Leupold & Stevens Inc. has been revolutionizing the scope industry since the 1940s and has developed quite a reputation over the years thanks to the quality of its products.
Lifetime warranties, military-grade durability, and easy targeting reticles are just some of the features that have made them THE go-to brand for military and law enforcement use.
With so many scopes to choose from, you may wonder, “Which are the best Leupold scopes for you?”
This guide will showcase the 13 best Leupold rifle scopes for any occasion, from beginner practice to competitions, deer hunting, tactical use, and much more.
- Best Overall: Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40
- Best Hunting Scope: Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52
- Best Scope for Deer Hunting: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44
- Best Scope for Coyote Hunting: Leupold Mark 3HD 8-24×50
- Best Long Range Scope: Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
- Best Budget Scope: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 350 Legend
- Most Versatile Scope: Leupold VX-6HD 2-12×42
- Most Durable Scope: Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×50
- Best Precision Scope: Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44
- Best Tactical Scope: Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56
- Best Scope for Quick Target Acquisition: Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24
- Best Scope for Short to Mid-Range Shooting: Leupold VX-5HD 1-5×24
- Best Entry-Level Scope: Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40
- Magnification Range: 3.5-10x
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Length: 12.6 in
- Weight: 12.6 oz (357.2 g)
- FFP/SFP: SFP
- Reticle: CDS-ZL Duplex
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52
- Magnification Range: 4-24x
- Objective Diameter: 52 mm
- Length: 14.7 in
- Weight: 22.5 oz (637.9 g)
- FFP/SFP: SFP
- Reticle: LR Varmint Hunter, FireDot Duplex, Impact-23 MOA/TMOA
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44
- Magnification Range: 3-15x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Length: 13.5 in
- Weight: 19 oz (538.6 g)
- FFP/SFP: SFP
- Reticle: Wind-Plex, Duplex, FireDot Duplex, HTMR, Boone & Crockett, Impact-29 MOA
Contents
- 1. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 (Best Overall)
- 2. Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 (Best Hunting Scope)
- 3. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 (Best Scope for Deer Hunting)
- 4. Leupold Mark 3HD 8-24×50 (Best Scope for Coyote Hunting)
- 5. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 (Best Long Range Scope)
- 6. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 350 Legend (Best Budget Scope)
- 7. Leupold VX-6HD 2-12×42 (Most Versatile Scope)
- 8. Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×50 (Most Durable Scope)
- 9. Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 (Best Precision Scope)
- 10. Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 (Best Tactical Scope)
- 11. Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24 (Best Scope for Quick Target Acquisition)
- 12. Leupold VX-5HD 1-5×24 (Best Scope for Short to Mid-Range Shooting)
- 13. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 (Best Entry-Level Scope)
- Leupold Scope Series Overview
- A Brief History of Leupold
- Are Leupold Scopes the Best?
- Final Thoughts on the Best Leupold Scopes
1. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 (Best Overall)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 3.5-10x
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in (25.4 mm)
- Reticle Options: Duplex, CDS-ZL Duplex
- Field of View: 11 – 29.8 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 12.6 in
- Weight: 12.6 oz (357 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 4.4 in
- Other Special Features: Elite Optical System, Illuminated FireDot, ZeroLock CDS
The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 is my top pick as the best Leupold scope overall for its craftsmanship, performance, and technology, all coming together to make it a reliable and precise rifle scope.
The VX-3HD utilizes the Elite Optical System, whose lens offers outstanding low-light performance from dusk to dawn for excellent visibility in the dark.
This second focal plane scope has a 3.5-10x power range, making it a versatile pick for close-range hunting and longer-distance shooting.
It benefits from what Leupold calls the ZeroLock Custom Dial System (CDS) for slick dial settings with a lock-on button to save your settings while preventing accidental movement.
The scope also has an illuminated FireDot variant with seven settings for quick targeting and more control for visibility.
