[Top 6] Best Leupold Scopes (Long Range, Hunting)

If you are interested in shooting at long-range targets, then Leupold have a variety of rifle scopes that you can choose.

Here are some of the options that one should consider including on their list:

Product Image
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm

Leupold-VX-5HD-3-15x44mm-Rifle-Scope
Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm

Leupold-Mark-5HD-3.6-18x44mm-Rifle-Scope
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm

Leupold-Mark-5HD-5-25x56mm-Rifle-Scope
Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope.JPG
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm

 

Leupold-VX-Freedom-6-18x40mm-Rifle-Scope
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm

 

leupold VX 6-24x

 

Leupold is a well-known brand when it comes to optics, and the following are some of the reasons why Leupold is so popular among hunters and shooters:

Optical Quality

Leupold produces scopes with excellent optical quality by using high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. This produces a clear, bright, and sharp image, which is required for precise aiming and shooting.

Durability

Leupold scopes are built to last and are made to withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting. They are made of high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and are sealed with advanced sealing technologies to protect the internal components from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Customization

Leupold scopes offer a high degree of customization, allowing users to adjust the scope’s settings to match their specific needs and preferences. This includes features such as adjustable magnification, reticle design, reticle illumination, and parallax adjustment.

Warranty

Leupold offers a lifetime warranty on all of their scopes, which provides peace of mind for users and ensures that the scope will be repaired or replaced in the event of any defects or issues.

Understanding the Leupold series

VX-Freedom Series:

The VX-Freedom series is the basic series designed for budget-conscious shooters who still want reliable performance. These scopes are, suitable for hunting and general shooting, using both rimfire and centerfire rounds.

VX-3HD Series:

The VX-3HD series offers a step up in optical quality and features, making it a favorite for hunters who demand more from their optics. It includes characteristics such as ergonomic controls, durable construction, and better glass for good light transmission

VX-5HD Series:

The VX-5HD series is designed for serious hunters and shooters who need high-performance optics with excellent low-light capability. It offers premium features at a mid-range price. Most include a Twilight Light Management System and an illuminated reticle.

 VX-6HD Series:

The VX-6HD series represents Leupold’s top-tier hunting scopes. These are designed for demanding conditions, offering exceptional clarity, light transmission, and features for versatility. They top the VX-5HD when it comes to performance and features.

Mark 5HD Series:

The Mark 5HD series is intended for tactical and precision long-range shooting with the capabilities to match. These scopes are built to withstand harsh conditions and deliver precise adjustments.

Mark 6 and Mark 8 Series:

These series are designed for military, law enforcement, and professional shooters. They offer advanced features and extreme durability for the most demanding tactical scenarios.

Best Leupold Long Range Scopes Reviews

1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope

Leupold-VX-5HD-3-15x44mm-Rifle-Scope

These Leupold scopes are a versatile option that will work well for both short-range and long-range targets. This is due to the variable 3-15x magnification, which enables it to easily adapt to both situations and those in between.

Another characteristic that makes it stand out is the optical quality that it delivers to the shooter. The scope uses high-quality glass that gives one of the best light transmissions on the market.

The excellent light transmission makes this scope a good option for hunting under low light. This refers to scenarios when hunting occurs inside a dense forest, at dawn or dusk when the game is just coming out of their hiding.

The Leupold Vx gives the shooter an option of different reticles customizable with the renowned Leupold’s custom Dial system (CDS). This feature gives the shooter a custom dial tuned to average conditions, for the ballistics, wind, and elevation, thereby eliminating the need to constantly adjust the turret.

Still, the scope gives the shooter an easily adjustable turret, with a zero-stop lock to prevent accidental adjustments. In addition, there is a side parallax dial which is very useful over those long distances.

