Leupold stands out as a trusted name, known for producing top-notch optics, in this article we look at the best Leupold scope for deer hunting recommendations.
Deer are very smart creatures that are difficult to catch and hunt down. They are usually very cognizant of their surroundings and are easily spooked by the slightest and most quiet movements. Therefore, they require you to have a proper scope and be smarter than them to hunt them down.
Leupold scopes have incredible performance and are considered high-end scopes by many hunters. They come at a price that is easy on your wallet without sacrificing quality and performance.
Best Scope Magnification for Deer Hunting
The best scope magnification for deer hunting is 3-9x or 4-12x.
3-9x Magnification is a popular choice for deer hunting due to its versatility. The lower end (3x) provides a wide field of view and aids in quick target acquisition, making it ideal for close-range shots or hunting in dense cover. The higher end (9x) offers enough magnification for medium-range shooting, allowing for precision aiming when engaging deer at distances up to a few hundred yards.
4-12x Magnification is best if you are doing longer shots or hunting in open areas where deer may be farther away, a 4-12x magnification range can be advantageous. The lower end (4x) still provides a wide field of view for close-quarters hunting, while the higher end (12x) allows for better target identification and more precise aiming at extended distances.
Best Leupold Scopes for Deer Hunting
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is the best Leupold scope for deer hunting, it features Twilight Light Management System, weatherproof performance,6061-T6 Aluminum construction, and a variable 3 – 9 x magnification.
If you are a beginner or pro who wants simplicity and ease of use in a hunting riflescope, this is it. One of the best features of the scope is its stunning design that is durable and reliable.
Speaking of construction, it is very durable. In fact, it is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that balances weight and durability. You will love the waterproofing and fog-proofing capability which makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions. Additionally, it has a rugged build that makes it shockproof.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope also has a 3-9x magnification range, versatile for diverse applications. The lenses are resistant to scratch and thus don’t easily get damaged.
Better yet, eye relief ranging from 3.66 inches to 4.17 inches is sufficient to protect your eyes and brows from recoil and kickback. The 40mm objective lens allows maximum light transmission resulting in crisp and bright target images.
A multi-coated lens is also a highlight and prevents reflection, and delivers a high-quality target image. This makes it suitable for dusk and dawn when it is much easier to see deer.
Specifications
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39 in
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
- 3:1 Zoom Ratio
Pros
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Matte black finish
- Variable 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Generous eye relief
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Second focal plane reticle
- One-inch main tube
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Deer hunting requires you to have a proper scope to have a rewarding experience. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope is best suited for deer hunting. One of the features that make it a favorite for many hunters is its lightweight construction. This is essential for an easy time in the field.
Since magnification is a vital factor that determines the image quality, the scope has a great 3-15x magnification. This lets you focus on short to long-range targets.
The scope features easy-to-adjust turrets for fast and accurate windage and elevation adjustments. Speaking of construction, the scope has durable aircraft-grade aluminum for many years of use. It is also sealed for optimal protection and performance in all weather conditions. This means that it provides reliable performance on all terrains.
In addition to that, Leupold VX-5HD has the Twilight Light Max HD Light Management System that gives you additional 30 minutes of shooting light when shooting at dusk and dawn when deer are easier to spot.
The huge 44mm objective lens allows maximum light-gathering capabilities delivering brighter and clearer images in poor lighting conditions. Therefore, it is a reliable scope that does not let you down, no matter the lighting condition.
Another notable feature is a Duplex CDS reticle found at the second focal plane which helps in easy detection and acquisition of targets. Being a second focal plane, the reticle remains the same when magnification changes making it easy to hit the target. The CDS enables you to set the bullet drop based on your ballistics.
Specifications
- Weight: 19 oz
- Length: 13.5 in
- Parallax: Side Focus
- Magnification: 3 – 15 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.9 mm
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
Features
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Affordable
- Lightweight construction
- Made of durable materials
- Ideal for all weather conditions and terrains
- Massive 44mm objective lens
- Duplex CDS reticle
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
- Premium quality lens
Cons
- None
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Another excellent scope from Leupold is the Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope. Thanks to its premium quality, it offers incredible performance in the field. It is what you should get if you want a lightweight scope for more convenience.
With a 4-12x magnification, the scope can reach a target of any range. This magnification range is perfect for avid hunters and shooters as you can focus on the targets that are closer to you and also view the ones at a long-range distance.
The scope also has a premium-quality lens that delivers impeccable optical performance. The 40mm objective lens is enough to give you better target images regardless of the shooting condition.
Engaging the target will be like a walk in the park as the scope has a wide field of view and ample eye relief. The optics system presents unmatched image quality so that you see your targets clearly.
When it comes to durability, the scope has an aircraft-grade aluminum construction that makes it ideal for all conditions. It is nonetheless sealed for reliable protection and performance in all weather conditions.
Because of its lightweight construction, you can trust that the scope will not add unnecessary weight that may weigh you down.
Specifications
- Weight: 16.1 oz
- Length: 12.5 in
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.4 mm
- Parallax: Side Focus
- Field of View, Linear: 10 – 21.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.9 in
Pros
- Premium quality lens
- Produces clear and bright images
- Robust construction
- Versatile magnification
- Wide field of view
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
4) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Rifle Scope
Having the right scope is a must for a successful experience when hunting deer. One of the riflescopes worthy of your consideration is Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Riflescope.
It has a 3-15x magnification that makes it perfect for short to long-range distances. You will love that it comes at a pocket-friendly price.
Additionally, it comes with the Twilight Max HD Light Management system that provides an additional 30 minutes of shooting light when shooting at dismal lighting conditions. It delivers edge-to-edge clarity when focusing on a target in poor lighting conditions.
