I haven't seen a lot of use for the CDS..........but it's fine to have, especially if it's cheaper than one without it. I wonder if they are discontinuing that or something?

The optics on each tier of scope is different, but they are all ok.

I use the VX-R and to be honest, I couldn't tell you which platform they built that one on. It's amazing for old eyes though, something you or wifey probably don't have to worry about quite yet.

Is there a Brick/Mortar store you can walk in and look through each of these first? BPS maybe?