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10 Best Leupold Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm M5C3 FFP Riflescope, PR1-MIL Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
Reticle

Most important from
26 reviews

Reticle
The CCH reticle is excellent for hunting, particularly for moving targets.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm Riflescope is designed primarily for serious hunters and precision shooters who need reliable performance in various conditions. Its magnification range of 3.6x to 18x allows for versatility, whether you're targeting at close range or taking a shot from a distance. The 44mm objective lens diameter helps to gather more light, which is beneficial in low-light situations.

One of the standout features is the First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle, which ensures that the reticle scales with the magnification, allowing for accurate range estimation at any zoom level. This is particularly useful for hunters who need to quickly adjust for distance. The M5C3 turrets offer precise adjustments with a low profile, enabling easy tracking without getting disoriented during adjustments. Additionally, the scope is built to be durable, being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, which means it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Weighing in at only 1.62 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than similar scopes, enhancing portability without sacrificing sturdiness. The lifetime guarantee from Leupold adds peace of mind regarding its longevity and reliability. The price point can be a drawback, as it might be considered high for casual users or beginners. Some users might also find the adjustment dials a bit stiff, requiring more effort to turn than expected.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
Reticle

Most important from
26 reviews

Reticle
The CCH reticle is excellent for hunting, particularly for moving targets.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm M1C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, PR2-MOA Reticle

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Turrets

Most important from
28 reviews

Magnification
The glass clarity is outstanding, delivering bright and clear images even at high magnifications.
Turrets
Controls and adjustments are precise and tactile, allowing fine quarter MOA clicks for accurate long-range shooting.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm riflescope is a high-quality optic designed mainly for serious hunters and long-range shooters. Its wide magnification range from 7x to 35x offers great flexibility—from mid to long distances—making it easier to spot and engage targets accurately. The large 56mm objective lens provides bright, clear images even in low light conditions like dawn or dusk. The PR2-MOA reticle is on the front focal plane, meaning it scales with magnification, so you can consistently estimate range and make precise adjustments.

The scope includes side focus parallax adjustment to help keep your target sharp and your aim steady at varying distances. The M1C3 turrets offer precise, tactile adjustments with a clear indication system to avoid confusion during use, moving in quarter MOA clicks, which provides a fine level of control for long-range shooting. Its rugged aluminum body is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliability in harsh outdoor conditions. The scope mounts to Picatinny rails, a common and stable mounting system.

However, it lacks night vision compatibility, so it’s not suited for low-light tactical operations that require that feature. The scope is quite large and weighs over a kilogram, which may feel heavy on lighter rifles or during long treks. The price is higher than entry-level scopes, reflecting its advanced build and precision. This scope represents a solid choice for hunters and precision shooters who need a dependable, versatile optic with excellent clarity and adjustment features for varied distance shooting.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Turrets

Most important from
28 reviews

Magnification
The glass clarity is outstanding, delivering bright and clear images even at high magnifications.
Turrets
Controls and adjustments are precise and tactile, allowing fine quarter MOA clicks for accurate long-range shooting.
#3

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

Rating
8.2
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
28 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
8.2
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
28 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.

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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