Another major highlight of the scope is its Duplex CDS reticle found on the second focal plane, which helps detect and acquire targets. The CDS of the scope lets you set the bullet drop based on your ballistics.
For long-lasting performance, it is made of durable materials that will endure anything thrown at the scope. Because it is sealed, it is perfect for all weather conditions. All these features will satisfy your needs as a shooter or hunter when in the field.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.7 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 7.7 – 38.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
- Weight: 22.3 oz
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Sealed for reliable performance
- Durable construction
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- A Duplex CDS reticle
- High-quality lens
- Adjustment turrets for fast and accurate windage and elevation changes
Cons
- None
5) Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope
Next up is the Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope. With its massive 50mm objective lens, the scope promises maximum brightness of your target and enables you to have a clear view. The lens has anti-reflective properties for glare reduction and presents clear target images.
Another highlight of the scope is the easy-to-grip setting that lets you focus on the target quickly without considering the intensity of your shooting competition.
This setting enables you to swiftly modify the focus according to your needs without missing the shot. There are adjustment knobs that help you save time and let you zero in on different objects with convenience.
Furthermore, Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope has the Twilight Light Management System that enables you to hunt in poor lighting conditions with unmatched brightness. It is crafted from robust aircraft-grade aluminum that endures heavy recoils and challenging situations.
It has a lightweight yet rugged construction so that it does not become a pain in the neck when in action. A matte black finish keeps the scope free from scratches while performing on extreme terrains. It nonetheless has a nitrogen purging that makes it ideal for all weather conditions.
Specifications
- Weight: 16.5 oz
- Length: 12.2 in
- Field of View, Linear: 7.4 – 19.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 4.4 in
- Magnification: 4.5 – 14 x
- Reticle: CDS-ZL Duplex, Duplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Matte black finish
- Anti-reflective properties
- Twilight Light Management System
- Massive 50mm objective lens
- Variable 4.5-14x magnification
- Lightweight design
- Setting that is easy to grip
- Rubber sealing provides a firm grip
- Purged for reliability in all weather conditions
- Long-range precision
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
6) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope concludes our best deer hunting scopes list. It is an entry-level scope that is suitable for shooting in a dismal light.
Thanks to its ergonomic design, the scope is perfect for serious shooters and hunters who want accuracy when aiming at targets. The scope allows you to acquire targets from any range without using extra devices easily.
When it comes to visibility, Leupold VX-6HD produces the clearest images. This is because it has a multi-coated lens that reduces glare and enhances light transmission. As a result, the images produced are crisp and sharp.
The scope also has an ergonomic illuminated reticle found on the first focal plane. This connotes its size changes with magnification variations. The reticle has crosshairs that improve the target image and help quickly determine the target’s distance.
Moreover, the scope has a variable 4-24x magnification that helps track your target in diverse situations. You will appreciate that it has the Twilight Max Light Management System that provides an extra 30 minutes of shooting light when shooting or hunting in low-light conditions.
Regarding construction, it has a sturdy construction as it is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. It is nevertheless nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance. This means it will get the job done in all weather conditions.
Finally, Leupold VX-6HD has a turret that can be adjusted easily and gives you the convenience you need when in action.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.2 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 28.1 – 4.8 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
- Parallax: Side Focus
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
Pros
- Ergonomic construction
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Multi-coated lens
- Illuminated reticle
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and fog-roof performance
- Easy-to-adjust turrets
- Massive 52mm objective lens
- Variable 4-24x magnification
Cons
- None
Related
Considerations Best Leupold Scope for Deer Hunting
Magnification
Magnification of scope determines how accurate the view of your target is. As a deer hunter, choosing the proper magnification delivers crisp and bright target images helping you in fast acquisition. A magnification ranging from 3-9x is ideal for deer hunting.
Durability
The riflescope should be durable enough to ensure rugged conditions. The robust scope guarantees reliable performance hassle-free. The body should be sealed and purged to keep moisture, dirt, and debris away. The lens coating should nonetheless prevent scratches when hunting deer. A durable scope allows you to use it in any weather condition without any issues.
Eye relief
Eye relief greatly determines how convenient it is while focusing on your target. A generous eye relief lets you focus on the target without eye strain. So, it is crucial to choose a Leupold scope with adequate eye relief.
Lens system
A premium quality lens offers sharp and clear images of the target regardless of the lighting condition. The scope that you select should not compromise the lens quality. It should reduce glare and enhance image quality. Furthermore, Leupold scopes come with a Twilight Management System that provides an additional 30 minutes of shooting light, thus improving your hunting in dismal lighting conditions.
Weight
Weight is pertinent when choosing a scope for your deer hunting expedition. A lightweight scope lets you carry the scope easily without causing fatigue. A heavy scope will impede your comfortability while hunting. Therefore, get a lightweight scope.
FAQs
- What size of objective lens do I need for my deer hunting riflescope?
The objective lens should match the scope’s magnification. Always ensure that before buying a scope, you look through it to ensure that it is clear and has a lucid view.
- Do I need a fixed or variable magnification scope?
Both have their benefits. However, a fixed power scope is of higher quality and more robust than a variable scope of the same cost. Go for a fixed scope as it is more reliable and steadier.
- Between Vortex and Leupold, which is better?
Leupold may have a slight advantage with the quality of the scope’s construction, while Vortex has a price advantage. Both brands have remarkable reputations. If you are looking for a scope, your best choice comes down to your personal preference.
Conclusion
Leupold scopes promise excellent performance as they have high-quality optics, sturdy construction, and accuracy. They are thus good scopes for you. If you are a deer hunter, choosing any scopes above will take your deer hunting to the next level.