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10 Best Leupold Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,373
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
47 reviews

Magnification
The wide 4-24x magnification range delivers impressive versatility, excelling from close-range shots to precise targeting at over 500 yards.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 52mm objective lens gathers ample light, providing clear, bright images even when visibility is challenging.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle significantly enhances aiming accuracy, especially in low-light conditions, improving shot confidence during dawn and dusk.
Turrets
Consistent performance is ensured by the precise CDS-ZL2 elevation turret with a push-button lock that prevents accidental adjustments in the field.

The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52 riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for versatility across various distances. Its wide magnification range from 4x to 24x allows for both close and long-range targeting, while the large 52mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light for clearer images, especially in low-light conditions. The illuminated TMOA reticle enhances aiming accuracy and is useful when visibility is limited, with a helpful feature that alerts you if the scope isn't level, promoting better shot precision.

The CDS-ZL2 elevation turret offers precise adjustments with a two-turn dial and a push-button lock to prevent accidental changes, which is great for consistent performance in the field. The side parallax focus allows quick, easy correction for different target distances. Battery life is extended thanks to motion sensor technology that powers down the illuminated reticle when idle, which saves you from frequent battery changes. Built from durable aluminum and backed by Leupold's lifetime warranty, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it dependable in rough outdoor conditions.

At 2.4 pounds, it’s somewhat heavy compared to more compact scopes, which might affect balance on lighter rifles. Some users might find the complexity of the custom dial system unnecessary if they don’t use ballistic adjustments regularly. Although it lacks night vision compatibility, the illumination feature helps in dusk or dawn light. This scope is best suited for serious hunters and shooters who value ruggedness, precision adjustments, and a broad zoom range, while casual users might find it more than they need.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,373
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
47 reviews

Magnification
The wide 4-24x magnification range delivers impressive versatility, excelling from close-range shots to precise targeting at over 500 yards.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 52mm objective lens gathers ample light, providing clear, bright images even when visibility is challenging.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle significantly enhances aiming accuracy, especially in low-light conditions, improving shot confidence during dawn and dusk.
Turrets
Consistent performance is ensured by the precise CDS-ZL2 elevation turret with a push-button lock that prevents accidental adjustments in the field.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm M5C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, Illuminated TMR Reticle

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
27 reviews

Magnification
The wide magnification range from 7x to 35x offers exceptional flexibility for various shooting distances.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens combined with advanced light-gathering technology significantly improves visibility in low-light conditions.
Reticle
Illuminated TMR reticle in the front focal plane allows for consistent range estimation at any zoom level.
Turrets
Precise 1/10 mil turret adjustments with tactile feedback enable accurate corrections without losing track.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm riflescope is a high-quality option, especially suited for serious hunters or long-range shooters who need precise, reliable optics. Its wide magnification range (7x to 35x) allows for flexibility, from closer shots to very long distances. The large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions, which is enhanced further by Leupold's Twilight Max HD system that adds extra shooting light and reduces glare. The illuminated TMR reticle is placed in the front focal plane, meaning it scales with magnification, allowing accurate range estimation at any zoom level. Eye relief of about 3.8 inches is comfortable for most users, though it’s not the longest out there.

The scope features M5C3 turrets with fine 1/10 mil adjustments, tactile feedback, and clear revolution markings, which help shooters make precise corrections without losing track during adjustment—great for experienced users but might have a learning curve for beginners. Parallax is side adjustable, making it easier to fine-tune focus at various distances. Built from durable aluminum, this scope is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, fitting well for tough outdoor conditions but weighing about 3 pounds, which is heavier than many general use scopes and could affect rifle balance.

This scope excels in clarity, build quality, and adjustment precision, making it ideal for dedicated hunters or tactical shooters who want advanced features and durability. However, casual shooters or those prioritizing lightweight setups might find it bulkier and more complex than necessary.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
27 reviews

Magnification
The wide magnification range from 7x to 35x offers exceptional flexibility for various shooting distances.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens combined with advanced light-gathering technology significantly improves visibility in low-light conditions.
Reticle
Illuminated TMR reticle in the front focal plane allows for consistent range estimation at any zoom level.
Turrets
Precise 1/10 mil turret adjustments with tactile feedback enable accurate corrections without losing track.
#3

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.1
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
360 reviews

Parallax Adjustment
Side-focus parallax adjustment is highly valued for enhancing long-range shooting accuracy.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a strong choice for hunters looking for a versatile and reliable scope. Its 3 to 15 times magnification range offers flexibility for both close and longer-distance shots, while the 44mm objective lens is large enough to deliver bright, clear images even in lower light. The Fine Duplex reticle is simple and effective, making it easy to focus on your target without distractions.

One standout feature is the CDS-ZL2 system, which lets you adjust elevation precisely and lock it in place to avoid accidental changes—a big help for consistent accuracy. The side-focus parallax adjustment allows quick, easy tuning from any shooting position, which is great when conditions change. The Guard-ion lens coating keeps the lenses clear by repelling water and dirt, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Built from durable aluminum and made in the USA, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it can handle tough outdoor environments.

The eye relief and 38.3-foot field of view provide comfortable sighting without strain. The 1.2-pound weight is a bit on the heavier side, which might be noticeable during long hunts. Also, it doesn’t support night vision, so it’s best suited for daylight or well-lit conditions. Supported by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee and strong customer satisfaction, this scope is a solid pick for hunters who want precision, durability, and ease of use in one package.

Rating
9.1
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
360 reviews

Parallax Adjustment
Side-focus parallax adjustment is highly valued for enhancing long-range shooting accuracy.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Scopes

Choosing the right scope for your needs can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Whether you're a hunter, a competitive shooter, or just enjoy target practice, understanding the key specifications of a scope will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a Leupold scope, along with explanations to guide you through the process.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition. Medium magnification (5-9x) is suitable for mid-range distances, while high magnification (10x and above) is best for long-range shooting. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because a larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for short to mid-range shooting. Medium diameters (40-44mm) offer a good balance of light transmission and size, while larger diameters (50mm and above) are best for low-light conditions and long-range shooting. Consider the lighting conditions and the weight you are comfortable with when choosing the objective lens diameter.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple duplex reticles are easy to use and great for general shooting. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with long-range shooting by providing holdover points. Mil-dot reticles are useful for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil firearms. Scopes with longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) are better for high-recoil rifles, while shorter eye relief (around 3 inches) is sufficient for low-recoil firearms. Ensure the eye relief is adequate for your firearm to avoid injury and ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows the FOV. Consider how important it is for you to see a broader area versus focusing on a specific target when choosing the FOV.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the apparent shift of the reticle when you move your eye position. This is crucial for precision shooting at varying distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set at a fixed distance (usually 100 yards), which is fine for general shooting. Adjustable parallax (side focus or adjustable objective) is beneficial for long-range shooting and ensures the reticle remains on target regardless of eye position. If you plan to shoot at various distances, consider a scope with parallax adjustment.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope used to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. Precise and easy-to-use turrets are important for making accurate adjustments. Target turrets are larger and easier to adjust, suitable for long-range and competitive shooting. Low-profile turrets are more compact and less likely to be accidentally moved, ideal for hunting. Choose turrets based on how often you need to make adjustments and the type of shooting you do.

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