I thought that the Vari X 3 was the same quality as the new VX2 & that the new VX3 was a level up. I think that the old VariX 2 was not fully coated lens while the new VX 2 is fully coated lens. I find the new VX3 certainly very sharp & bright. All Leupold scopes that I have had have been good (fixed 4X, 1-4X, 2-7X, 2.5-8X & 3-9X - in grades 2 or 3).
-------------------- Always shoot through the target & not just at it.