- Balances performance and reliability
- Very consistent image visibility
- Great low-light capabilities
- Precise positive turrets
- Internal adjustment range enables shots from 100 to 1500 yards
- More expensive than typical scopes
- Illumination module can be tricky to use
2. Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 (Best Hunting Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 4-24x
- Objective Diameter: 52 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Options: LR Varmint Hunter, FireDot Duplex, Impact-23 MOA/TMOA
- Field of View: 4.8 – 28.1 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 14.7 in
- Weight: 22.5 oz (637.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: High-quality glass, many reticle options, lightweight design
The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 is the best hunting scope from Leupold thanks to its superior glass quality, extra wide magnification range, and lightweight.
When hunting, consider how long you take to aim and how long you will be looking through your optic since staring without blinking for a long time can damage your eyes.
Fortunately, this high-quality Leupold optic is easier on your eye even after long hours of shooting (e.g., 10 hours), while cheaper glass can cause painful eye strain within an hour of use.
This rifle scope model has different reticle options available for various purposes, like the FireDot reticle for illumination at night and the Varmint Hunter, which helps predict how the wind will behave.
Rifle scopes of this quality are typically very heavy, housing many high-quality glasses in its robust construction. However, the VX-6HD is much lighter than similar models and its competitors.
- High-quality glass
- Many reticle options
- Lightweight compared to similar scopes
- Excellent lens coating quality
- Good mechanics
- Expensive
3. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 (Best Scope for Deer Hunting)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 3-15x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: Wind-Plex, Duplex, FireDot Duplex, HTMR, Boone & Crockett, Impact-29 MOA
- Field of View: 7.9 – 38.2 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 13.5 in
- Weight: 19 oz (538.6 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: Calcium Fluorite Lens, Professional-Grade Optical System, ZeroLock CDS
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 riflescope is the Best Leupold deer hunting scope thanks to its excellent optical clarity and low-light performance.
The HD glass lens is made from pure crystal calcium fluoride. Its properties divide light uniformly for a very crystal clear and vivid sight picture perfect for spotting deer amidst the foliage.
The lenses integrate the Twilight Max HD management system to give you more visibility by absorbing ambient light in low-light conditions. This enhances the visibility of your prey and surroundings through your scope.
The VX 5HD has 3-15x magnification, ideal for medium-to-long-range shooting covering 200-600 yards, which is excellent for deer hunting.
The scope also has a side focus parallax adjustment knob to keep your reticle and target aligned as you adjust your shot.
- Clear sight picture
- Generous magnification range
- Adjustable parallax
- Lightweight and compact
- ZL-2 turret system is excellent for hunting
- Simple reticle options
- Costs extra for illuminated FireDot reticle
4. Leupold Mark 3HD 8-24×50 (Best Scope for Coyote Hunting)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 8-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: Tactical Milling Reticle (TMR)
- Field of View: 2.4 – 4.8 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 MIL adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 14.6 in
- Weight: 20.1 oz (569.8 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 5.4 in
- Other Special Features: Multiple reticle options, lifetime warranty, lightweight design
The Leupold Mark 3HD 8-24×50 is the best scope for Coyote hunting because of its precise target acquisition and versatility, especially for outdoor shooting.
The Mark 3HD scope’s higher magnification range allows for short-to-long-range coyote hunting, while its consistent reticle size as a second focal plane optic gives you more shooting consistency.
Your shots are also ensured precision thanks to the scope’s use of the Tactical Milling Reticle (TMR). The TMR has simple markings called holdovers to help you predict a bullet’s trajectory before you make a shot.
As a Leupold rifle scope, it has military-grade durability against scratches and environmental hazards. This, combined with its TMR and variable magnification, makes it ideal for tracking, spotting, and hitting crafty coyotes in dense environments.
That said, the Mark 3HD lacks an illuminating reticle, reducing its effectiveness during low-light conditions.
- Versatile shooting
- Accurate reticle design
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Withstands recoil well
- Excellent lens coatings
- Non-illuminated reticles make low-light hunting difficult
5. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 (Best Long Range Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 5-25x
- Objective Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 35 mm
- Reticle Options: PR-1-MIL/MOA, PR-2-MIL/MOA, TMR, CCH, Tremor 3, H-59
- Field of View: 4.2 – 20.4 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 MIL adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 15.7 in
- Weight: 30 oz (850.5 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: 5:1 zoom ratio, lifetime warranty, precision side focus
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 is an exceptional scope for mid-to-long-range shooting due to its glass clarity and precision features.
