When looking to buy a rifle scope for deer hunting, settling for the Leupold brand is a good starting point. There are tons of deer hunting scopes available on the market, and in this guide, our focus will be on the best Leupold scope for deer hunting.
Leupold is an optics brand that is well known for exceptional quality scopes. For decades, its commitment for quality has made them a favorite among avid hunters and shooters worldwide. Among their superb lineups, hunting rifle scopes stand out as one of the best models for deer hunting.
Designed with precision and performance in mind, the best Leupold scopes for deer hunting make an invaluable companion in all hunting fields. They excel even in low light environments and go a long way to boost the overall shooting confidence of every hunter. Besides, these rifle scopes are designed with versatility in mind to adapt easily to different hunting situations.
What Makes a Great Scope for Deer Hunting?
A great scope for deer hunting is a marvel of engineering combining multiple features that work together to provide a reliable sighting. First and foremost, the scope should be built with precision in mind so you are able to place your shots with confidence and efficiency.
Furthermore, a great scope for deer hunting should have a magnification that enable short, medium and long-range shooting without being too heavy.
A good scope should also have a sturdy and rigid housing to weather any abuse you throw at it. On top of that, the optical tubes should have reliable waterproof and fog proof protection. This way, the scope stays ready for anything Mother Nature will throw at it.
Moreover, it is essential for the scope to have a long eye relief that keeps the eye safe from recoil and guarantees snug shooting with or without spectacles.
Last but not least, the best Leupold scope for deer hunting is lightweight, portable and easy to shoot with.
Best Leupold Scopes for Deer Hunting
Leupold has an impressive array of rifle scopes in different sizes and configurations. Here is a list of the best-rated models suitable for deer hunting. Let’s take a look.
1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Designed with precision aiming in mind, Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm is the best Leupold scope for deer hunting. It provides quick, accurate and unmatched performance in all hunting fields, no matter the weather or lighting conditions.
The selling point of this rifle scope is optical system. It is outfitted with Leupold’s professional-grade optical system that ramps up light transmission in low light for superior optical clarity. Additionally, the optics have a Guard-ion rain shedding coating that offers industry-leading glare reduction in harsh light.
In terms of construction, the scope is built in a 30mm tube which is large enough to guarantee strength and rigidity. The tough 6061-T6 aluminum housing also adds on durability by safeguarding the optics from damage and withstanding the wear and tear that comes with repetitive use.
In addition to the quality construction, this rifle scope is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof to be usable in all weather conditions. It also features ZeroStop system with zero lock dial, side focus adjustment and a lighted reticle put on the second focal plane.
Features
- Professional grade optical system
- Custom dial system
- Versatile 5:1 zoom ratio
- Hydrophobic lens coating
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- ZeroStop system
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- 8 brightness settings
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sufficient eye relief
- Lighted reticle
- Excellent build quality
- Clear glass
Cons
- Pricey
2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope is a lightweight scope designed with the avid hunter in mind. It is built with ease of use in mind so it is ideal for use by all hunters, even the beginners.
This rifle scope comes ready to weather whatever woes your hunting journey throws at it. It has a ruggedized body design that is not just shock proof, but also resistant to recoil and vibrations. Additionally, the optical tube is fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof to outlast harsh elements.
Not only is the construction quality of this rifle scope outstanding, but also the optical features. It has a large 44mm objective lens to optimize low light performance and Twilight Light Management System for fighting off glare and maximizing light transmission.
Moreover, the scope is built with a reversible throw lever that is ambidextrous. This enables easy magnification adjustment during use. Other than that, it has a zero lock windage adjustment that not only delivers accurate return to zero, but also prevents accidental shift in the middle of use.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fiber optics illumination
- 30mm body tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
- Variable and powerful 3-18x magnification
- Non-reflective matte finish
- Guard-ion rain shedding coating
- Motion sensor technology
- Side focus parallax adjustment
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Relatively lightweight
- Good eye relief
- Simple to use
- Tough and durable
Cons
- High cost
3) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Coming in third is the VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope. Whether you a seasoned hunter or a beginner, this rifle scope comes with all the features you need to make every hunt fun-filled and successful.
