I started buying Leupold's after Redfield and Weaver bit the dust. They are pretty decent scopes. Earlier this year, at the insistence of hunting buddies, I purchased a VX-III 4.5-14x50 to mount on my new WBY Vanguard in 7mm Rem. Mag. At the bench, sighting in, I was pleased. In the field it was a different story. Practicing blasting rocks using shooting stix, prone, and sitting positions, I just couldn't acquire a good sight picture and ended up with a new eyebrow. An optics guru suggested that since I normally leave the variables at 6X I should get a fixed power at that magnification. Most shops in my area have limited stock of fixed powers. I was able to find one that had a FX-III 6x42 and a Nikon Monarch 6x42. Side by side, the Nikon had the best clear, bright, picture right out to the edge. Bringing it home and comparing it to my VX-III at 6x was even more astonishing. Moral? Scopes have improved considerably. My neighbors new Simmons Aetec 2.8-10x44 outshines my old Vari-X II 3x9.