Which series of scope is better for last light woods hunting? I’ve got one VX2 and several Vipers, but I don’t own any VX3’s. Also, what about the VX-Freedom series? Basically what I’m considering is upgrading my current Vipers to better low-light scopes. Would appreciate y'all's thoughts.

I've been on the fence about getting the freedom twilight hunter or the lower tier vx3 for my old pawpaw gun

I personally think the freedom is better.

Which Viper?

The new HD model is a step up IMO and better than the VX-3

The HST and other models, edge to the VX-3

A. I'd hold off and see what Meopta is up to later this summer.
B. Those are common scopes. You can order them off opticsplanet and compare side by side in the conditions you would use them. Send the loser(s) back with free return shipping.

Buy the Zeiss Conquest that's in the Classifieds.

I’m a Leupold guy, bought a Viper, wasn’t impressed. You’ll never be disappointed with a Leupold, same can’t be said for vortex imo.
Between those two.

Bwaaahahahahahahahaaa.

I am looking at a VX3HD 2.5-8x36 for a rifle project I am putting together. Don't need a big scope or insane light transmission and like Leupold, so think it fits the bill. Does anyone know if you can remove the goofy throw lever on the magnification adjustment ring?

yes, you can unscrew the knob from the throw lever. It's not normally an issue on a 60 deg bolt throw, but for a 90 deg it's almost a requirement. Also, as of a couple years ago, that unit actually has the highest percent of light transmission of any scope Leupold makes. It makes some guys on here mad when I mention it, but it's a fact. It's a dandy!

Someone told you a big fat one about that scope. It's a good scope, but far from the best.

TIFWIW, but when I was asking my gun guy for advice on scopes a few weeks ago, he told me he has more trouble out of Vortex scopes than all others included. That could be because of their popularity, but the biggest of the issues he mentioned was about them holding zero. I took the Vortex I'd bought that day back to the store for a refund.

No one said it was the best scope, it's certain only far from it only that it has the highest light transmission (by percent of light that makes it to the pupil) of any scope that Leupold makes. light transmission is only one piece of the puzzle, but its a FACT that as of a couple years ago this scope has the highest percentage of light transmission.
To be clear, that doesn't mean its the brightest scope leupold makes, but it means that a higher percentage of the light that enters its 36mm objective make it to your pupil. Thats how percentages work, if youve got a 50mm objective that lets one percent less light to the pupil, its still brighter than a 36mm that is more efficient but the fact remains.

I only own two Vortex scopes, and they’ve both the lower end series. Crossfire II I think. Compared to my VX3i, older VXII and VXIII, and VX5HD they have very poor optical quality. But that’s comparing apples and oranges. I think the higher end Vortex is probably pretty good, but if I am going to spend that kind of money it will be on a Leupold most likely. Was comparing the VX Freedom and VX3HD. The 3HD is not ridiculously more expensive than the Freedom and supposedly with much better glass. Wish the VX3HD 2.5-8x36 didn’t have the CDS option as it’s unnecessary for my application but not a deal breaker. Also wish Leupold made gloss scopes still as it’s going on a really pretty Model 70 Featherweight.

Back in the 80's it was Leupold's #1 in light transmission . That power range is a very clear , light weight , woods scope as was the 1.75-6 . Got one of those too. To my eye it's brighter than the 2.5-8. But Leupold discontinued those.

I've got Leupolds, Nikons, Burris, Bushnell and Meopta scopes.
I think the 30mm tube's are better at low light but that could just be my perception.
I do know fir sure that the Meopta Meostar R1 is the best one (that I own) for low light.
It's the R1 30mm tube, 50mm objective.

FACT. Scope tube diameter has ZERO effect on how much light is transmitted.

There are other factors which create better light transmission.

All of my Vipers are 7+ years old, so definitely the older version that Vortex manufactured.

Just get you an Accupoint and call it a day. It’s better than both of the others mentioned.