The clarity of this variable powered scope is incredible in all lighting conditions. This is thanks to the large 40mm objective lens which collects large volume of light inside. On top of that, the scope employs the legendary Leupold’s Elite Optical System to maximize image brightness, color and detail. It also features an illuminated FireDot reticle with seven adjustable brightness settings.
Another stand out feature of this optic is its built with user convenience in mind. It has ergonomic controls that are easy to read and use, even when wearing gloves. Moreover, it is built light to be easy to maneuver with in the field and with a long eye relief to ensure comfortable glassing with or without eyewear.
In terms of construction, the VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope has a 30mm body made from 6061-T6 aluminum. The quality construction combined with the waterproof and fog proof protection make it the ultimate companion for deer hunting.
Features
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- ZeroStop system
- Motion sensor technology
- 30mm main tube size
- Leupold’s Elite Optical System
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Zero lock dial
- Second focal plane reticle
- Sturdy 6061-T6 aluminum housing
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Great eye relief
- Lighted reticle
- Excellent construction quality
- Good light gathering ability
4) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm is the best Leupold scope for deer hunting for beginners. It has an intuitive design that makes it easy to use. It is also available at a price that is remarkably affordable.
The scope has an adjustable 3-9x magnification offered in the second focal plane reticle. The magnification is powerful enough to get you closer to targets at any distance without sacrificing the field of view.
With a mere weight of 12,2oz, the scope is lightweight, easy to carry and efficient to use. It is crafted with 6061-T6 aluminum which guarantees extremely high levels of abrasion resistance in all fields. Additionally, it has total waterproof and fog proof protection for use under any weather condition.
Optically, this rifle scopes boasts a Twilight Light Management System which ensures confident aiming in low light settings. It also brings to the table scratch resistant lenses for extra protection, and a non-reflective matte black finish that camouflages your position when hunting under broad sunlight.
Features
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Non-reflective matte finish
- Scratch resistant lenses
- One-inch single-piece main tube
- Rear focal plane reticle
- 60 MOA adjustment range
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clear and bright optics
- Affordable
- Quality housing
- Tactical capped turrets
Cons
- No lighted reticle
5) Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to value, performance and versatility, it is hard to beat the Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope. Mounting it on your deer hunting rifle will not just boost your shooting confidence, but also turn every hunting expedition to a success.
This rifle scope has a wide field of view and stunning low light visibility to ensure that you keep shooting no matter the lighting condition. It will also get you on target quickly and ensure that you don’t leave anything undiscovered.
In terms of construction, the Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is encased in a rugged 30mm body which provides sufficient room for reticle travel and adjustment. The quality construction guarantees many years of reliable performance, even with repeated use.
What’s more, the scope had an ultra-lightweight construction to scatter recoil easily and be easy to carry from one point to the other. It is also fully waterproof, fog proof and guaranteed for life.
Features
- Ergonomic power selector
- 30mm main tube
- Elite optical system
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Multiple reticle options
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Matte finish
- Second focal plane reticle
- 4-12x variable magnification
Pros
- Optical quality
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Long eye relief
- Large field of view
- Durable construction
6) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope is ideal for close and medium range deer hunting in all environments. It excels in virtually all lighting conditions and provides a significantly spacious depth of view for easy target finding.
This rifle scope lives up to Leupold’s reputation of making rugged optics that are virtually indestructible. It is engineered, designed and built in a 30mm tube for strength and toughness. The rigid yet lightweight aluminum housing is also impervious to elements, delivering reliable waterproof and fog proof performance even in adverse weather conditions.
Another thing that makes this optic the best Leupold scope for deer hunting is phenomenal optical performance. It uses state-of-the art technologies such as Diamondcoat 2 lens coatings and Xtended Twilight Lens System to amplify light transmission and produce bright, clear and tack-sharp images from sunrise till sunset.
Furthermore, the VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope is built with an extended eye relief to alleviate fatigue and enhance comfort during lengthy hunting sessions. The scope also has a lightweight construction for added convenience.
