Looking for a long-range scope? Look no further than Leupold scopes. The best Leupold long-range scopes provide shooters with long-range performance for target and field applications. Sharpen your shooting skills with top-notch glass and features found in Leupold optics.
Leupold has over the years made a name for itself in making high-quality, top-of-the-line optics at a mid-level price. Long-range Leupold scopes stand out with their superior performance and outstanding tracking that ensures all components are properly aligned for optical precision.
What Makes a Good Long-Range Scope?
One key ingredient for long-range shooting is a powerful scope. The scope your mount on your gun should deliver ample magnification to cover long distances out to 1000 yards.
A good long-range scope should have a magnification range that gives you the flexibility to shoot at close-range and crank up high power when taking down further targets.
A 3-18x or 4-24x zoom range is optimal for a good long-range scope. Ensure the scope has a throw lever for swift power changes.
The other component vital for a long-range scope is parallax adjustment. Parallax erodes long-range precision and can result in missed shots because the shooter’s eye and reticle aren’t properly aligned. A side focus knob helps correct this shortcoming to facilitate the execution of accurate shots.
Quality glass is paramount for a long-range scope. Sharp and clear images are very nice when shooting long-range targets. Moreso, quality glass optimizes light transmission resulting in bright images. Your long-range scope should help you take down targets in any lighting condition.
In long-range engagements wind drift and elevation are inevitable. A good long-range scope should have repeatable adjustments and the ability to hold zero. Elevation and windage turrets should be consistent and track fluently.
Reticles for long-range shooting should have hash marks for holding over the target and for compensating for the wind. The hash marks are important as they help you compensate for a miss slightly above or below the target.
7 Best Leupold Long-Range Scopes
Hitting targets at long-range requires skill and capability. The rifle scope you choose to mount on your long-range gun must be right for the task. With numerous options out there, selecting the gun enhancement can be a taking affair.
We have rounded up the best Leupold long-range scopes to help you find the best fit for your long-range shooting engagements. Let’s have a look:
1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm SFP Rifle Scope
Boost your sighting ability and fine-tune your accuracy when taking down distant targets with the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm SFP Rifle Scope. Harboring useful features, this rifle scope will surely amplify your success in the hunting field. From the mountains to the open plains, this scope can dominate them all.
Its wide magnification range gives hunters and shooters the ability to adapt to any environment making it one of the best Leupold long-range scopes
Built around Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, the optical system offers unmatched light transmission that’s designed to outperform in the most challenging lighting conditions.
It is also multi-coated ensuring glare reduction and providing a clear image in harsh direct light. This scope also maximizes as much exit pupil light as your eye can handle owing to its 56mm objective bell.
The VX-5HD provides a decent eye relief of up to 3.82 and a linear field of view of 38.3 in low magnification and 7.7 feet in high magnification. This ensures you are comfortable while shooting at long distances.
The scope is also designed with advanced sealing methods that withstand extreme temperatures, elevation changes, and shocks, so the internals of the optics keep moisture out and stay crystal clear for life.
Features
- CDS-ZL2 elevation dial
- Illuminated
- Motion sensor technology
- Side focus
- Guard-ION
- High definition
Pros
- Excellent glass quality
- Lightweight
- Water shock and fogproof
- Great in low light
Cons
- Inflexible life warranty
2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm SFP Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm SFP Rifle Scope is built specifically for long-range shooting and hunting. It harbors impressive features to boost your shooting skills in any application. No matter what type of hunting or shooting you do, rest assured the VX-6HD 3-18×50 will get you on target.
This versatile scope is specially designed to take down the large game in the field, with a 3x magnification which is perfect for scouring the landscape for possible targets and an 18x magnification to reveal all the fine details of your prey and line up a precise shot. Unrivaled versatility makes it one of the best Leopold long-range scopes.
This marvelous scope has an ambidextrous reversible throw lever that provides leverage for quick magnification changes which can make all the difference on a hunt when time is not on your side.
It is also built using a twin-bias spring erector system that prevents accidental adjustments and facilitates a precise return to zero every time.
The scope comes equipped with a Twilight Max Light Management system, bringing you the brightest, clearest images possible by maximizing light transmission while controlling the amount of glare from sunlight.
Finally, it combines durability and professional-grade HD optical performance that guarantees it can handle any challenge you throw at it. It’s 100% waterproof and fog proof.
Features
- Reversible throw lever
- Electronic reticle level
- Motion sensor technology
- Side focus
- Guard-ION
- High definition
- CDS-ZL2 elevation dial
- Illuminated
Pros
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Lifetime warranty
- Bright and clear optics
- Lightweight
Cons
- No drawbacks
3) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm SFP Rifle Scope
Open a new world of shooting opportunities with the Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm SFP rifle scope. This scope is a perfect rifle enhancement for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient shooting solution. Whatever opportunity presents itself on the hunting ground, you can rely on this rifle scope to get the job done.
Having the ability to walk around on 4x, knowing you can go all the way up to 24x magnification at a moment’s notice gives you the flexibility to dominate almost any hunting or shooting situation. This makes it a perfect long-range scope.
