Do you want to buy the best Leupold scope? Read on, to find some top recommended options to provide reliable performance across all magnification levels.
Leupold is an optics company that manufactures high-quality scopes with excellent clarity, precision, and durability. These scopes are built to withstand harsh conditions and are often shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant.
Leupold manufactures many scopes for hunting, tactical, and competitive shooting. This makes it easier for customers to find a scope that fits their needs and budget.
Many law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and competitive shooters use Leupold scopes. This further attests to their quality and performance.
Let us look at the main features of the best Leupold scopes.
7 Best Leupold Scopes
1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is a true game-changer when it comes to precision aiming. It is designed for hunting enthusiasts and professional marksmen who want to improve their shooting experience.
The exceptional features of this scope are its High Definition optical system and Twilight Max Light Management technology. These features provide a crisp, bright image even in low-light conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for dawn and dusk hunting.
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle scope features a variable magnification ideal for close to long-range shooting. In addition, the Leupold Custom Dial System® (CDS®) lets you laser-etch your scope’s elevation dial to match your unique ballistic and environmental conditions. This helps to eliminate any guesswork in your shooting.
The CDS-ZL2 Elevation Dial comes with ZeroLock 2, eliminating accidental dial movement. This, coupled with the ZeroStop system, ensures you maintain your setting and achieve pinpoint accuracy shot after shot.
We recommend buying this scope because it is built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy recoil.
Pros
- High Definition optical system
- Twilight Max Light Management technology
- 3-15x magnification adjustments
- Custom dial system to match your specific ballistics and shooting conditions
- ZeroLock 2 system prevents accidental movement of the dial
- Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Side focus feature makes it easy to adjust parallax
- Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating
Cons
- Beginners will take some time to understand the features
2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
If you’re in the market for a top-tier rifle scope, look no further than the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope. This optic is built to withstand different weather conditions.
It is made from aircraft-quality 6061-T6 aluminum to ensure it is durable and lightweight. In addition, it features an Argon/Krypton gas blend to ensure it is fogproof and shockproof.
The scope has an expansive magnification range of 3 to 18x for close to long-range shooting applications. It also has clear glass and provides a wide field of view across all the magnification levels.
The Twilight Max Light Management System guarantees optimal light transmission, even in low-light conditions. This allows you to use the scope for dusk and dawn hunting.
The exceptional feature of this scope is Leupold’s Custom Dial System. It allows you to tailor their elevation dial to match specific ballistics and environmental conditions. This helps to eliminate any guesswork in your shooting application.
The scope features a Zero Lock windage adjustment and a reversible throw lever. This allows you to make rapid magnification changes. This is why it is an excellent scope for acquiring moving targets.
We recommend this scope because it has a side focus parallax adjustment, Motion Sensor Technology (MST), and one-button brightness control. These features will help to improve your shooting experience.
Pros
- Crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
- Twilight Max Light Management System maximizes light transmission
- Custom dial system to perfectly match your specific ballistics and environmental conditions
- 3-18x magnification range
- Zero Lock windage and reversible throw lever
- Motion Sensor Technology
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Wide field of view
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction
Cons
- High cost
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is another reliable scope worth buying. It has many impressive features that are mostly found in higher-priced scopes.
This scope is popular because of its rugged construction. It is made from 6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum material to withstand heavy recoil and impact.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the Custom Dial System (CDS). Once you input your ballistic data and environmental conditions, Leupold laser-etches a new elevation dial specifically tuned for your rifle. This results in rapid and precise targeting without the need for holdovers or ballistic calculators.
The other unique features are the 40 mm objective lens paired with the Twilight Light Management System. These features guarantee excellent visibility even in low-light conditions. The lens is scratch-resistant, ensuring long-term clarity and dependability.
We recommend this scope because it is available at an affordable price.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Twilight Light Management System provides superior low-light performance
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Custom Dial System
- Engineered to be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 3-9x magnification range
- Reasonable eye relief for comfortable viewing
- Wide field of view
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not ideal for long-range shooting applications
4) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Rifle Scope is another premium option for close to long-range shooting applications. It is a testament to precision engineering and cutting-edge optics.
It has a rugged construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy recoil. The 6:1 zoom ratio ensures edge-to-edge clarity across the magnification range.
The Leupold Custom Dial System® (CDS) takes the guesswork out of long-range shooting. It guarantees accuracy by laser-etching the elevation dial to match your load, velocity, and environmental conditions.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the motion sensor technology. It prolongs battery life by activating illumination only when needed.
This scope also features an Extreme Fast Focus eyepiece for quick and easy diopter adjustment. This ensures that you have a superior field of view.
We recommend this scope because it has a reversible throw lever. This feature allows you to change the magnification quickly. This feature accommodates both left and right-handed users.
Pros
- Wide magnification range from 4x to 24x
- Wide field of view
- Comfortable eye relief
- Argon/Krypton purging and a twin bias spring erector system
- Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating enhances durability
- CDS eliminates the need for complex calculations
- Twilight Max Light Management system
- Electronic reticle level
- Motion sensor technology
- Fast focus eyepiece
Cons
- Expensive
5) Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
If you are searching for a premium LVPO scope, consider buying the Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. It has a 1-6x magnification paired with a 24 mm objective lens for different shooting scenarios.
Most hunters recommend this scope for dawn and dusk hunting. This is because it is equipped with High Definition lenses and the Twilight Max Light Management System.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the FireDot Duplex reticle. It enhances your accuracy across all the magnification levels.
The other unique feature is the CDS-ZL2 dial. It locks securely to prevent accidental rotation off zero.
This scope is made from superior-quality anodized aluminum. It is built to withstand the rigors of the field because it is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. In addition, the Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating keeps your lens clear and free from debris, even during harsh weather.
