	12.3"
Weight	14 oz	14 oz	14.5 oz	13.2 oz	13.3 oz
Eye Relief	4.8" - 3.7"	4.8" - 3.7"	4.2" - 3.8"	4.9" - 3.7"	4.2" - 3.6"
Field of View	15.2' - 6.7'	15.2' - 6.7'	22.6' - 10.7"	20.4" - 9.7"	34.1' - 14.1'
Reticle	Fine Duplex Target Dot	Fine Duplex Target Dot LRV Duplex	Duplex Heavy Duplex LR Duplex	Fine Duplex Leupold Dot LR Duplex	Duplex Heavy Duplex LR Duplex German #4

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6-18x40 Target – The VX-2 Series has two versions of the 6-18x40 configuration. The 6-18x40 Target version features tall finger adjustable target style turrets, and is available with either a fine duplex or target dot reticle, which makes sense as these are precision reticles favored by those who are shooting at small targets. This model also utilizes an adjustable objective to correct parallax and is available in a matte black finish.

6-18x40 – Unlike the target version, the standard 6-18x40 features standard hunting style capped windage and elevation turrets. In addition to the fine duplex, and target dot reticles available on the target model, the standard 6-18x40 version is also available with Leupold’s LR Duplex reticle which features hold over marks for long distance shooting.

4-12x50 – While shorter in length than the 6-18x40 models, the 4-12x50mm model weighs slightly more due to its large objective bell. This model can be had with three different reticles and is also available in either a matte black or silver finish. Unlike the 4-12x40 version, the 4-12x50 is not equipped with an adjustable objective.

4-12x40 – While the 4-12x50 model appears to be aimed more at the big game hunting market, the 4-12x40 model with its adjustable objective and precision reticle offerings appears to be more suited for a dual use big game and varmint/target scope than the 4-12x50 version. Like the 50mm version the 4-12x40 is also available in a black or silver finish.

3-9x50 – Big game hunters looking for a scope that can maximize available light will be interested in the VX-2 3-9x50 versions. At just over 13 oz these scopes are pretty light when compared to many other scopes of this magnification/objective combination, which is worth noting as the added weight of a 50mm objective is one of the drawbacks of this configuration. The other common drawback of 50mm objective scopes is cost, and while Leupold did a good job of keeping weight down, the cost of a 3-9x50 version scope is still about $100 more than a 3-9x40 version.

VX-2 Scopes Compared

Model	3-9x40	3-9x33	2-7x33	2-7x28	1-4x20
Picture
Estimated Price	$299 - $359	$349 - $399	$349 - $399	$349	$299
Length	12.6"	11"	11.3"	9.9"	9.5"
Weight	11.2 oz	8.8 oz	9.9 oz	8.2 oz	8.1 oz
Eye Relief	4.2" - 3.7"	4" - 3"	4.2" - 3.7'	3.8" - 3"	4.2" - 3.7"
Field of View	34.6' - 14.6'	34' - 13.5'	44.6' - 17.8'	41.7' - 16.5'	74.7' - 29.8'
Reticle	Duplex Heavy Duplex LR Duplex Wide Duplex Leupold Dot German #4	Duplex LR Duplex Wide Duplex	Duplex LR Duplex	Duplex	Duplex

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Models

3-9x40 – The Leupold VX2 3-9x40 scopes have the largest selection of options in this line, with six different reticle options and three different finish options. While not all options are available in all finishes there is still a very large selection of reticle/finish combinations. This model is 12.6” long which is about average for a hunting 3-9x40 scope; however, its weight of just over 11 oz is a couple ounces lighter than the most of its competition.

3-9x33 – The Ultralight series is probably best thought of as a sub category of the VX-2 model, although there is a FX-II model in the line as well. There are two 3-9x33 models in the Ultralight series, one is the standard version and the other is an EFR model. The standard version can be had in three different reticle options and two different finishes, while the EFR version comes with a gloss finish and duplex reticle. The main difference between the two models is that the EFR model has an adjustable objective and is capable of correcting for parallax at close ranges, a feature favored by many rimfire shooters.

2-7x33 – While not part of the Ultralight sub category, the 2-7x33 version is a pretty lightweight scope in its own right, tipping the scales at just 9.9oz. The 2-7x33 scopes can either be had with a standard duplex reticle or Leupold’s LR duplex reticle, which features a couple of holdover marks for longer range shooting.

2-7x28 – Available with a gloss black finish and duplex reticle only, the 2-7x28 offers an option for those looking to save weight even over the other compact models in the line up. The VX2-7x28, is priced about the same price as the base model 3-9x33, and 2-7x33 models, so the shooter has a wide variety of options in this lightweight category all in the same price range.

1-4x20 – Designed for use at close to intermediate range, the 1-4x20mm model is available in only one configuration, which is with a black matte finish and standard duplex reticle. This is a very compact scope at only 9.5” long and weighing just over eight ounces. The only point of concern is the eye relief which is 4.2 inches on the lowest power and 3.7” on the highest power which is about ideal for centerfire rifles; however, those who are looking to mount this model on a hard recoiling muzzleloader or shotgun should consider if this is enough eye relief for their intended use.

Conclusion
The Leupold VX-II was a tough scope to categorize, it didn’t quite have the features of some of the high end hunting scopes, but was kind of overkill in the intermediate category. Even though it doesn’t have all the features of the high end VX-3 series, it is clear that the new Leupold VX-2 scope series with its incorporation of a laundry list of the latest optics technology will be competing with the high end models in the hunting scope category. Furthermore, with VX-2 3-9x40 models starting at $299, and the Leupold name on the side, we’re betting this scope is going to wreak havoc on the high end hunting scope market.