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 15 x
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 2.9 mm
  • Field of View: 38.2 – 7.9 ft at 100 yds
  • Non-illuminated reticle
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.82 in
  • Side focus parallax
  • Weight: 19 oz

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Great for hunting in low light
  • Built to last
  • Versatile 5:1 zoon ration

Cons

  • The illumination isn’t bright for daylight

2) Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm Rifle Scope

Leupold-Mark-5HD-3.6-18x44mm-Rifle-Scope

The Leupold Mark 5HD scopes are yet another versatile option, with a first focal plane (FFP) that is ideal for long-range targets. It stands out for great durability which is a great thing because the outdoors can be very unforgiving.

The scope punisher tested, which is a process in which Leupold’s scopes are subjected to the most stringent procedures for hours and hours to prove their worth when the harshness becomes unbearable.

With features like waterproofing, fog proofing, and a scratch-resistant lens, this one passed with flying colors. The manufacturer also guarantees durability by placing it under a lifetime warranty.

The scope is tuned for long-distance accuracy, and while it lacks Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS), the turret is well-placed and provides the shooter with ample elevation adjustments, as well as an audible click for every value.

Additionally, the scope has an ergonomic design and a side parallax dial that’s easy to reach and make the necessary adjustments. It adds a fast-focus eyepiece and a throw lever that helps with making a quick adjustment for magnification.

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
  • Magnification: 6 – 18 x
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Capped windage dial.
  • Set screw re-zero.
  • Exit Pupil: 2.4 mm
  • Field of View: 5.8 – 28.3 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.5 – 3.8 in
  • Weight: 26 oz.

Pros

  • Durable and built to last
  • Comes with a fast-focus eyepiece
  • Audible clicks turret
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Lacks a CDS reticle

3) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope

Leupold-Mark-5HD-5-25x56mm-Rifle-Scope

These Leupold scopes were purposefully built for medium and long-range targets. The 5-25x variable magnification gives a wide selection, the 25x can zoom in on the long-range targets for a perfect shot. Furthermore, the FFP gives you different reticle options.

The Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm scopes are easy to use and provide the shooter with unmatched image clarity. This results from the good quality glass with glare reduction, paired with a wide objective lens of 56mm that lets in optimal lighting through the lens.

Windage and elevation changes are likewise simple to make, thanks to large dials and an audible click with each adjustment. You also get a throw lever for quick magnification changes, as well as an ergonomic design that assists shooters in positioning themselves for an excellent shot.

Overall, if you don’t mind the bulky dimensions caused by the wide objective lens, this is a great long-range scope. It will perform admirably even in low light, and you can rely on it if you are a frequent hunter or shooter.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 5 – 25 x
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 2.2 mm
  • Field of View: 4.2 – 20.4 ft at 100 yds
  • Parallax-Free Distance (yd): 50
  • Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 in
  • Weight: 907.18 g.

Pros

  • Excellent light transmission
  • Versatile magnification
  • Custom dial system
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Bulky dimensions

4) Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope.JPG

This is an LPVO (low-power variable optic), that can also be used for taking out long-range targets with the proper skills. The low 2x magnification gives it the capability to work well with closer targets, while the 10x magnification will be used on long-range targets if you are a seasoned shooter.

Why is this scope great? Because it is lightweight (1.1 lbs.), it will appeal to many hunters and shooters who must make a long trek out in the field. It also has a generous eye relief and eye box, making it simple for the shooters to position themselves for that long-range shot.

Moreover, it has an excellent light transmission because it uses a good glass lens with glare reduction, which allows it to be used under low light, at dawn or dusk.

Additionally, you get the option of two reticles one being illuminated. It features Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS), which excellently adapts the scope to the shooter’s average shooting condition as well as the ballistics of their rifle

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
  • Magnification: 2 – 10 x
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 4.2 – 21 mm
  • Field of View: 57.5 ft at 100 yds
  • CDS compatible.
  • Adjustment Value per Click: 1/4MOA
  • Eye Relief: 3.8 in
  • Weight: 17.8 oz

Pros

  • Excellent durability
  • Great light transmission
  • Lightweight
  • LPVO with versatile magnification

Cons

  • Needs  proper skill for long-range hunting

5) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope

Leupold-VX-Freedom-6-18x40mm-Rifle-Scope

These Leupold rifle scopes have been superbly constructed while taking into account all of the features that would satisfy a frequent long-range shooter, with a generous budget.

