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10 Best Leupold Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) Mil CDS-ZL2 Side Focus HTMR Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Turrets

Most important from
372 reviews

Turrets
The windage turret lacks audible clicks, requiring careful adjustments to avoid accidental changes.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a versatile choice for hunters and shooters looking for dependable performance across various distances. With a magnification range from 3x to 15x, it offers flexibility for both close and longer-range shots. The 30mm objective lens, while not the largest in its class, still delivers bright and clear images thanks to Leupold’s high-definition lenses and hydrophobic Guard-ion coating that repels water and dirt, helping maintain visibility in tough weather. The HTMR reticle is designed to aid precise aiming, and being in the second focal plane means it stays clear and consistent as you zoom in or out, which some users might prefer for quick target acquisition.

Its side focus parallax adjustment is easy to use even in different shooting positions, allowing shooters to maintain sharp focus without hassle. The CDS-ZL2 elevation turret with ZeroLock 2 prevents accidentally changing your zero, which is a useful feature for serious precision. Weighing just 1.2 pounds and built from durable aluminum, this scope feels sturdy yet not overly heavy. Plus, it’s fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it reliable in harsh conditions.

One downside is the relatively small 30mm objective lens, which may limit light gathering compared to larger lenses, potentially affecting performance in low-light situations like dawn or dusk. Also, it lacks night vision compatibility, so it’s best suited for daylight or well-lit environments. The lifetime warranty and strong customer support add peace of mind. This scope is well-suited for hunters who want a solid, versatile optic with precise adjustment features and great clarity, but those needing maximum low-light performance might want to explore options with larger lenses.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Turrets

Most important from
372 reviews

Turrets
The windage turret lacks audible clicks, requiring careful adjustments to avoid accidental changes.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
9.7
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle
Turrets

Most important from
26 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Optical clarity is outstanding, delivering bright and clear images suited for various lighting conditions.
Reticle
The CCH reticle excels for hunting, providing reliable holds even on moving targets.
Turrets
Initial tracking inconsistencies are likely due to a break-in period for the internal springs, after which performance stabilizes significantly.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 riflescope is designed for serious shooters and hunters who want professional-level performance. Its magnification range from 3.6x to 18x makes it versatile, allowing clear views at both close and long distances. The 44mm objective lens is a solid size that gathers plenty of light, which helps provide bright and clear images, even in challenging lighting conditions like dawn or dusk. The scope features a front focal plane (FFP) reticle, meaning the reticle changes size with magnification, making range estimation more accurate at any zoom level—a useful feature if you need precise shooting adjustments. Leupold’s proprietary glare reduction and high optical clarity further improve visibility in tough light. With a field of view of about 28 feet at 100 yards, you get a good balance between seeing enough of the area while zoomed in and still maintaining detail.

The scope is made from durable aluminum, is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliability in harsh outdoor conditions. Its turrets and parallax adjustments are designed for quick and precise changes, which is important for long-range accuracy. The dark earth finish adds a tactical yet natural look for hunting environments. One minor point is that it doesn’t have night vision compatibility, so it’s best suited for daylight or low-light use without specialized gear. While its price and features cater more to experienced shooters or professionals rather than casual users, this scope offers excellent optics, rugged build, and precise controls, making it a great fit for hunting and tactical shooting where quality and dependability are key.

Rating
9.7
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle
Turrets

Most important from
26 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Optical clarity is outstanding, delivering bright and clear images suited for various lighting conditions.
Reticle
The CCH reticle excels for hunting, providing reliable holds even on moving targets.
Turrets
Initial tracking inconsistencies are likely due to a break-in period for the internal springs, after which performance stabilizes significantly.
#3

Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP Tremor 3 Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
8.2
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets

Most important from
27 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers crystal-clear glass with excellent magnification and intuitive controls, making it a joy to use without feeling heavy.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle offers multiple brightness settings, though only a few are truly visible and effective in practice.
Turrets
Adjustment controls can be limiting, with some users experiencing difficulties reaching full adjustment range and needing additional mounting solutions.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56 riflescope is a high-end option designed for precision shooting and professional use. Its wide magnification range of 7 to 35 times allows for flexible targeting at various distances, while the large 56mm objective lens provides excellent light gathering, helping to maintain a bright and clear image even in low light conditions. Featuring a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, the reticle scales with magnification to allow accurate range estimation at any zoom level, which is especially valuable for long-range shooters.

The Tremor 3 reticle is designed for quick and intuitive holdovers and wind corrections, suited for dynamic shooting scenarios. With a generous field of view of about 14.7 feet at 100 yards, the scope balances target acquisition and precision effectively. It is built tough, with a waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof aluminum body to ensure reliability in harsh environments. Parallax adjustment and tactical-style turrets support fine tuning for accuracy.

One limitation is that the riflescope does not support night vision compatibility, which may restrict its use in very low-light or nighttime conditions. The listed weight of 0.19 pounds appears unusually light for a scope of this size and strength; scopes with large objective lenses typically weigh more, so users should verify weight before purchase. The price reflects its professional-grade build and features, which may be higher than entry-level options. This scope is well suited for serious shooters or guides needing reliable, high-performance optics with excellent clarity, versatile magnification, and rugged durability, making it ideal for long-range precision shooting rather than casual or beginner use.

Rating
8.2
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets

Most important from
27 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers crystal-clear glass with excellent magnification and intuitive controls, making it a joy to use without feeling heavy.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle offers multiple brightness settings, though only a few are truly visible and effective in practice.
Turrets
Adjustment controls can be limiting, with some users experiencing difficulties reaching full adjustment range and needing additional mounting solutions.

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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