The Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50 is by far the best medium to long range rifle scope on the market.

As if that’s not enough, it has exceptional low light capabilities, making it perfect for hunting in the early morning or evening.

This is one of my favorite hunting scopes for my 223 rifle. Want to know why? Keep on reading to find out.

Glass Clarity & Reticle 

This scope provides a crystal clear image, even in dim lighting.

The exterior lens has a coating called DiamondCoat 2 that allows more light transmission so you can see clearly in low light conditions. The Twilight Max light management system also makes red and blue colors more visible, which gives you more contrast and makes it easier to see what you’re hunting.

To put simply, you’ll easily see your prey in low light conditions. So if you hunt at night or in the early hours, you’ll love the VX-3i.

But what’s even better is the simple Duplex reticle.

The thicker lines at the edges that thin out in the middle draw your eye straight to the center of the target, making it easy to stay focused on your prey.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The Leupold VX-3i has more than enough eye relief.

At 4.4 for low magnification and 3.6 for high magnification, you’ll never have to worry about getting dangerously close to the scope.

You’ll easily have a clear, full sight picture that completely fills the generously sized eyebox.

Durability 

This scope is extremely durable and will last you a lifetime.

If you’re a serious hunter and worried that this scope won’t hack it, fret no more!

I’ve banged it against a tree, dropped it in a puddle of water and did a 5 km hike with it. And it still works like a champ. That’s because Leupold installed a twin bias erector spring that protects the scope from damage.

It’s also made with high quality aluminum, lightweight, and is completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This thing will probably outlast me. 

Elevation & Windage Knobs 

The elevation and windage turrets are very dependable.

The turrets are very precise at ¼ MOA per click and are crisp to the touch, making them easy to use.

I had no issues zeroing it in and it even held after I accidentally dropped it!

The only downside is that the turrets don’t have a stop or reset function. This makes long range shooting a little more difficult for me, but if you think it will bother you, you can buy a model with a free CDS (custom dial system).

Parallax & Magnification 

The magnification on the Leupold VX-3i is variable and great for all around use.

It comes in a range from 4.5–14x making it adjustable for both medium and long ranges. This means that you can hunt large game in open areas or closed, like forests, without any problem.

The parallax is fixed at 100 yards and I did notice that the field of view was extremely limited at 10–50 yards, but since I’m normally using it for medium to long range shooting, that’s not a big deal.

Mounting & Rings 

The scope doesn’t come with any kind of rings or mounting system, but I would recommend Leupold Permanent Weaver-Style Cross-Slot Scope Rings. You’ll need 30mm or 1” depending on the model of the scope. They fit perfectly.

I had to go with the high rings, but that was expected with this scope.

You can also buy a scope cover to keep it safe when you’re not using it. If you choose not to, I would at least suggest getting a Leupold Alumina 50mm lens cover for some added protection.

Is the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50 worth it? 

If you’re a serious hunter, I would definitely recommend the Leupold VX-3i. It’s got: 

• Clear glass 

• Light weight 

• Low light visibility 

• Generous eye relief 

• Precise, reliable turrets

In other words, the Leupold VX-3i will make hunting in low light (when game is most active) the easiest it’s ever been. You get high quality performance for a reasonable price. Not to mention, it’s very durable and even if something breaks, it’s covered by a lifetime warranty.

Richard Douglas is a firearms expert and educator. His work has appeared in large publications like The Armory Life, Daily Caller, American Shooting Journal, and more. In his free time, he reviews optics on his Scopes Field blog.