Thinking about buying a high scope and wanted to know if anyone has looked into the new Leupold VX-7 scope compared to the high end Euro models.

According to everything I have read, looked at, this new Leupold is in the same class as the high end Euro models. It was built to compete with them.

If any one has had the chance to look into these model apple for apple ( same size objective) what is your opinion as far as clarity, brightness etc.

I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks Sparky

Best I can say is try to get into a Cabelas' where you can put them on a try stock and look thru them. Buying one of those "expensive" babies without looking thru them wouldn't be something I would recommend no matter how good folks may say they are. It's your money.

sparky,
these days i don't think you need to pay the extra $$ for a european scope unless you want the reticle in the first focal plane.
the reticle adjustment sytems, zoom ring, diopter, craftmanship, glass and machineing are all outstanding on a german scope i own and its truly a beautiful instrument through and through. but i would'nt buy another. they tend to be too large and heavy for my taste.
never looked at a VX7. i'm really happy with a couple Burris signature scopes i own and also have a couple leupold VX3. i think clarity and brightness rival the german scope and you can't go wrong with either.
Bob said it best, try to look through them before you lay out your hard earned $$

Thanks for the quick response guys. I went to Bass Pro shop and Sportman Warehouse a couple weeks ago and have looked thru them. It is really hard for my eyes to really see any kind of noticeable difference inside a building with synthetic lighting.

The highest dollar rifle scope that I have hunted with and used has been an earlier model Leupold LPS 3.5-14x52mm 30mm tube. One very fine scope. I have looked thru almost all Euro class optics at different times when at the range where I shoot. When you have a chance to compare them by going from one scope to another I can really see the difference, between the Euro's and high end Leupold's, Burris, Nikon's etc. The best way I can describe that difference is like looking at a TV picture in standard definition and then looking at one in HD. Major difference. The HD is almost like looking at a 3D picture with a wet look that is clear, crisp and very sharp. IMO there is absolutely no comparison to the high end Euro glass.

I have been a Leupold fan for many years and have owned many. I have also own Burris Signature series scopes and Nikon Monarks. I still favor the Leupold's. If the VX-7 is as advertised I would probably purchase it over a Euro class because of the warranty that Leupold provides. I looked at Swarovski warranty and they only provide it if purchased from an authorized dealer and for only 10 years. I have not yet looked at the other Euro warranties. On the other hand Leupold is lifetime no matter who owns it or where you buy it from. Spending this kind of money for me is a very big deal and the warranty is a huge factor.

I have never been a fan of large objective scopes. Seems like I am trying to shoot over a fence with the rifle. Just plain not comfortable. The rifles I own allow me to get into a 36-45mm objective and still shoulder it with a comfortable perfect fit. My all time favorite combo is a Remington Model 7 in either 260, 7mm-08 or 308, strapping a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x36mm. Just one fantastic combo. I have harvested many whitetail 300+ yards from these short barrel guns.

Now the VX-7 comes in 2.5-10x45 with Euro glass according to Leupold advertising.

Some feedback that I have received from owners of the VX-III's and the VX-L's have told me they were not pleased with the brightness and clarity compared to the older Vari-X III glass. Basically did not notice any difference. I have not received any feedback on the VX-7's.

I guess I have rambled on long enough. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Sparky

For me -----> if I'm gonna spend $1400-$1800+ on a scope it's gonna be Euoropian. Kahles=maybe. Swarovski=probably. Zeiss=probably. Schmidt & Bender=definately.

The glass(and technology)made in Europe is the finest produced. They have been doing this for a long time.

I only own one set of the high end optics. A pair of Swarovski bino's. (No scopes)They are the best that I have ever looked thru. I have owned them for over 10 years and STILL couldn't be more pleased.

If I was rich(win the lottery?) I will trade all my Leupolds for Swarovski and Schmidt & Bender. -----pruhdlr

The glass(and technology)made in Europe is the finest produced. They have been doing this for a long time.

-----pruhdlr
What about Unertl? They are entirely American made, although their selection leaves some to be desired. The last time I was on their website, it appeared that they only offered the one 10X tactical scope.

Question: Why does geography have anything to do with technology or quality of materials?

Sparky357, My favorite rifle is my Remington Mountain Rifle in .260 Rem. I have a Leupold Vari x lll 2.5x8 on it.

I own a lot of Leupolds.Thier warranty is the best in the business. For that reason, I use mostly Leupolds for hunting rifles. I've had to send a few in for repairs, which were either free or very reasonable.

The European glass is nice. If I were buying a tactical scope being used for the real deal, there's nothing better than the Schmidt & Bender tacticals. A guy at work has a 5.5x25. When you look through it ,it is like going from regular TV to HD TV, no kidding. If you were to break it though, I can't imagine how much the repairs would be. I use a Leupold Mk 4 4.5x14 w/ ill. TMR. It is a good scope it will get the job done,but not a S&B.

I think you have to look at what the primary use will be and go from there. If I were going on a once in a lifetime trip to Tajikistan to shoot Marco Polo Sheep, I would use European glass.

