The segment of sports optics is quite specific, which cannot but cause problems in choosing the right product. Problems of this kind are due to the technological complexity of producing high-quality optics and, as a consequence, its high cost. However, the so-called "budget" sights for ordinary hunters are on the market in a wide range. Another thing is that the operational characteristics of such products make them shy away even from the undemanding consumer. Therefore, a wide audience of hunters and fans of sports shooting is forced to seek compromise solutions that the American company Lupold offers. The optics of this brand is famous for accuracy, reliability and ergonomics, while it is affordable and presented in different variations. The manufacturer manages to produce products for two different purposes - on the one hand, this is professional optics for military tasks, on the other hand, are sights for amateur needs.
Features of the sights "Lupold"
To achieve the high quality of their sights, Leupold developers succeed through the use of their own technological tricks. For example, among the main features of such optics is the use of special mixtures that process the surfaces of lenses. Among them are materials from the company Multicoat, thanks to which Lupold optical sights are endowed with such properties as brightness, light transmission, high definition and contrast.
To achieve optimal impermeability of optics, most manufacturers use dry nitrogen. Lupold specialists have moved away from this technology, choosing the argon-krypton combination. At the disposal of the user, regardless of the model of the sight, there are at least two optical grids, which in this case can have a backlight. There are also very significant differences in the adjusting drum and body materials, which provide Lupold optical sights in various versions. Now it is worthwhile to examine in more detail the most popular series of sights that the company offers.
VX-1 Series
Perhaps this is the most common family of optics Leupold, which is well known to Russian hunters. In this product, all the technological advantages of the brand are embodied at a basic level - including the use of high-quality coatings, thoughtful geometry and reliability. From the point of view of market positioning, these are optical sights for an entry-level carbine , which are distinguished by their low weight and affordable price. By the way, the cost of representatives of this series, depending on the multiplicity and other parameters, varies on average from 14 to 17 thousand rubles. You also need to keep in mind that the VX-1 models are presented in a small assortment. Still, this is a budget series, so you should not expect any special delays when choosing from it. Although, the quality, of course, remains stably high.
VX-2 Series
In this line of variations, there are more variations of hunting sights, and the choice appears both in terms of multiplicity characteristics and lens properties. The eyepieces of such models are distinguished by the presence of a quick focusing system and the possibility of locking. By purchasing the Lupold VX-2 optical sights, users also get the option of tactile zoom adjustment. In some modifications, the ballistic aiming technique is also implemented.
The optics are supplied with housings with a special filling, thanks to which the material is not afraid of any temperature drops or fogging. Of course, for all these advantages you have to pay a higher price than in the case of simple VX-1 models. The average price range for optical sights for a carbine of this series varies from 20 to 30 thousand rubles.
VX-3 Series
This line has two main advantages. Firstly, this is an improvement in the basic characteristics, which also allowed the company to expand the model line. Secondly, the VX-3 family is one of the first to adopt new technological solutions. Among them, the Xtended Twilight Lens system, which provides the possibility of hunting at a later time, can be noted. In other words, it is an optical sight with illumination, due to which the hunter can effectively "work" even in conditions of insufficient natural light. It is worth noting that such sights are famous for their strength. Designers specifically calculated optical devices VX-3 with the possibility of their installation on weapons with powerful returns.
VX-6 Series
When creating the VX-6 models, Leupold specialists strive to endow all components with high quality. In any design, the sight of this series will provide a user-friendly “picture” with optimal clarity. Among the features of the VX-6 range is the kickback system, which is implemented using a double spring made of copper and beryllium alloys. If you need a night optical sight, then a good choice would be a modification that implements FireDot technology. Thanks to this backlight, the possibilities of hunting in the dark are greatly expanded, providing new advantages. In the same series, you can appreciate the advantages of the proprietary design of the drum “Lupold”. With a single button, the owner of the sight will be able to choose from 12 different brightness modes of the optical grid. Also interesting is the MST technology, which works as a motion sensor.
Mark AR Series
If we turn to other Lupold series, the models of which are also available to a wide mass of hunters and shooters, then Mark AR will come to the fore. To a greater extent, these devices are designed for use by hunters. The fact is that the natural environment for operating Mark AR models is extreme and harsh conditions. At the same time, these are inexpensive Lupold sights, the price of which corresponds to representatives of the VX series - an average of 20-30 thousand rubles. Among the advantages that the owner of such optics receives are the following: optimal light transmission with the possibility of eliminating glare, an eyepiece with fast focusing, damage-resistant coating of the body and reliability.
Conclusion
If you analyze the model lines of competing manufacturers in detail, then you can probably find some good analogs of optics at similar prices. However, the quality of such a product can be checked only during operation. This is precisely why the Lupold optical sights are advantageous, which were tested not only by hunters in the woods and shooters at firing ranges, but also by the military in combat operations. Of course, the amateur sight of this brand is unlikely to be in the hands of an amateur, but the attractiveness of the Leupold brand lies in the fact that it seeks to distribute quality even to lower-level models. Perhaps in the sight of the VX-1 at the cost of 15 thousand rubles. there will be no advanced technologies in the form of a motion sensor and super-bright illumination, but the manufacturer guarantees the strength of materials, the optimal geometry of optics and clarity.