URsus21,
I currently use a 2.5-8x VX-III and I usually have it set on 2.5. I like the ability to turn it up to 8X to pick out predators hung up in the brush. There isn't much difference between 2.5 and 3 so I don't see it as a problem. I have MUCH trigger time behind both the 2.5-8X and 3.5-10X Leupolds and with either, fast, close target aquisition have neve been a problem. With this said, I do like the lower powered scopes as well and feel that most people use more magnification than needed. In my mind 2-7, 2.5-8 and 3-9 are just right for most senarios I encounter. The reason I've settled on the 2.5-8X on my go to calling rifle is the weight savings and size over the larger 3.5-10X.
A littl off topic but somewhat pertenant.
Over the last couple of years I've been using the EOTechs more and more which have no magnification. At first I just put them on my shotguns and they, IMO, work better than iron sight with tight chokes. I love the "circle dot" which almost exactly mimics the pattern my shotgun throws. Plus it works beautifully at night, low light, or in brush where iron sights (even fiber optics) can wash out. EOTech recently came out with a 3X magnifier that fits behind the EOTech sight that effectively make it a 3X scope but retains the benefits of the illuminated "circle dot" of the main EOTech sight. A cool feature with this set up is that the magnifier is mounted with a flip to side feature that flips the magnifier to the side if not needed.
Didn't mean to sidetrack Gary's original point in making this post. I will also say that once you get behind this new Nikon scope in an actual calling envirionment I believe many of you will like it. I know I'm anxious to get behind one and try out it before I even think about discounting it out of hand.
Good Hunting, and God Bless,
Byron