I do own one Zeiss scope. I also have a pair of Swarovski 8x30 SLCs, they are nice.

Don't forget about the Nightforce boys, Nice optics from what I've seen and as good as any of the European jobs I've looked thru and they sure seem to please the guys wearing camo.

Yes, Nightforce gets a thumbs up. I didn't mention them.

I looked through the Swarovski and the Leupold VXL at our new Gander Moutain ( they have them all out on stocks, just walk up and pick up whatever you want!) I couldn't tell much difference inside of the store between those 2 or the VXIII. I have a friend that uses Swarovski and he says the main difference is at dusk and dawn. I have VXIII on my 280 MTN Rifle and couldn't be happier with it. But I have a couple Weavers that I think alot of to. It's all about what you want and what will make you happy for that kind of money I would want Leupold's service behind it. To me 10 years on the warranty shows a lack of confidence in the product.

Europe = the Swiss, Austrians,Germans,and some other countries have been produceing very "high end" optics for some years now. Way back when,they were more concerned about quality(especially in the glass) than the quick buck, rest of the world,including America. I feel that they founded the technology to produce a cleaner,clearer,more optically perfect glass than the rest of the world.

Of course the rest of the world,nowdays,has caught up somewhat. But some of the optics that is "made right here" still gets there glass,or their glass coated,overseas.

Back during WWII and just afterwards the US military were getting the very best in binos,ranging devices(pre LASER),and optical bomb sights,from Europe. I still have a set of 7X56 bino's that came home with my dad after the war. They are as sharp and bright as any high end bino of today. They were issued to the lookouts of Navy vessels at sea.

Also,IMO the Unertl glass is inferior. They haven't kept up with the times as far as the lens polishing or coating goes. I'm not saying that they make a bad scope(especially mounts)but compaired side by side with Swarovski,Schmidt & Bender,and some of the rest,they simply don't come close.

What is good in optics is pretty much subjective. What is great for me,or looks really clear to me,might not be what others demand. Thats understandable. After all, we all don't drive the same brand of P/U. -----pruhdlr

First of all thanks for all the chimers. Great comments and recommendations.

I am still looking for the guy who has a VX-7 not VX-L. The glass is totally different, who has used it in the field and can give me a comparison to the Euro models.

I will be going to Sportsman Warehouse today and see if they will let me compare them outside.

The warranty issue is still huge for me. I can't get over a company only offering 10 years, to the original buyer only, and only from an authorized dealer as compared to Leupold's total unrestricted Lifetime warranty. That speaks volumes in my book.

Went to Sportman Warehouse today and after looking at all the scopes earlier mentioned I did come to some conclusions. The Swarovski over the VX-7. No doubt. Swarovski over any other I tried outside side by side. Second place was a total surprise to me. 2nd place belongs to Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44mm.

Keep in mind I was looking at 40mm+ or - objectives 30mm and 1" tubes. Same power setting and at the same target. Tried to keep everything apple for apple.

When I left I bought two scopes. Swarovski Z6 1.7-10x42mm and Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44mm.

Got them both mounted and ready for the range.

Just want to say thanks to all for the inputs. Enjoy every hunt as if it is your last.

Sparky!!!
IMO for the money that Zeiss is very impressive. About 60% less money than the Swarovski.

I bet you made that sales guy's day!

Congratulations! I for one am not surprised regarding the Ziess Conquest. I bought my first one a couple of years ago and now own 5. I have looked through Swarovski and they are outstanding but I simply have not been able to justify the additional cost relative to the better glass.

I can tell you the difference between the Zeiss Conquest and other glass in its price range based on what have seen is definately in favor of the Zeiss Conquest.

For those who make judgments on the quality of the other glass, Burris, Leupold, and Bushnell because of cost need to take a Zeiss Conquest to the woods and look through it just before dark. The difference is obvious.

If and when, and I do say when, I purchase a higher grade glass I will look at Nightforce, Swarovski, Ziess (high end) and Schmidt and Bender. Hopefully this will be in the not to distant future. I still have one more rifle I want to improve the optics on.

There is no question that German optics are fantastic.

However, I had an interesting experience last weekend. It was the night of day 2 of Randy Cain of Cumberland Tactics three day Practical Rifle course- basically three days of intensive instruction in the use of bolt-action rifles.

This range allowed shooting at night and so he ran day two of the class until 11:15 pm so we could experience shooting with a flashlight (the class was obviously defensive in nature) and reloading in the dark, etc.

Anyway, he had the entire line holding the best zero they could from 100 yards on target and we fired shots at 5 minute intervals from dusk until it was fully dark.

The last scope on the line making ethical hits after sunset was a plain old Leupold VX-III 1.5-5 with a Heavy Duplex reticle. There were no Kahles in the class, but there were Zeiss and Swar. here and there.

The instructor indicated that in reality the "better" scopes, which he defined as VX-III's and up, all go about the same time in his experience teaching on the road and at Gunsite. He felt the Heavy Duplex probably contributed to it being the last scope on the line as the shooter was able to see his crosshairs longer than those with finer reticles.

It was a cool experience no matter what one takes from it.

Brent