Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

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Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by TBJ » 29 Oct 2017, 2:42 pm

I've been looking at the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40 and I'm just wondering what the difference is between the AO and the Side focus, from what I've read and understand is that they both fix parallax but I've never used an AO scope before and never used a VX-3 before is this the case that both are parallax adjustments or am I misunderstanding this. Also what would you suggest? the Side Focus comes with a 30mm tube where as the AO comes with a 1in, they both come with the option for a CDS dial (what do you guys think of these?) I plan on using this on one of my 223's used mainly for foxes and rabbits and the range as well.
thanks
Have: .17H .22LR .204R .222REM .223REM .22-250 .243WIN .270WIN .308WIN .300WM 7.62x39 30-06SPRG .303BRIT 30-30WIN 9.3x62 45-70GOVT 44RMAG 45LC 20GA 12GA .410GA
Want: .220SWIFT 6.5CREED .260REM .375H&H .416RIGBY .444MARLIN .458WIN 16GA 28GA
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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by marksman » 29 Oct 2017, 5:13 pm

yes the adjustable objective is for fixing parallax and you adjust focus with the ocular lens
I really like the idea of the cds for up to 400-500 as it does save the math and would work great especially with an adjustable objective if set up right
I like em a lot
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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by TBJ » 29 Oct 2017, 5:27 pm

marksman wrote:yes the adjustable objective is for fixing parallax and you adjust focus with the ocular lens
I really like the idea of the cds for up to 400-500 as it does save the math and would work great especially with an adjustable objective if set up right
I like em a lot

What about the side focus is that also for parallax, if so what do people think is better the Adjustable Objective or the Side Focus?
Have: .17H .22LR .204R .222REM .223REM .22-250 .243WIN .270WIN .308WIN .300WM 7.62x39 30-06SPRG .303BRIT 30-30WIN 9.3x62 45-70GOVT 44RMAG 45LC 20GA 12GA .410GA
Want: .220SWIFT 6.5CREED .260REM .375H&H .416RIGBY .444MARLIN .458WIN 16GA 28GA
TBJ
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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by bigfellascott » 29 Oct 2017, 5:35 pm

I prefer fixed parallax on my hunting rifles these days, used to like side focus for range use but found it a PITA on a hunting rifle, much quicker to just point and shoot, instead of trying to focus a scope to take longer shots (yes I used to just set them at 100m) but these days the eyes seem to require focusing the scope with parallax adjustable ones hence my comment.

If you do go with adjustable objectives I'd go side focus for the convenience of easy adjustability.
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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by Bent Arrow » 29 Oct 2017, 5:52 pm

In my limited experience the side focus has it all over those with the adjustment on the front bell. I have one of each and I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy another with the adjustment on the front bell.
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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by Chronos » 29 Oct 2017, 6:01 pm

Bent Arrow wrote:In my limited experience the side focus has it all over those with the adjustment on the front bell. I have one of each and I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy another with the adjustment on the front bell.


adjustable Objective does seem to offer finer/more sensitive adjustment though. I agree side focus is easier to change on the run.

On a hunting rifle like a .223 I’d be hard pressed to find a reason to have either. I’d stick with fixed parallax as most hunting shots are well within the range of a fixed parallax scopes design

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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by straightshooter » 30 Oct 2017, 6:25 am

People seem to lose sight (ha almost a pun) of what is the purpose of parallax adjustment is.
That purpose of that adjustment is to make the image focal plane coincide with the reticle plane for any given range. If there is a gross difference then one or the other will appear out of focus. If there is only a slight difference then older eyes will tire much sooner than younger eyes trying to focus on both.
Either system of adjustment have a down side. In either case the objective lens cell or the erector assembly both of which are rather heavy must be laterally movable. Being just that they get pounded from shot to shot and with use get even more movable.
If you have a reasonable degree of shooting ability, that is you are able to repeat the position of your eye even with modest reliability, then error due to parallax will be the least of your problems.
For hunting the best scope is one with the least number of movable 'gadgets' and with resolution and contrast in preference to magnification regardless of what modern advertising is telling you.
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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by TBJ » 30 Oct 2017, 8:34 am

Thanks everyone for your input, from what you're saying I think I'll go for the Side Focus instead of the AO, purely for ease of use, also being a 30mm tube on the SF is a benifit over the 1in of the AO. Out of curiosity has anyone used the VX-3i scopes? if so what did you think of them?
Have: .17H .22LR .204R .222REM .223REM .22-250 .243WIN .270WIN .308WIN .300WM 7.62x39 30-06SPRG .303BRIT 30-30WIN 9.3x62 45-70GOVT 44RMAG 45LC 20GA 12GA .410GA
Want: .220SWIFT 6.5CREED .260REM .375H&H .416RIGBY .444MARLIN .458WIN 16GA 28GA
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Re: Adjustable Objective VS Side Focus VX-3i?

Post by Wobble » 10 Nov 2017, 11:14 am

I couldn't tell much difference between the VX3 and VX2 other than the price TBH
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