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10 Best Leupold Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,366
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turrets

Most important from
33 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers outstanding optical clarity with sharp, edge-to-edge views that enhance shooting precision.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 52mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, making it versatile for various environments.
Turrets
Precision adjustments and the CDS-ZL2 turret system allow for accurate elevation control and prevent accidental shifts.

The Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters looking for versatile magnification, offering a broad 4x to 20x range that works well for both close and long-distance shots. Its 52mm objective lens gathers ample light, which helps maintain a bright and clear image even in low-light conditions. The Duplex reticle is simple and easy to use, making it a favorite for many users, and the illuminated option adds convenience in dimmer environments. Eye relief and field of view are comfortable for most shooters, while the side focus parallax adjustment allows quick and precise focusing from different shooting positions, enhancing accuracy.

The CDS-ZL2 turret system is a standout feature—it lets you dial in precise elevation adjustments and locks to avoid accidental changes, which is especially useful for long-range shooting and adapting to different shooting conditions. The hydrophobic Guard-ion coating keeps the lenses clear of water and dirt, reducing maintenance needs. Made in the USA with durable aluminum, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee—offering peace of mind.

It weighs 1.5 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some if carrying all day, and some users may find the price on the higher side compared to simpler scopes. It does not feature night vision compatibility, which could be a limitation for those wanting to shoot in very dark conditions. This scope is a high-quality, reliable option with strong optical performance and precise adjustments for hunting and target shooting, especially well-suited for users who value durability and easy customization.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,366
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turrets

Most important from
33 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers outstanding optical clarity with sharp, edge-to-edge views that enhance shooting precision.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 52mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, making it versatile for various environments.
Turrets
Precision adjustments and the CDS-ZL2 turret system allow for accurate elevation control and prevent accidental shifts.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
37 reviews

Magnification
The optical clarity and crispness are exceptional across the entire magnification range, making every detail stand out vividly.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle and superior glass quality significantly enhance precision and confidence during shooting.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 riflescope is designed with serious shooters and professional guides in mind, offering a versatile magnification range from 5x to 25x that allows for both close and long-distance targeting. Its large 56mm objective lens collects plenty of light, which is great for clarity and brightness, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The reticle is a first focal plane type (TMR), meaning it scales with magnification, helping you accurately estimate range at any zoom level—a handy feature for precision shooting.

This scope is built tough with an aluminum body, making it durable yet relatively light at 3 pounds. It’s fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it can handle rough outdoor environments without trouble. The dark earth finish not only looks good but also helps reduce glare. The field of view is decent at 20.4 feet, offering a clear sight picture for most shooting situations.

Turret adjustments and parallax controls are military-grade (PR2-MIL), which means they are precise and reliable, though they might require a bit of familiarity to use optimally. While it doesn't have built-in night vision capabilities and is not intended for use with night vision devices, it comes with a Picatinny mount, making it easy to attach to most rifles. This scope is a strong choice for hunters and tactical shooters who need a rugged, clear, and versatile optic with excellent light transmission and precise ranging tools. It may exceed the needs of casual shooters, but for those demanding high-quality optical performance in challenging conditions, it delivers reliably.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Reticle

Most important from
37 reviews

Magnification
The optical clarity and crispness are exceptional across the entire magnification range, making every detail stand out vividly.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle and superior glass quality significantly enhance precision and confidence during shooting.
#3

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
2 reviews

Magnification
The versatile zoom range from 3x to 18x makes it perfect for both close and long-distance shots.
Objective Lens Diameter
The bright 44mm objective lens delivers clear images even in low-light hunting conditions.
Reticle
The illuminated TMOA reticle enhances visibility in darker environments without being distracting.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief provides comfortable viewing and helps avoid scope bite.
Parallax Adjustment
Side focus parallax adjustment ensures sharp, precise aiming at various distances.
Turrets
Easy-to-adjust turrets allow for accurate windage and elevation changes.

The Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 rifle scope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters who need a versatile, high-quality optic. Its zoom range of 3 to 18 times magnification makes it suitable for both close and long-distance shooting, offering flexibility in various hunting scenarios. The 44mm objective lens helps provide a bright and clear image, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. This model features a TMOA illuminated reticle, which means the aiming point lights up to help you see better in darker environments without being too distracting. The side focus parallax adjustment allows for crisp images at different distances, which is helpful for precise shooting.

The scope’s turrets (the knobs used for adjustments) are designed for easy and accurate windage and elevation changes. Made from durable aluminum with a matte finish, it’s built to withstand tough outdoor use and weighs about 17.4 ounces, which might feel a bit heavy for some users carrying their gear all day. The eye relief is generous, giving comfortable viewing without straining your eye or risking scope bite. It mounts easily on Picatinny or Weaver rails, common on many rifles.

It doesn’t have night vision compatibility, but its robust build and lifetime warranty mean you’re getting a product designed to last. This scope suits hunters who want a reliable, precise optic for a variety of distances but might be less ideal if you need ultra-lightweight gear or night vision features.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
2 reviews

Magnification
The versatile zoom range from 3x to 18x makes it perfect for both close and long-distance shots.
Objective Lens Diameter
The bright 44mm objective lens delivers clear images even in low-light hunting conditions.
Reticle
The illuminated TMOA reticle enhances visibility in darker environments without being distracting.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief provides comfortable viewing and helps avoid scope bite.
Parallax Adjustment
Side focus parallax adjustment ensures sharp, precise aiming at various distances.
Turrets
Easy-to-adjust turrets allow for accurate windage and elevation changes.

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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