This scope has a streamlined appearance, and the lens utilizes Leopold’s twilight light control technology, which ensures a sharp view and minimized glare. This, along with the 50mm wide objective lens, results in a sharp image with edge-to-edge brightness.

The scope gives the option of many reticles all of which are illuminated to allow the shooter to get a clear view irrespective of the surrounding condition.

The reticle is also compatible with Leopold’s renowned CDS and can be customized according to the shooter’s ideal caliber, and shooting conditions. You also get an ambidextrous throw lever that you can quickly use to adjust the magnification.

Overall, this is the best scope for the long-range targets if you can meet its budget. You can opt for the fire dot reticle which is a crosshair with an illuminated dot in the middle. This reticle brings the eye, of the shooter, to the center of the reticle for quick target acquisition

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 18 x
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View: 38 – 7 ft at 100 yds
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Side parallax adjustment
  • 8 levels of brightness
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
  • Weight: 22.9 oz

Pros

  • 6:1 zoom ratio
  • Great light transmission
  • Illuminated reticle with motion sensor
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • Pricey

6) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm

leupold VX 6-24x

With one of the highest magnifications available, this rifle scope pushes the limits of its ability to strike long-range targets. Not only that, but it is well-built to withstand the elements of the outdoors.

In addition, the scope comes with a great firedot reticle with a dot on the central point meant to bring your eye to the center for a perfect shot.

The professional-grade optical system can be used for a wide range of applications without it ever disappointing a shooter. It is also compatible with the custom dial system for a further enhanced and better shooting experience

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 52 mm
  • CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock Adjustment with Revolution Indicator
  • Magnification: 4 – 24 x
  • Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View: 28.1 – 4.8 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
  • Weight: 22.5 oz

Pros

  • High magnification
  • An effective Firedot reticle
  • Twilight Max Light Management System
  • Reversible throw lever
  • Generous eye box

Cons

  • Bulky dimensions

Leupold Scopes- Buying Guide

There are several important characteristics to consider when buying a rifle scope. Here are some of the key ones:

Magnification– This will be determined by the type of shooting and the distance from which you will be shooting. A scope with a lower magnification range is generally better for close-range shooting, while a scope with a higher magnification range is better for long-range shooting.

Objective lens size– The objective lens is the lens at the end of the scope that gathers light and determines how bright the image will be. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image but it also makes the scope heavy and unwieldy.

Reticle– The reticle, or crosshairs, is the pattern that you see when you look through the scope. There are many different reticle styles available, including duplex, Mil-Dot, and BDC, among others. Consider which reticle style will work best for your shooting needs.

Durability– A rifle scope needs to be durable enough to withstand the recoil of the rifle and the elements of the environment. Look for scopes that are made with high-quality materials and feature features such as shock resistance, waterproofing, and fog proofing.

Adjustability– Rifle scopes should have adjustable turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. This allows you to make precise adjustments to your shot placement and is particularly important for long-range shooting. The adjustments should also be easy to make.

Price- Rifle scopes are available at various price points. Determine your budget and think about which features are most important for your shooting requirements. Keep in mind that a high-quality scope is an investment that will last for many years. Leupold scopes are reasonably priced and well-known for their high quality at an affordable price.

Leupold Long Range Scopes-FAQs

What is the Twilight Max Light Management System?

This is a technology developed by Leupold to maximize light transmission in low-light environments such as dawn and twilight. It balances light across the visible spectrum, lowers glare, and improves visual contrast, allowing for better target identification in difficult lighting conditions.

CONCLUSION

After going through this article, you’ll be familiar with the best Leupold scopes for use on long range targets. It should be noted, however, that each scope on this list has a different price, and one should have their budget in mind. The buying guide provided can also be useful when looking at other scopes, which aren’t included on this list.

Related