Author: Marine24
Subject: Leica ER vs Leupold VX-6
Posted: July/01/2014 at 09:47
Received the Leupold VX-6 yesterday and did a side by side comparison between the VX-6 2-12x and Leica ER i 2.5-10x. Bottom line is I wouldn't kick either of them out for eating crackers in bed. Both are exceptional scopes and boils down to personal preference.
Subject: Leica ER vs Leupold VX-6
Posted: July/01/2014 at 09:47
Received the Leupold VX-6 yesterday and did a side by side comparison between the VX-6 2-12x and Leica ER i 2.5-10x. Bottom line is I wouldn't kick either of them out for eating crackers in bed. Both are exceptional scopes and boils down to personal preference.
I like the thicker lines on the Leupold LR Duplex reticle for a hunting rifle. It will go very nicely with my 7mm-08, replacing the MeoStar R1. For low light performance it was very clear at around 2015 with the sun well behind the mountains. I would be confident taking a shot without feeling like I needed to turn on the illumination.
It has an edge over Leica's IBS reticle as a low light hunting reticle, even though the IBS is also a very functional in low light. But with its thinner IBS reticle, I'd be more inclined to turn on the illumination.
I like the forgiving nature of the eyebox on both scopes even at highest magnification and was better than my Swarovski Z3.
Side by side, Leica ER i has the better contrast, but the margin is slight. To my eyes, the Leica's optics was just crisper.
If you don't need illumination, the Leica ER line is the better option in my opinion. Prices I'm seeing on the ER line are around $900 for new scopes, but don't expect that to continue as Leica phases out the ER line and replaces it with the ER i scopes.
For daylight hunting, I prefer the IBS reticle, particularly at longer ranges where the thicker lines on the VX-6 LR Duplex reticle are not as ideal. This is a very functional all around hunting reticle.
If illumination is desired, the VX-6 would get my nod. Really boils down to price for me. ER i line is about 30% more expensive and the crisper picture isn't enough for me to shell out the additional cash.
Pictures to follow.