It’s 34mm main tube provides enough travel to take advantage of that extra power, while its proprietary Firedot illumination gives you a bright, intuitive aiming point that won’t get lost in low-light conditions.
Additionally, its durability is unquestionable. This scope is our Krypton purged, sealed, and built on a twin bias spring erector system making them fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof to handle all the harsh conditions a hunting expedition may bring.
For additional protection, this Leupold 4-24x52mm rifle scope contains a Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating that is incredibly durable, scratch resistant and sheds water, dirt, and fingerprints to keep your scope in pristine condition.
Finally, with this optic, you’ll never lose your customized adjustments again because the Zero Lock windage adjustment feature prevents accidental changes to your scope while promising an accurate return to zero every time.
From the range to the vast landscape of the backcountry, the Leupold VX-6HD Aluminum Rifle Scope is a premium optic that can take down targets in any range, situation, or lighting condition, making it one of the best Leupold long-range scopes.
Features
- Alumina flip-back lens covers
- 6:1 zoom ratio
- Reversible throw lever
- Electronic reticle level
- Motion sensor technology
- Side focus
- Guard-ION
- High definition
- CDS-ZL2 elevation dial
- Illuminated
Pros
- Durable
- Lifetime warranty
- Great in low light conditions
- Long battery life
Cons
- Higher price
4) Leupold Mark 3HD 6-18x50mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking for something simple yet effective then the Leupold Mark 3HD 6-18x50mm Rifle Scope is what you should go for.
This tactical scope comes complete with MIL-based adjustments, HD lenses, an exposed elevation adjustment dial and a low-profile power selector ring, basically everything a tactical shooter could ever ask for. This makes it quite the contender as one of the best Leupold long-range scopes.
It also comes with an illuminated FireDot reticle with seven settings that gets you on target fast, even in harsh daylight. This along with Leupold’s Elite Optical System delivers the light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution that diehard hunters and shooters demand all-day performance.
The scope also offers a quickly changing magnification system using its easy-to-grip power selector, making your target shooting quick and easy.
This scope also disperses recoil energy for unrivaled durability with ultra-lightweight construction. It is also water and fog-proof making it suitable for any harsh conditions.
Features
- Extended battery life using Motion sensor technology
- Custom dial compatible
- Zero stop
- Removable throw lever
- Side focus
- High Definition
- 3:1 zoom ratio
Pros
- Increases adjustment for longer shots with a 30mm main tube
- Fog water and shockproof
- Ultra-lightweight
- Lifetime warranty
- Excellent light transmission
Cons
- None
5) Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm SFP Rifle Scope
Next is the Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm SFP Rifle Scope. This scope has quite an attractive variable magnification range. Low enough magnification to get the job done in densely wooded areas and enough horsepower at the top end to make accurate shots at long distances. This alone makes it one of the best Leupold long-range scopes.
The scope offers unmatched light transmission that’s designed to outperform in the most challenging lighting conditions. Its industry-leading glare reduction also provides a clear image in harsh, direct light, while the resolution and clarity will meet the demands of any professional guide or shooter in the field.
Its CDS-TZL3 elevation adjustment takes target-style adjustments to a new level with a push-button locking feature and an easy-to-read revolution indicator.
It also offers a wide 28.1 feet and 5.8 feet field of view and long 3.8-inch eye relief that ensures comfort as you aim and shoot down your target.
This scope is designed with advanced sealing methods that withstand extreme temperatures, elevation changes, and shocks, so the internals of the optics keep moisture out and stay crystal clear for life. It is also fully fog and waterproof.
Features
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- Custom dial system
- Side focus
- High Definition
- Guard-Ion
Pros
- Shockproof
- Water and fog proof
- Excellent light transmission
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Quite heavy
6) Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is next in line. This VX freedom delivers what can only be described as legendary performance and dependability.
It offers a versatile magnification range that’s ideal for mid to long-range shots, this most definitely makes it one of the best Leupold long-range scopes in the market.
Built around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, the VX-Freedom delivers tried and true light transmission, best-in-class glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that recreational sportsmen and sportswomen demand.
This scope is also highly durable with its 100% waterproof and fog-proof nature. This guarantees it gets the job done every time even in the harshest of conditions. It is also rugged ensuring a shockproof nature.
Moreover, the scope also boasts a lightweight nature that ensures it doesn’t weigh you down while you get on with your shooting escapades.
Ballistics of this scope are pre-calculated, allowing for accurate holdovers at a maximum magnification of 12x. It also allows for quick target acquisition with thin lines in the reticle center.
Features
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Advanced optical system
- Second Focal Plane reticle
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Non illuminated reticle
- Resettable index ring
Pros
- Water and fog proof
- Shockproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non-adjustable objective
- Poor performance in low-light conditions
7) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope
Finally, we have the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm rifle scope. The VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm delivers unmatched performance and extreme clarity in an incredibly tough, lightweight package.
Its versatile magnification and larger objective can get the job done in almost any scenario including long-range situations.
It features a second focal plane reticle that allows for quick target acquisition with thin lines in the center. Making hunting quick targets that much easier.