We recommend this scope because it has many user-friendly features.
Pros
- Designed for dead-on precision
- High-definition lenses and Twilight Max Light Management System
- 1-6x magnification range
- CDS-ZL2 dial locks in place, preventing accidental rotation off zero
- Custom Dial System® (CDS) allows you to personalize the scope’s elevation dial to match your specific ballistics
- Built to withstand tough conditions
- User-friendly features
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) FireDot Duplex reticle
Cons
- Pricey
6) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope is another excellent option for long-range hunting. It is a very durable scope that can withstand harsh recoil and impacts.
This optic endures a grueling 5,000 impacts on Leupold’s Punisher recoil simulation machine. This is equivalent to three times the recoil force of a .308 rifle.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the Twilight Max HD Light Management System. It will enhance your shooting experience, especially at dusk and dawn.
It extends your shooting light by 30 precious minutes, offering a significant advantage.
Furthermore, it eliminates 90% more glare compared to competitors. It delivers edge-to-edge clarity to ensure you always have a clear view of your target, even when light conditions are less than ideal.
The Mark 5HD’s versatile features cater to professional marksmen and avid hunters’ demands. Conveniently located on the side, the parallax adjustment ensures pinpoint accuracy across various distances.
In addition, the Fast-Focus eyepiece enables rapid reticle acquisition. This ensures you’re always on target when seconds count.
Pros
- Construction has been tested with 5,000 impacts on Leupold’s Punisher recoil simulation machine
- Twilight Max HD Light Management system
- Side-mounted parallax adjustment
- Fast-Focus eyepiece enables rapid and accurate reticle acquisition
- Designed to be waterproof and fogproof
- 56mm objective lens diameter
- 5x to 25x magnification range
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Edge-to-edge clarity and minimal distortion
Cons
- Heavy
7) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
The last scope on our list today is the Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope. Its Advanced Optical System ensures impeccable light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution, catering to the demands of both recreational sportsmen and sportswomen.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the optional Custom Dial System (CDS). It helps to eliminate holdovers on longer shots, making those distant targets more accessible.
The finger-click adjustments, available in both 1/4 MOA and MOA types, facilitate seamless calibration. In addition, the ergonomic power selector enables quick magnification changes.
Leupold’s commitment to durability is unquestionable, and the VX-Freedom upholds this tradition. This scope is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum to balance lightweight design and ruggedness perfectly.
The other exceptional feature is the FireDot illumination, which creates a visible aiming point in any lighting scenario. This innovation ensures that your target remains in clear focus, whether you’re hunting at dawn or dusk.
Pros
- Advanced Optical System that ensures remarkable light transmission
- Optional Custom Dial System (CDS)
- Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum
- FireDot illumination feature provides a visible aiming point in various lighting conditions
- Fast-focus locking eyepiece
- Available in different reticles
Cons
- Not ideal for long-range shooting
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Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Leupold Scope
Weight
Weight is important, as hunting requires movement, and you don’t want to carry a heavy scope. A lightweight scope is also easier to mount on your weapon as its weight will not affect the rifle’s balance. However, heavier scopes tend to have high-quality features like huge objective lenses that gather more light for clearer images. If you choose a heavy scope, you can use a bipod or tripod to help with the balance.
Magnification
A scope with high magnification means you can take accurate shots at extended distances. However, if you only shoo at close range to medium range, then a 3-9X scope of a 4-16X is ideal. If you choose a scope with high magnification, ensure the glass it comes with is high quality. You don’t want a scope that goes up to 18x or 20x, but the images look foggy at 20x.
Weather reliability
The best Leupold scope is a scope that is waterproof and fog proof. This lets you comfortably use the scope without worrying about the weather and the impact it has on the scope.
Lens
Glass quality is what truly differentiates a great scope from a mediocre one. The best Leupold scope comes with multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission and deliver crisp, clear images. The high-quality lenses are coated with a special coating like the DiamondCoat 2 lens coating to ensure the lenses remain scratch-free.
Construction
The best Leupold scope for deer hunting uses high-quality material to withstand bumps and falls. Aircraft-grade aluminum is commonly used for the construction of Leupold scopes. The scope should also be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. These qualities mean the scope lasts longer.
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Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Leupold Scope
1) What is the best Leupold scope for deer hunting?
The best Leupold scope for deer hunting is the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope or the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Riflescope.
2) What’s the best Leupold scope?
The best Leupold scope is one that makes hunting easier and improves your accuracy. The best Leupold riflescopes include:
- Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40
- Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
- Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
- Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm
3) Is Leupold better than Vortex?
Both brands offer great scopes and have exceptional reputations. However, Leupold might have a slight quality advantage, while Vortex makes up for that with their prices. Choosing a scope, however, comes down to your preference and budget.
4) How Do I Choose the Right Magnification?
Choosing the right magnification depends on your shooting needs. For close to medium-range shooting (100-300 yards), 3-9x or 4-12x is suitable. For long-range shooting, higher magnifications like 6-24x are more appropriate.
5) How Do I Maintain My Leupold Scope?
Leupold scopes are built for durability, but proper care includes avoiding unnecessary rough handling and cleaning the lenses with a proper lens cloth and cleaning solution. Periodic checks on mountings and settings will also prolong the scope’s life.
Conclusion
Investing in a Leupold scope equips you with a high-performance tool and aligns you with a brand that marksmen have trusted for generations. Choose a Leupold scope to be a lifelong companion in your shooting adventures.
We have also shared some factors to consider when buying Leupold scopes. These factors will help you narrow your search, especially if you are a beginner.
We hope this post helped you to find the best Leupold scope for the money.
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