Features
- Durable lens covers
- Xtended Twilight Lens System
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- Twin bias spring erector system
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Blackened lens edges
- Waterproof and argon purged
- Diamondcoat 2 lens coating
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Great value for the price
- Sturdy and robust housing
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- Narrow field of view at highest power
What Magnification Do You Need?
The magnification that you need for deer hunting depends on the environment you anticipate to hunt in as well as the distance you will be pursuing the deer at. Variable powered scopes are the best deer hunting scopes as they give you the flexibility to take shots at different ranges.
For close and medium range deer hunting up to about 300 yards, a variable powered scope with up to 9x magnification is the best. It will get you closer to the action without sacrificing field of view which is very important especially when pursuing the deer in dense brush.
On the other hand, a high magnification of 12x and above is needed for deer hunting in large, open terrains at extended ranges.
Why Leupold Scope for Deer Hunting?
Leupold rifle scopes are highly regarded for deer hunting. Here is why:
- Rugged Construction. Leupold rifle scopes have tough and durable construction to withstand the highest levels of abuse and abrasion that come with hunting
- Low Light Performance. The unique Twilight Light Management System that Leupold rifle scopes employ offer bright, clear and detailed sight pictures even in low light hunting environments
- Ease of Use. Leupold makes its rifle scopes with intuitive designs and easily accessible knobs for efficient use in the field
- Accuracy and repeatability. The best Leupold scopes for deer hunting are known for their repeatable tracking and unrivaled accuracy
- Warranty. Leupold’s good warranty guarantees buyers that they are getting the most value for their money
See Also
- 7 Best Scope for AR-15 Coyote Hunting
- 7 Best 300 Blackout Scope Hog Hunting
- 7 Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
How to Choose the Best Leupold Scope for Deer Hunting
When looking to buy the best Leupold scope for deer hunting, take into account the following factors.
Lens Coatings
You need a scope that provides clear views of the deer with perfect contrast and brightness from dawn to dusk. This can only be achieved if the scope has premium quality lens coatings.
For deer hunting in all fields, we recommend a scope that has multi-coated lenses or fully multi-coated lenses. The coatings will allow maximum light transmission in low light and prevent glare in bright light.
Field of View
If you want to get the most out of your hunting expeditions, get a scope with a large field of view. This is important as it helps with easy finding and tracking of the deer as they move. A Leupold scope with at least 300ft at 1000 yards field of view is what you require for this type of hunting.
Durability
The next thing to consider is durability. You will want a scope that last for a long time and offers reliable performance in all hunting environments.
Look at the construction quality of the scopes available and go for models made with high strength aluminum or magnesium alloy. The best Leupold scope for deer hunting should also be fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof.
Weight
Since deer hunting involves movements from one point to the other, it is wise to get a lightweight but durable scope. The average weight of the best rifle scope for hunting is 1.2 pounds, but we recommend any model weighing less than 2 pounds.
Eye Relief
Bullets used for deer hunting tend to scatter moderate or heavy recoil. This calls for a rifle scope that has a long eye relief of at least 3.5 inches. With such a long eye relief, you don’t have to worry about the scope hitting your eye as it recoils. Scopes with ample eye relief also tend to be more comfortable to use during lengthy hunting periods.
FAQs
- What is eye relief in a scope?
Eye relief in a scope is a measure of the distance your eye has to be from the outer surface of the scope’s eyepiece during use. It is measured in inches and determines how safe and comfortable your overall shooting will be.
- What do the rifle scope numbers represent?
The are two set of numbers in a rifle scope’s configuration. The first number before the “x” indicates magnification power, while the other number shows the size of the objective lens. As an example, 4-12x in a 4-12x40mm scope represents magnification power and 40mm is the size of the objective lens.
Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned deer hunter or just a beginner, the success of your hunting trip depends largely on the gear that you use. Leupold rifle scopes are outstanding in terms of versatility, accuracy and quality, and all the models we have mentioned above will transform each hunt into a success. Hopefully, this article has helped you find the best model for your needs.