The Mark 5HD excels at long-range hunting or competition shooting with its impressive range of 5-25x magnification.
You will have clear visibility at 800-1,000 yards due to the built-in reticle that grows as this is a first focal plane scope, allowing you to keep your aim consistent with more magnification settings.
The clarity is further enhanced with quality clear glass and a matching fast-focus eyepiece for easy target acquisition. There is also a side focus parallax adjustment knob in case of misalignments.
Like other Leupold products, this Mark 5HD model is a good scope with military-grade durability of at least 10 oz lighter than similar scopes.
However, the scope does not have a parallax knob to infinity to match its highest setting of 25x.
- Widest magnification range
- Very lightweight for its class
- Quick targeting
- Steady turrets
- Durable and easily withstands recoil
- Lower parallax knob
- Eye relief does not reach 4 inches
6. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 350 Legend (Best Budget Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 3-9x
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 25 mm
- Reticle Options: Duplex, Hunt-Plex, Rimfire MOA, Tri-MOA, UltimateSlam
- Field of View: 13.6 – 33.1 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 12.4 in
- Weight: 12.2 oz (345.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.2 in
- Other Special Features: Twilight light management system, 6061-T6 aluminum construction, 3:1 zoom ratio
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is the best budget scope available, offering a wide objective lens, decent short to mid-range magnification, and a design that excels with a specific bullet type.
The VX-Freedom is a scope that beginners will appreciate for its affordability and sleek design. It enhances users’ accuracy, giving them all the necessary features without breaking the bank.
The pre-calibrated dial further complements this accuracy by allowing easy sighting adjustments with just a few rotations.
It is the most affordable option for anyone looking to buy a reliable scope with Leupold’s military-grade durability.
Unfortunately, its dependable turrets are less tactile than other models.
- Extremely affordable
- .350 caliber bullet compatibility
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Great eye relief
- Not-so-tactile turrets
- Reticle may be too fine for some users
7. Leupold VX-6HD 2-12×42 (Most Versatile Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 2-12x
- Objective Diameter: 42 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: FireDot Duplex
- Field of View: 10.2 – 57.5 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 12.5 in
- Weight: 16.8 oz (476.3 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: Guard-Ion Coating, 30mm main tube, argon purging
The Leupold VX-6HD 2-12×42 is a scope that performs well at almost all ranges due to its wide array of magnification options. Its 2-12x zoom allows users to hit close to long-range targets with unmatched versatility.
Leupold offers a custom elevation dial and windage dials to match your firearm’s exact ballistics for faster field dialing. They are also designed to be low profile while still being easier to reach for rapid adjustments.
This model may be comparatively small against other Leupold scopes but is very light and compact to bring around.
Despite all this, the model is very pricey for a scope.
- Versatile range
- Light and compact
- Excellent glass quality
- Illuminated reticles
- Crisp and tactile turret adjustments
- Users may need to adjust to the second focal plane
8. Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×50 (Most Durable Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 4.5-14x
- Objective Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 25 mm
- Reticle Options: Duplex, CDS-ZL Duplex
- Field of View: 7.4 – 19.1 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 12.2 in
- Weight: 16.5 oz (467.8 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 4.4 in
- Other Special Features: Generous eye box, DiamondCoat 2 coating, argon purging
The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×50 is my choice as the most durable scope among Leupold scopes, thanks to its strong but lightweight frame.
Like the Leupold VX3 4.5-14×40, the VX-3HD has unparalleled durability to resist scratches and recoil, but it is also very light compared to other Leopold products.
Due to company sealing methods and advanced internal gasses, the construction is also waterproof and fogproof, making it an ideal companion in harsh environments.
The objective lens is also covered in Guard-ion lens coating, resisting dirt, water, and scratches and keeping your glass clear regardless of your environment for consistently outstanding performance.