The VX-3HD also delivers outstanding performance in low light. With Leupold’s Elite Optical System, the VX-3HD delivers excellent dawn-to-dusk light transmission for a bright image when it matters most, elite-level glare reduction in harsh light and the resolution and clarity that experienced hunters and shooters demand.
This comes with match-grade repeatability and ergonomic controls that are easy to read and use, even with gloves. It also has a low-profile, one-revolution CDS ZeroLock dial. This ensures you can be confident that your dial will only move when you want it to.
Features
- Custom dial system
- Zero lock dial
- Aluminum housing
- Reversible throw lever
- Elite optical system
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Non-illuminated
- Duplex, second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Very durable
- Shockproof
- Water and fog proof
- Great light transmission
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Unreliable at night time
- Short battery life
Related Posts
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- Best Scopes for Long-Range Elk Hunting
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What Scope is Better Vortex or Leupold?
As an experienced shooter, you might tend to stick to a particular scope manufacturer because of their reliability, however, as a new shooter you will want to know “who does it best” considering that there are several scope companies out there now.
Vortex and Leupold are good examples of companies that are currently competing to produce top-notch products, but which scopes are better?
Vortex is a relatively young company founded in 2004 in America. This manufacturer keeps up with evolving scope technology while maintaining the necessary traditional elements.
Leupold on the other hand has been around for more than a century, however, they only started scope production after World War II. That still means that their scopes have been tried and tested a lot.
They are also an American company and have built a great reputation for producing scopes that are both innovative and durable.
Now let’s compare them a little more closely;
Optics
While both brands produce scopes with near perfect, eye relief and a large field of view, the main difference comes in reticle make, clarity level and settings.
Leupold manufactures more basic duplex reticles than vortex. Depending on one’s experience they may choose a scope with a more advanced reticle to make like most offered by vortex or a more subtle make like those of Leupold.
Most reviews swear by Leopold’s reticle clarity and deem them superior to the Vortex but we can’t rule out the clarity of Vortex optics.
In most cases, the level of reticle clarity depends on the type of scope you purchase with more pricy scopes having better clarity than their cheaper counterparts. This applies to both vortex and Leupold scopes.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 Rifles
Durability
Both Vortex and Leupold offer highly durable scopes as nearly all their scopes are made from aircraft-grade aluminum or some other equally durable material.
Most of their products are also waterproof, shockproof and fog proof, especially the newer variations. Both the lenses are also labeled as fully multi-coated which makes the glass much clearer and protected from glares.
While we can see that both are very durable less than ideal weather conditions, Leupold manufactures their products in the USA with imported lenses from Japan while Vortex outsources manufacturing to China.
This gives most people the impression that Vortex scopes may not be as durable as the US-made Leupold scopes. This is however not true as both companies ensure that quality products are produced and sold.
Price
It comes as no surprise that Vortex takes a huger preference when it comes to pricing as compared to Leupold.
Most people who go for Leupold are seasoned hunters go for Leupold because they have established a name in the game but one can find scopes with the same quality and clarity at vortex at a much less cost.
Vortex may even have the best prices on the market not only compared to Leupold but also most other scope manufacturers.
Vortex also gets an upper hand because of its very alluring lifetime warranty that applies to all its products. The warranty is also quite flexible as one can bring back the scope in whatever condition and still have it fixed or even get a new one.
Leupold on the other hand also has a lifetime warranty but it is much less flexible as it may be rendered invalid if the product appears misused or modified in any way.
Looking at these three key features that would normally attract one to scope, we see that both Leupold and Vortex provide equally great products. So all in all your skill as a shooter will most likely be the determining factor as to whether a scope performs well or not.
Further Reading
What Magnification Do you Need for 500 Yards?
When it comes to magnification, it’s not only the distance that determines what magnification you use. Factors such as the size of your target and whether they are moving or not also come into play.
Also having the most powerful magnification is not always a good thing. The higher the magnification goes, the smaller the field of view becomes.
The weight of the scope and its sensitivity to movement also goes up with higher magnification. So, it’s best to get a scope with just enough power for your specific circumstances.
That being said in most cases while hunting between 50 to 500 yards a variable 3 – 15x magnification range will be more than enough.
Read: Best Scopes for 400 Yards
How Far Can You See with a 4-16×50 Scope?
With a 4-16x magnification power and an objective lens diameter of 50mm, you will get great eye relief of up to 3.8 inches and a wide field of view.
With that said you will have the ability to have a clear view of the highest magnification at a distance of up to 550 yards out.
Conclusion
Leupold is no doubt a rifle scope master with their American-made high-quality pieces. The mentioned scopes provide an unmatched light transmission that ensures perfect imagery even on high power magnification and is durable.
The scopes bring to the table impressive features that deliver relentless performance in any weather and lighting conditions. The high-quality glass provides clear images even in low light conditions so the scopes are ideal for hunting in the magic hours.
Leupold long-range scopes also have the added advantage of a lifetime warranty, which comes in handy if the scope is not heavily damaged or altered. They also have very versatile magnification ranges and so they are ideal for several shooting applications. These very attractive features make Leupold scopes the best long-range scopes to mount on your rifle.