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5 Best Leupold Spotting Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm Spotting Scope, Mil Dot Reticle

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,307
Waterproof and Fogproof

Most important from
22 reviews

Waterproof and Fogproof
I have had quite a few Leupold scopes purchased from other Outdoor sport shops. They are all flawless, working for more than a decade under different harsh environmental conditions with absolutely no issues.

The Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm Spotting Scope, with its Mil Dot Reticle, stands out for its robust build and professional-grade optical performance. The magnesium housing makes it lightweight yet durable, ideal for users who need a reliable scope in rugged conditions. Its magnification range of 12-40x and the 60mm objective lens diameter provide detailed and clear images, even at higher magnifications.

This scope's DiamondCoat 2 lens coating enhances light transmission and ensures abrasion resistance, making it a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking clarity and durability in their optics. The scope is also 100% waterproof and fogproof, ensuring consistent performance in various weather conditions. With a weight of 37 ounces, it is relatively portable, though some might find it slightly heavy for extended handheld use.

Additionally, the eye relief is adequate, which is important for comfortable long-term viewing sessions. Despite a few drawbacks, such as the potential for being on the heavier side and the age of the model, the Leupold Mark 4 is a solid option for users seeking professional-grade performance in a rugged, portable spotting scope.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,307
Waterproof and Fogproof

Most important from
22 reviews

Waterproof and Fogproof
I have had quite a few Leupold scopes purchased from other Outdoor sport shops. They are all flawless, working for more than a decade under different harsh environmental conditions with absolutely no issues.
#2

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 15-45x65mm Spotting Scope - Angled Eyepiece

Rating
9.8
Magnification

Most important from
29 reviews

Magnification
Rifle target bullet holes on a 100-yard target are very clear at 25x power.

The Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 15-45x65mm Spotting Scope with an angled eyepiece is a solid choice for hunting and other outdoor activities. It offers a magnification range of 15-45x, which is quite versatile for both near and distant viewing. The 65mm objective lens provides bright and clear images, even in low light conditions, and the DiamondCoat 2 ion-assist lens coating enhances light transmission while protecting against scratches.

This spotting scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliability in various weather conditions. Field of view and eye relief are adequate, making it comfortable to use over extended periods without significant strain. Additionally, it’s designed to be tripod-ready with a rotatable tripod adapter, adding to its ease of use, especially for prolonged observations. Its robust aluminum construction with an armored coating offers durability and a secure grip, even in challenging conditions.

While it has a sturdy build, the scope is relatively heavy at over 4 kilograms, which might be a downside for those prioritizing portability. Customer feedback is very positive, with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating, indicating high satisfaction. The included soft case adds a level of protection and convenience for transport. It's best suited for adult users who are serious about outdoor activities and need a reliable and high-performing spotting scope. Considering its features and user feedback, it stands out well in its category, especially for hunting enthusiasts.

Rating
9.8
Magnification

Most important from
29 reviews

Magnification
Rifle target bullet holes on a 100-yard target are very clear at 25x power.
#3

Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope in Shadow Gray Finish

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Field of View

Most important from
140 reviews

Magnification
The details visible on birds around my pond are fantastic, even though I'm still getting used to the focusing and zooming features.
Field of View
With clear glass and a nice field of vision, this scope is a significant upgrade from cheaper alternatives, providing a much clearer view.

The Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x80mm Angled Spotting Scope in Shadow Gray is designed to meet the needs of serious hunters and nature observers. One of its key strengths is its high magnification range of 20-60x, which allows users to zoom in on distant subjects with great detail. The 80mm objective lens diameter enhances light gathering capability, making images brighter even in lower light conditions.

This model offers a decent field of view, although it might not be the widest available in the market. The eye relief provided ensures comfortable long-term viewing without straining the eyes, which is particularly beneficial during extended periods of use. Additionally, the lenses have high-definition calcium-fluoride coating, delivering excellent clarity across all magnification levels.

Waterproof and fogproof features make it highly reliable in various weather conditions, and the rubber armored coating provides durability and a secure grip in all conditions. It's also tripod ready, which adds to its stability and ease of use for prolonged observation sessions. However, the spotting scope is on the heavier side, weighing 67 ounces, which might affect portability for some users. It's best suited for stationary use or for users who don't mind the extra weight. The build quality and performance justify its popularity among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, making it a solid choice for those seeking reliable, high-definition optics for detailed observation.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Field of View

Most important from
140 reviews

Magnification
The details visible on birds around my pond are fantastic, even though I'm still getting used to the focusing and zooming features.
Field of View
With clear glass and a nice field of vision, this scope is a significant upgrade from cheaper alternatives, providing a much clearer view.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Spotting Scopes

When choosing a Leupold spotting scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best model for your needs. Spotting scopes are used for a variety of activities such as bird watching, hunting, and target shooting, so understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specifications to consider and how to navigate them.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer an object appears through the spotting scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how much detail you can see at a distance. Spotting scopes typically have variable magnification, such as 20-60x. Lower magnification (20-30x) provides a wider field of view and is easier to use for scanning large areas, while higher magnification (40-60x) allows you to see finer details but may require a tripod for stability. Choose a magnification range based on your primary use; for bird watching, lower magnification is often sufficient, while for target shooting, higher magnification may be necessary.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the spotting scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (60-80mm) gather more light, providing brighter and clearer images, especially in low-light conditions. However, they also make the scope heavier and bulkier. If you plan to use the scope in various lighting conditions or need high image quality, opt for a larger objective lens. For portability and ease of use, a smaller lens may be more suitable.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the spotting scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the landscape, making it easier to locate and track moving objects. This is particularly important for activities like bird watching or observing wildlife. FOV decreases as magnification increases, so if you need to scan large areas, look for a scope with a wider FOV at lower magnifications. For detailed observation, a narrower FOV at higher magnifications may be acceptable.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece lens where you can still see the full field of view. This is crucial for comfort, especially if you wear glasses. Longer eye relief (15-20mm) allows you to see the entire image without having to press your eye close to the eyepiece, which can be more comfortable during extended use. If you wear glasses, look for a spotting scope with longer eye relief to ensure you can use it comfortably.
Lens CoatingLens coating refers to the special coatings applied to the lenses to reduce glare and improve light transmission, resulting in clearer and brighter images. There are different types of coatings, such as fully coated, multi-coated, and fully multi-coated. Fully multi-coated lenses provide the best performance by maximizing light transmission and reducing reflections. If image quality is a priority, choose a spotting scope with fully multi-coated lenses. For casual use, other coatings may be sufficient.
Waterproof and FogproofWaterproof and fogproof features ensure that the spotting scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent internal fogging due to temperature changes. This is important for outdoor use, as it ensures the scope remains functional and provides clear images regardless of the environment. Look for scopes that are nitrogen or argon purged and have O-ring seals to ensure they are waterproof and fogproof. If you plan to use the scope in various weather conditions, these features are essential.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are important considerations, especially if you plan to carry the spotting scope over long distances or use it in the field. Heavier scopes with larger objective lenses provide better image quality but can be cumbersome to transport. Lighter, more compact scopes are easier to carry but may sacrifice some image quality. Consider how you will use the scope and choose a model that balances image quality with portability based on your needs.

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