Are you looking for a scope for your next deer hunting trip? If so, great, you came to the right location. This post elucidates the best Leupold deer hunting scopes that pack a bunch of features to make your hunting successful.
Deer hunting is an enjoyable activity that has dramatically improved over the years due to technological advancements in gear. As a hunter, a scope is one of the gears you need to include in your collection. Not just a scope, though; a Leupold scope. A decent Leupold scope makes the activity less strenuous and reduces eye strain. It should boast the appropriate magnification, superior optics, generous eye relief, and best-in-class durability.
The market is flooded with numerous Leupold scopes, and not all are suitable for deer hunting. We have researched and searched through the market and come up with top-tier Leupold scopes to make the search less daunting. Stick to the end for a comprehensive buying guide that will shepherd you in the right direction. But first, here’s an in-depth review of the best scopes.
Best Leupold Deer Hunting Scopes
1) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-3D 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope is an all-around riflescope that exhibits all the quirks and features you want to see in an excellent unit. It is perfect for newbies and seasoned shooters and will make your hunting spree prolific.
The scope is fashioned with a fast-focus eyepiece that allows swift shifting of the reticle, making target acquisition a walk in the park. The eyepiece has a locking design that ensures stay put focus which is a real bonus.
There is no doubt the scope will perform excellently in inclement weather as it is fully waterproof and fogproof. It will not be a victim of internal fogging that could damage the lens, hindering performance.
Another inherent trait of this riflescope is the Twilight Max Light Management System, which delivers images with outstanding sharpness and contrast. The coating couples with the DiamondCoat to enhance light collection, brightness, and clarity. These inclusions make the VX-3HD deliver flawlessly across all lighting scenarios.
It is also worth pointing out that blackened lens edges minimize glare and maximize clarity from edge to edge. What’s more, the scope features the twin bias spring erector system for shockproofing.
The Duplex reticle is a famous and largely used by hunters as it has a thin crosshair that doesn’t obscure small targets at long distances. The 3.5-10x zoom is versatile and helps precisely take down targets up close or far away.
Features
- Lightweight yet robust aluminum housing
- Twin bias spring erector system
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Duplex reticle
- Performs faultlessly in all weather
- DiamondCoat 2 protective lens coating
- One-inch main tube
Pros
- Excellent finish
- Unbeatable clarity
- Smooth turrets with a hard return to zero
- Commendable low-light performance
Cons
- Limited field of view
2) Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Riflescope
Whether you are hunting deer as a source of livelihood or plan to have it for dinner, you need a decent riflescope such as the Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm. This riflescope has magnificent magnification and a wide field of view that quickens target acquisition.
One astounding feature of the riflescope is the Twilight Max HD Light Management System that amplifies clarity at resolution even when pinning down long-range targets, making it an ideal hunting companion.
The glass is top-notch, allowing you to have a clear view of your soon-to-be meal. Also, the scope boasts a Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating that unfairly counters dirt, scratch, and fingerprints.
On top of that, it is designed with Zero Lock windage adjustments that prevent accidental adjustments and provide a solid return to zero after sighting in.
This incredible scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure no malfunction in your hunting session. It will continue to function relentlessly even when the elements decide to do their absolute best to get at you and the scope.
Besides, it is fully weatherproof and hence functions excellently in all weather conditions.
The 30mm main tube provides resilience and a wide range of windage and elevation adjustment. The motion sensor technology helps conserve battery juice by turning the unit off after 5 minutes of inactivity and activated automatically after sensing movement.
Features
- Twin bias spring erector system
- Guard-ion rain-shedding protective coating
- Zero Lock system on the windage adjustment
- 6061-T6 aluminum construction
- Twilight Max HD light Management System for superior low-light performance
- 30mm tube
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Motion sensor technology for battery conservation
Pros
- Light and compact
- Well-built structure
- Low-profile turrets with a locking design
- Supreme glass
- Smooth and well-made lens caps
Cons
- Blurry at maximum power
3) Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope
Another excellent Leupold scope for deer hunting is the VX-5HD 2-10x42mm. This best-selling riflescope is hinged with a wide field of view, making target acquisition a breeze.
If you plan to hunt in any weather, Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope will have your back through it all. It is fully waterproof and fogproof to withstand weather adversaries, including rain, fog, moisture, snow, and dust.
It features a twin bias erector spring system that removes backlash and stress in the interior of the scope rendering the unit shockproof for ultimate recoil and impact resistance.
The Twilight Max Light Management System makes low-light shooting situations easy, which eliminates glare and optimizes light transmission. The top-tier glass is designed to provide clear visuals of the game for desirable performance.
Further, the 3.8 inches of eye relief is sufficient enough to allow comfortable hunting with brightness and clarity from edge to edge.
Another marvel to behold is the CDS Zero Lock adjustment system that allows you to take long-range shots with confidence and worry-free about holdovers.
The pop-up dials are super easy to adjust and return to zero with no tools required. A cherry on top is the thread-on aluminum cover that covers and protects the adjustment after setting.
Features
- Durable and scratch-resistant Guard-ion rain shedding coating
- Functions well in inclement weather
- Twin bias erector spring system
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Fashioned from long-lasting quality aluminum
- Pop-up windage adjustments with a re-zero function
- 42mm objective lens diameter
- 2-10x power range
Pros
- Great tracking performance
- Generous amount of eye relief
- Quality build
- Large knobs that are easy to adjust
Cons
- Thin reticle
- Limited mounting options
4) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Riflescope
Another fine choice that makes the cut as one of the best Leupold deer hunting scopes is the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Riflescope. Made with hunting enthusiasts in mind, the scope boasts a reversible throw lever that makes magnification transitions hassle-free.
