So I took a fall or two in the snow and looks like my Vortex 3-9 x 50mm Crossfire II is heading back to Vortex for some warranty work. Looks like Vortex is going to fix it my fault or not which is great. However, I have been wanting to upgrade to a 4-12 as I love to "reach out and touch someone". I hunt from the ground and I'm a clear cut/distance shooter whenever I can. I love the increased light a 50 mm objective gives me over 40. So I'm sticking with that.

My question is if I move to the budget Leopold VX freedom will I get $250 worth of value out of it as opposed to sticking with Vortex. I tend to be rough on equipment so the Vortex warranty is a plus as Leopold seems to be more only to cover a manufacturer defect as opposed to me falling off a mountain and busting a scope coverage.

I'd like your thoughts. Very happy with the Vortex Crossfire in open fields and timber, but open to spending a little more. It's between the Vortext Crossfie Ii 4-12x 50mm with an AO or $160 or Leopold VX Freedom 4-12 x 50 for $400 with no AO

The Leupold will be a better scope.
I’d buy a nice used older leupold.
Non AO is fine too.

Leupold is a better scope. The statement about their warranty is incorrect , plus the warranty goes with the scope no matter who owns it. They fixed one for me that I dropped out of a stand. The first thing that hit was the objective and the bottom step of the ladder. I told them what happened. They fixed it for nothing. I’ve sent 2 scopes back to them over the years . They tested them and the problem turned out to be with the rifles. Americas made and great company to work with.

I don’t own a vortex but have heard nothing but good about them.

Doubt you would be able to tell a $250 difference. I’d stick with Vortex

I have both and they are both good but I prefer the Leupold.

I'd get the Leupold. The vortex scopes suck until you get into the viper line

Leupold with fire dot

So those of you that say the higher quality scopes are worth it. What is exactly is better? With my cheap Vortex Crossfire II, I see deer, I scope deer, I shoot deer. I'd really like to know what I should expect by upgrading. My biggest pleasure when upgrading from the Tasco to the Crossfire II was a scope that would hold zero all season. So I can concieve there is value in upgrading but I have not yet been able to perceive it.

Hold zero, won’t fog, clearer sight picture, better light transmission at daylight and dark , and American made

All of those and when the sun gets low it won't wash the scope out and you'll actually be able to see. If you're happy with something cheap like what you have you should never buy a good scope

By washing out are we referring to how it kind of gets gray at those last few minutes? Almost like I don't have my eye lined up in normal light?

Yes

This is the honest truth. Vortex Crossfires, Diamondbacks and Vipers are ok, until you look west at last light through a good scope.