The scope’s CDS Zero lock dial also saves consistent zeros without fear of accidental movements and bumps. It offers many features that make it a rugged premium scope.
- Very durable and lightweight
- Environmentally resistant
- Consistent zero
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick target acquisition
- Superior low-light performance
- Could have a simpler design
9. Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 (Best Precision Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 3.6-18x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 35 mm
- Reticle Options: PR-1-MIL/MOA, TMR, CCH, Tremor 3, H-59
- Field of View: 5.8 – 28.3 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 MIL adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 12.1 in
- Weight: 26 oz (737 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: Professional Grade Optical System, 35mm main tube, fast focus
The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 is my choice for the best precision scope in the catalog thanks to its performance and ability to aid in making reliable long-range shots.
The precision of the Mark 5HD model is due to Leupold’s Professional Grade Optical System, which allows you to hit targets clearly from a hundred yards to 1,300 yards with crystal clarity.
This scope also has great optic tracking, making adjustments easy before returning to zero. When I tested the scope at 100 yards, I experienced consistent target shooting performance despite the long ranges I worked with.
The Mark 5HD scope uses Leupold’s M1C3 dial system to set your zero easily. Dial the turret to your desired adjustment while the revolution indicator tracks every rotation, giving you the feedback you need to get your desired aim.
- Clear view and contrast with Twilight Max HD Light Management
- Great tracking
- Precise M1C3 dial system
- Durable construction
- Versatile magnification range for different shooting scenarios
- Slightly heavy for lightweight rifle setups
10. Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 (Best Tactical Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 7-35x
- Objective Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 35 mm
- Reticle Options: PR-2-MIL/MOA, TMR, CCH, Tremor 3, H-59
- Field of View: 3 – 14.7 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 MIL adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 15.7 in
- Weight: 33 oz (935.5 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: Large-scope tube, superior ruggedness, HD lens clarity
Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 is the best tactical scope for tactical situations, with its large lens and easy adjustments that are useful in sensitive and ever-evolving mission areas.
This first focal plane scope has a larger-than-normal objective lens (56mm) and scope tube (35mm). These larger components allow more space for elevation (100 MOA) and windage adjustment (50 MOA) to set your specific shooting preferences and needs.
The larger lens also allows for better ambient light gathering during the day and a clearer sight image.
The scope was designed with knurled knobs for more tactile turret adjustments. The windage turret is also positioned much closer to your face for convenient adjustments while aiming.
However, this scope has a very narrow FOV, requiring you to decrease magnification to see your target’s surroundings.
- More custom adjustments
- Better light gathering
- Easier adjustments
- Wide magnification range for versatile shooting
- Zero Lock Feature for precise adjustments
- Narrow field of view
- Visual turn indicator is tricky to use
- Shorter distance on the parallax dial
11. Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24 (Best Scope for Quick Target Acquisition)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 1-6x
- Objective Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: FireDot Duplex
- Field of View: 20.3 – 123.2 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 10.8 in
- Weight: 13.4 oz (379.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.82 in
- Other Special Features: MST, Guard-Ion coating, lead-free
The Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24 is the best scope for quick target acquisition due to its close-range magnification settings and wide field of view.
The scope has a humble 1x-6x magnification range suitable for short-to-middle-range shooting, as the narrow range lets you adjust your magnification settings rather quickly.
This flexibility is further complemented by the scope’s large 24mm objective lens, providing a wide FOV to easily and quickly see your target’s surroundings and movement.
Your accuracy is assured with the FireDot Duplex illuminated reticle that shines the center dot as a guide for where your bullet should hit.
Your FireDot will not give your position away, as the Motion Sensor Technology (MST) deactivates the illumination after five minutes but reactivates with a touch. It is more suited for close-range engagements than other scopes.
- Specializes in short-medium range
- Wide field of view
- Motion-sensor-activated illumination
- More affordable compared to its competitors
- Excellent for precision shots
- FireDot adjustment can be tricker
- Illuminated reticles easily drain power
12. Leupold VX-5HD 1-5×24 (Best Scope for Short to Mid-Range Shooting)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 1-5x
- Objective Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: FireDot Duplex
- Field of View: 20.4 – 123.2 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 10.7 in
- Weight: 13.4 oz (379.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.82 in
- Other Special Features: Lightweight, CDS, 6:1 Zoom Ratio, one of the market’s lightest Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO).