The Zero Lock Windage adjustment always provides a solid return to zero while preventing unwanted adjustments that could compromise accuracy.
The scope is designed to handle moisture and fog pretty well because it is completely waterproof and fogproof. This is in addition to being shockproof so that it remains in perfect shape even when accidentally bumped into a hard surface.
Excellent visibility is not left on the back seat with the VX-6HD. Thanks to the Twilight Max Light Management System, the scope delivers ultra-clear and bright images even in poorly lit conditions.
The side focus parallax adjustment system helps in easy and fast focusing of parallax no matter the shooting position. Long eye relief couples with the generous eyebox to deliver comfortable shooting with edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Side focus
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Windage adjustment has a Zero lock feature
- Guard-Ion rain shedding coatings for maximum protection
- 7 to 3.8 inches of eye relief
- Powerful 6:1 zoom ratio
Pros
- Rugged formation
- Impeccable eye relief
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Price
5) Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope combines unprecedented performance and unsurpassed optical finesse in a lightweight and rugged package. The scope features an advanced optical system that enables it to push through low lighting efficiently.
The system also does a good job of minimizing glare and heightening resolution and contrast. It is your ideal scope for hunting deer during dusk and dawn when they are most active.
The scope needs to be robust to qualify as one of the best for deer hunting. Leupold knows this too well. That’s why they made the VX-3HD to be all-weather appropriate. The scope is sealed and has internal gases inside for unwavering performance when moving in environments with varying temperatures.
The lenses are robust and designed t meet military standards with their scratch resistance protection. The Custom Dial System helps in turret customization to suit your exact ballistics and environmental conditions.
Furthermore, it has ergonomic controls that are easy to read and use, even for users with gloves. The CDS Zero Lock dial has a low profile and moves only when you need it to.
Features
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Eyepiece with a lockable design
- Advanced elite optical system
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Custom dial system
- Eye relief of 3.6 to 4.4 inches of eye relief
- Duplex reticle
Pros
- The glass is crystal-clear
- Long-lasting quality
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- The CDS dial is only one
6) Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Riflescope
Wrapping up our list of the best Leupold deer hunting scopes is the Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm. The powerful 6-18x magnification provides an edge over long-range targets.
Since deer are most active at dusk or dawn when the lighting is weak, this scope has all you need to take them down. You will be able to acquire your soon-to-be dinner without hassle.
It has the Twilight Light Management System that heightens light collection for bright and clear views in low-light conditions where chances of deer prowling are more.
In addition, the scope is designed to perform unfailingly in harsh weather. It is fully waterproof and fogproof to prevent moisture from sneaking in and interfering with the lens performance.
The lenses are scratch-resistant for long-term durability and A-grade performance. The ergonomic power selector facilitates instant zoom changes when situations demand.
Also worth mentioning is the custom dial system that allows reticle customization to match the rifle ballistics and shooting conditions.
The scope is lightweight yet robust and will ensure a successful deer hunting trip. With all these features, there is no doubt that Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm is one of the best Leupold deer hunting scopes.
Features
- Tri-MOA, second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Twilight Light Management System for high-quality image rendition
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Power selector for easy zoom changes
- Extreme recoil tested
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Custom dial system
- Magnificent 6-18x power
- 40mm aperture
Pros
- Sufficient eye relief
- Stunning performance in weak light
- Superior optics
- Price point
Cons
- No drawback
Related: 5 Best Low Light Leupold Scopes
How To Choose the Best Leupold Deer Hunting Scopes
With many Leupold scopes available on the market, finding the right one can be daunting. Here are a few considerations to think about when making a buying decision:
Durability
Deer hunting implies your scope will be subjected to unforgiving outdoor conditions outside. A good scope should be robustly made and have preventative measures to shield the scope from inevitable damage. These measures include weatherproofing, shockproofing, scratch-resistant lenses, and a solid casing for longevity.
Magnification
A deer is a fast-moving animal. The best Leupold deer hunting scopes should have appropriate magnification that delivers accurate shots when taking down this swift creature. 3-9x is suitable when shooting deer at close ranges during the day. If shooting at long ranges, 6-18x zoom is powerful enough for assured shots.
Lens Quality
The next aspect to look at when buying the best Leupold deer hunting scopes is the lens quality. A decent scope should perform excellently in weak light, such as dusk or dawn, when deer is most active. Luckily, Leupold scopes are designed with the Twilight Light Management system, which is a unique coating that provides extra minutes of shooting light when light begins to fade.
Weight
Deer hunting calls for a lightweight scope as you will be carrying your scope much. This way, you’ll trek long miles without fretting about unnecessary weight bringing you down. However, keep in mind that heavier scopes tend to be more robust, so examine the quality of your scope before making a decision.
Best Leupold Deer Hunting Scopes FAQs
Q: Do I Need a Scope for Deer Hunting?
Yes, absolutely! A scope should be your best friend if you are hunting in the open plains with the potential for long-range shots. You should also have a scope if you are hunting in moderately thick woods and want to get the most out of your hunting in low-light scenarios.
Q: What Differentiates a Tactical Scope from a Hunting Scope?
A major distinction between the two is weight. Tactical scopes have more features adding their weight. They also tend to have exposed or pop-up turrets for quicker adjustments. These have more weight than capped turrets often used in hunting scopes.
Q: Are Leupold Scopes Made in China?
No. Leupold scopes are designed, machined, and assembled in the USA. The brand doesn’t have another production facility or offices in the world.
Conclusion
This article is meant to save you the hassle and headache that come with scouting the market from a myriad of options. The scopes expounded will give you the accuracy and precision you need to hit deer effectively. Elevate your hunting by picking any of them.