The reports on these both appear to be good, though the VX-R is a little newer. I'm leaning towards the Leupy as the illumination control knob is smaller and not up on top of the eyepiece. The price for the Leupold is better too.

Your thoughts?

I have a VXR and the illumination control is not a dial. You push a button on the side of what appears to be a dial to adjust brightness. It is not the fastest one to change I have seen. I think the scope basis is the old European which is discontinued. All in all I think it is good for the money. No experience with the Nikon but at its price consider a Trijicon.

I recently replaced a Nikon with the VX-R because the Nikon was not performing to my expectations. I have never been disappointed in Leupold nor their service; can't say that about other scope brands. I bought my first Leupold over 37 years ago and it is still mounted on the same Browning .300wm.