Similar to the Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24, this LPVO is ideal for short-to-medium range shooting with its 1-5x zoom ratio for quick changes in magnification. It is suitable for close-range engagements, including CQB and 3-gun shooting.
The scope is lightweight and perfect for mid-range distances. It only needs a few lenses compared to heavier scopes, making it easy to carry and lug around.
The scopes also benefit from the Twilight Max HD system, providing 90% glare reduction, a consistently clear sight image, and an extra 30 minutes of light.
- Lightest LPVO
- Great light management
- Great reticle clarity
- Excellent resolution and image with HD glass
- Works well in low-light situations
- Expensive
- No neoprene cover
13. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 (Best Entry-Level Scope)
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Key Features
- Magnification Range: 4-12x
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: CDS Duplex, Creedmoor, CDS Tri-MOA
- Field of View: 10 – 21.5 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
- Length: 12.5 in
- Weight: 16.1 oz (456.4 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.9 in
- Other Special Features: 6061-T6 aluminum, side focus, Twilight Light management system
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 has everything to expect from a quality Leupold scope: durability, CDS, Twilight system, and more.
However, its affordability and beginner-friendliness separate the VX-Freedom model from other Leupold products.
Beginners would be treated to what a reliable rifle scope should do and provide outstanding and clear visibility. The scope has a 3:1 zoom ratio to enhance sight threefold and a clear glass reticle.
However, the scope lacks more distinguishing features from other Leopold products and only has one reticle option.
- Very budget-friendly
- Extremely reliable for various shooting situations
- Great for beginners
- Extremely clear sight picture
- Slim profile
- Pales compared to higher-end scopes
- No lens caps
Leupold Scope Series Overview
Leupold is a huge manufacturer with almost a dozen product lines and rifle scopes catering to almost every type of shooter.
The following are the product lines produced by Leupold.
Mark 3HD
The Leupold Mark 3HD is designed for precise and reliable shooting within rugged environments.
The series specializes in tactical precision as the Leupold Elite Optical System provides a clear image and aids shooters in achieving precise adjustments.
Advantageous features include illuminated reticles (for constant visibility) and tactical turrets (to adjust for bullet drop and accuracy with minimal effort).
This series is ideal for military or law enforcement and precision shooting competitors.
Mark 5HD
The Mark 5HDs as a series is designed with extreme long-range precision in mind. It provides an array of magnification settings and reticle options to fulfill that purpose.
Every Mark 5HD provides a wide tube for a clear image, a fast-focus eyepiece, easy adjustments, and other features to help achieve more accurate distance shooting.
This series is ideal for professional or dedicated long-range shooters.
Mark 6
The Leupold Mark 6 is designed for versatility. It is excellent for big-game animal hunters, law enforcement, and militaries worldwide thanks to its lightweight, durability, and overall reliability.
Every Mark 6 model promises clear images with its first focal plane reticles, environmental-proof construction, fast target tracking, and features that make it a must-bring in any tactical situation.
These scopes are ideal for hunters, military snipers, and shooters operating in varying environments.
Mark 8
The Leupold Mark 8 series was designed with precision and performance for military operations or intense long-range competitions.
Every Mark 8 model offers a powerful 8:1 zoom ratio, great low-light visibility from its Xtended Twilight lens coating, easy windage and elevation adjustment, and consistent quality performance.
Advantageous features include premium glass for assuring sight clarity and ZeroLock turrets to easily lock down your aiming adjustments.
Rifleman
The Leupold Rifleman series is an entry-level scope for beginner hunters and shooters learning the ropes.
Although the Rifleman is designed to be very basic, it retains Leupold standard quality (lifetime guarantee warranty, good construction, and environment-proofing) while being affordable for rookie shooters.
