Bought for deer hunting...a bit disappointed - Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scope

This is my first scope with a side focus, and I'm a bit disappointed for several reasons. The image quality at 9X setting actually looks slightly inferior to my Leupold VX2 3x9. Maybe it's my aging eyes, or perhaps I don't have everything adjusted optimally. Putting it up to 14X significantly reduces the overall image quality to the extent that I wouldn't use it in low light hunting situations; not at least for deer hunting. The side focus requires the rifle to be supported by a bi pod or some sort of rest. I intended to use it for deer hunting, which many times involves shooting off hand. Wanted to have a brighter image in low light, but it's not any better than the VX2. Perhaps the 50mm model improves light gathering and image quality in low light conditions, but this isn't meeting my expectations. My advice is that if you're want a scope for deer hunting, save yourself $200 and go for the VX2 3x9. Will check with Leupold. Perhaps the unit I have is defective???