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10 Best Leupold Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
26 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
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
26 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.
#2

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
57 reviews

Magnification
The glass delivers crisp, clear images all the way to the edges, even outperforming previous high-end scopes in low light.
Reticle
The illuminated FireDot reticle thoughtfully adjusts brightness and automatically turns off after inactivity, conserving battery without sacrificing readiness.
Parallax Adjustment
The side focus parallax adjustment, once mastered, significantly improves focus and shot precision at extended distances.
Turrets
The Custom Dial System offers remarkable long-range accuracy, eliminating the need for holdovers and enabling quick, precise adjustments.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 is a versatile riflescope suited for hunters looking for flexibility in both close and long-range shooting. Its magnification ranges from 3x to 15x, offering a good balance between wide views for tracking moving targets and higher zoom for precision aiming. The large 56mm objective lens collects plenty of light, which helps create bright, clear images even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle makes it easier to aim in various lighting, and the illumination automatically turns off when not in use to save battery life. Eye relief is comfortable enough to protect your eyes from recoil, and the side focus parallax adjustment allows quick and reliable focus correction without changing your position.

The turrets feature the ZeroLock 2 system, preventing accidental movement of your elevation settings, which is particularly helpful when shooting at different distances. Additionally, the Custom Dial System lets you tailor the elevation dial to your specific bullet type and shooting conditions, enhancing accuracy. Made from durable aluminum, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty, meaning it can handle tough outdoor conditions. It weighs 2.1 pounds, which is somewhat heavy compared to smaller scopes, possibly affecting balance on lightweight rifles. It also doesn’t support night vision compatibility, so it’s not ideal for use with night vision equipment.

This scope represents a solid choice for those seeking a rugged, reliable optic with good light-gathering and precise adjustment features suitable for varied hunting scenarios. Its price and feature set target serious hunters and shooters, while beginners might find some of its advanced functions unnecessary or complex.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
57 reviews

Magnification
The glass delivers crisp, clear images all the way to the edges, even outperforming previous high-end scopes in low light.
Reticle
The illuminated FireDot reticle thoughtfully adjusts brightness and automatically turns off after inactivity, conserving battery without sacrificing readiness.
Parallax Adjustment
The side focus parallax adjustment, once mastered, significantly improves focus and shot precision at extended distances.
Turrets
The Custom Dial System offers remarkable long-range accuracy, eliminating the need for holdovers and enabling quick, precise adjustments.
#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.

FAQ