Their main feature is how simple their turrets are for learning to sight your firearm properly. You get a no-nonsense optic that makes hitting your target easier and more intuitive
VX-3i
The Leupold VX-3I is designed for flexible hunting and shooting that is affordable for non-military or professional shooters.
The model is designed with fine crosshairs, a lightweight but compact frame, and durable construction that will not add extra weight to your rifle.
Features include a wide magnification range for various shooting situations and a duplex reticle for assured accuracy that will not clutter your sight picture.
VX-3HD
The Leupold VX-3HD is designed to provide hunters with excellent low-light image-capturing and outdoor durability.
The model comes with excellent dawn-to-dusk light transmission, plenty of ergonomic controls, illuminating reticles, and more, maintaining a high standard that any shooter can abide by.
Advantages include exceptional glass quality for clarity and durability against scratches and knicks.
These scopes are ideal for outdoorsmen and big game hunters looking for clarity and durability.
VX-5HD
Leupold VX-5HD is meant for high-end precision shooting and is designed to aid hunters in stressful environments.
The VX-5HD model benefits from its high-definition lenses, well-built windage and elevation adjustments, generous eye relief, and more for consistent accuracy regardless of available light.
Advantageous features include the Twilight Max HD Light management system and an illuminated reticle for consistent lighting at any time.
VX-5HD scopes are ideal for hunters in high-intensity or fast-changing environments.
VX-6HD
Leupold VX-6HD is comparable to the VX-5HD as a high-precision rifle scope, though it offers more features with a price to match.
The VX-6HD has a much wider field of focus of 6:1 zoom, electronic reticle level, a reversible throw lever for magnification adjustments, and more to distinguish itself from the VX-5HD.
Advantages include lightweight construction for ease of movement and glass clarity for enhanced visibility.
Scopes from this line are ideal for versatile hunting with a compatible rifle.
VX-Freedom
The Leupold VX-Freedom scopes are designed to fit muzzleloaders, rimfire, and centerfire guns. This makes them perfect for rookie shooters and casual hunters.
The VX-Freedom is designed to be as budget-friendly as possible while maintaining the Leupold standard of quality, making it the perfect potential first scope for most shooters.
Advantageous features include Leupold durability against environmental damage and many reticle options.
These scopes are ideal for casual shooters and hunters looking for quality optics at a reasonable price.
A Brief History of Leupold
Leupold & Stevens was founded by German immigrant Friedrich “Fred” Leupold and his brother-in-law Adam Voepel. It has been family-owned for five generations, initially producing surveying equipment before its foray into firearm accessories.
The company became “Leupold & Stevens” when JC Steven joined in 1914, leading to its rebranding. The company started manufacturing rifle scopes in 1947 and has since become one of the best optics manufacturers on the market.
As a pioneer in the field, the brand also has a prestigious history, having invented the venerable Duplex reticle in 1962. They also were the first to create a water AND fog-proof capable scope, the “Plainsman,” in 1947.
Are Leupold Scopes the Best?
Shooters often struggle when choosing between Vortex vs. Leupold, as both are excellent scope manufacturers. However, Leupold rifle scopes are the preferred choice of the United States Military and law enforcement personnel for a reason.
Leupold scopes offer the Twilight Management System to enhance ambient light gathering for better visibility during dawn or dusk, making them perfect for day AND night operations.
Combine that with their generous eye box and eye relief, crystal clear glass, superior optical performance, smooth magnification ring operation, Custom Dial System, and aircraft-grade aluminum, and you have some of the best scopes available today.
Leupold offers a lifetime repair warranty for all their products, which turns a competent scope with the above-mentioned features into a lifetime investment.
Final Thoughts on the Best Leupold Scopes
Leupold has a well-deserved reputation for making many scope lines that offer exceptional optical quality, reticles with bullet drop compensators, and a variable magnified scope with zoom ratios for every shooter.
Thanks to its features, the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 is my top pick out of all the best Leupold scopes on this list. It functions perfectly, though it does come with a hefty price tag.
That being said, the best Leupold scope should be the one that meets your needs based on the factors listed above. It should match your use case and make every shoot a breeze.