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The Twilight Max Light Management System is a feature of the VX-5HD Riflescope that enhances visibility in low-light conditions. It maximizes light transmission in blue and red spectrums, balancing colors for high contrast. It also controls glare with special mechanical structures, enabling clear visibility of details in dark shadows.
The CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2) elevation dial in the VX-5HD Riflescope allows for precise and secure adjustments. It locks in place to prevent inadvertent rotation off zero. A button press allows the user to dial up two turns of elevation, with a visual indicator on the second revolution to prevent losing your place.
The FireDot illuminated reticle in the VX-5HD Riflescope provides a bright, red dot-like performance for rapid target acquisition. It is easily adjustable with a single button for intensity control, making it versatile for various lighting conditions.
The Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating on the VX-5HD Riflescope is a durable, scratch-resistant coating that repels water, dirt, and fingerprints. This ensures a clear view in various conditions, maintaining the quality and clarity of your sight picture.
The 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton Waterproofing in the VX-5HD Riflescope uses an exclusive gas blend that significantly reduces the effects of thermal shock and gas diffusion. This improves the durability and performance of the scope, surpassing the effectiveness of traditional nitrogen-filled scopes.
Review Summary
2025-11-04T19:00:00
Not only is this scope crystal clear,but its tough. 2 weeks ago I was in the backcountry hunting and took a bad fall,dislocating a shoulder. The gun was basically thrown down to the ground. Got some permanent dings in it. Later the next day we went to shoot it and I thought there was no way this scope is still zeroed. Believe it or not,still perfect zero after a hit bad enough to ding it up. Sold on leupold scopes :)
Backcountry t.

2025-11-02T19:00:00
Bought this scope for my . 375 H&H. So far I am very impressed. Crystal clear glass, excellent light transmission and 2-10 is perfect for the type of hunting I do in Alaska. 10/10
Nakeeya B.

2025-10-28T20:00:00
Extremely Clear glass, great adjustments, definitely worth the cost.
Marcus S.

2025-10-27T20:00:00
Everything I thought it would be and more.
Stuart W.

2025-10-26T20:00:00
great glass one of the clearest scopes I have looked through. great in the early morning. My gun took a tumble and the scope is still on and works.
Lynn w.

2025-10-26T20:00:00
Extremely happy! Very high quality optic.
Michael D.

2025-10-25T20:00:00
Outstanding Performance
RE

2025-10-25T20:00:00
Great Scope for my FN15.
Luke S.

2025-10-21T20:00:00
Just incredible clarity, and I love the MRAD reticle. Finest optic I have owned!
Benjamin C.

2025-10-20T20:00:00
Excellent as always!!
Jeffery A.

2025-10-20T20:00:00
This is the best scope I have ever owned. Rugged and crystal clear, it held up great in the back country hunting off of horses through rain, snow, and mud. I also recommend the alumina scope covers as a pair to this. It won't be my last one.
William C.

2025-10-12T20:00:00
I'll start by saying that I am a fan of Leupold optics and I've been using and recommending them since I bought my first one circa 2004. They are usually the lightest optics in their class. I place a premium on light weight and durability when selecting an optic and Leupold has never disappointed me. Glass quality is another big reason I recommend Leupold. Their entry level scopes outperform other brands that cost 2-3 times more. In regards to this VX-5HD 3-15X44, for me it was a splurge. Sadly, I'm a bit disappointed. My VX-3HD 2. 5-8 has a better throw lever because this scope doesn't have a throw lever and I paid more than twice as much. The windage adjustment is very mushy which is crazy because all my other scopes from Leupold even the entry level VX-Freedom line have better feedback when dialing for windage. I'm not a snob in this regard and I know that I'm not the type to dial but I literally was having a trial and error process when zeroing. I could not feel the clicks and know how much adjustment I was making, it cost me time and ammo. Another dissatisfaction is the cheap plastic and elastic lens covers. The VX-3HD line has better "bikini type" lens protection. But at this price point they really should include folding lens caps. Furthermore, when I tried to source the factory lens caps I was shocked at the price, but I figured I would splurge again. It was very difficult to figure out which specific lens caps to order so I asked Leupold via e-mail and didn't get a reply for days. I ended up ordering Butler creek caps through amazon and had them delivered before Leupold even responded to my email. To close on a positive, I do like the image quality and the CDS dial. I went with the original and not the cost prohibitive gen 2. I also like the auto-shutoff of the illumination as a way to keep the dot on and ready when you pickup the rifle but it hibernates to save battery. I'd prefer a dial over a button although it is nice and trim in this configuration. To me Leupold has amazing entry level scopes, they are so good that they even make their own higher end scopes seem ill advised. The VX-3HD is the best balance of features and price point in my opinion and would be perfect if they offered a wider range of magnification ranges. I'd love to see their product line separated by glass quality instead of by magnification multipliers. A 2-10x40mm "VX-3HD" glass quality with CDS and illumination at the VX-3HD price point would be a dream. Same for a 1-6 with the same quality level and illumination. I wonder how many Leupold fans share my frustration?
Robert R.

2025-10-11T20:00:00
Great optic, own several, when I need new glass I don't even think of anything else. Easy to zero, easy to adjust.
Scott H.

2025-10-07T20:00:00
Absolutely Smashing! Bore sighted by eye through barrel. 4 shots at 100yd range, zeroing to 3"high (285yd zero). Moved to Long-Range crushed painted iron to 880yd. Under a half box of off the shelf ammunition. Still breaking in the barrel, selected a respectable pronghorn @460yards. Couldn't have placed a better shot. Vx-5 hd is just as reliable as my Vx-6. No regrets. Leupold Backcountry ringset (low) was excellent to stabilize new leupold optic to pic rail.
Steve L.

2025-10-01T20:00:00
Great optic, superior quality glass.
Jon R.

2025-10-01T20:00:00
Just what I was looking for. Wanted a target dot and the illuminated dot does the trick. Little larger and heavier than I was expecting . Sighted in 3 shots and ready to go hunting. Needs to come with the flip up lens covers as 52mm covers are not easy to find. Only pev was after taking a few month to decide and receive this one out comes the Gen 2 two weeks later.
glen c.

2025-09-30T20:00:00
It's clear and fits great on the gun I mounted it on!
Shaun F.

2025-09-25T20:00:00
Excellent scope! I put this on a Browning x-bolt 2, SPR, cal. 6. 8 Western. Sighting this scope in was very easy. First use was on a moose in Newfoundland, at 230yds the moose was easy to find and was spot on. One shot put the moose down.
Richard S.

2025-09-24T20:00:00
Quality, design, performance and warranty is the best in the industry. The glass is crystal clear and the scope performs extremely well in low light. The Custom Dial System is a huge bonus and it's simple, fast and accurate.
William S.

2025-09-23T20:00:00
Top quality optic!
James H.

2025-09-21T20:00:00
Great scope with easy set up. Tack driver once its mounted and sighted in.
Ethan B.

2025-09-21T20:00:00
I bought this b/c I thought it would be great for the inexperienced shooters in my family. Not sure if they like it or not, but it's my new personal favorite!
Wray W.

2025-09-17T20:00:00
Very nice. I'd like to see some more affordable FFP options with long range shooting in mind.
mathew c.

2025-09-17T20:00:00
Great scope for the money!
Shane M.

2025-09-16T20:00:00
This is by far the best scope I've had. I will be buying another one for my other rifle.
Jennifer B.

2025-09-15T20:00:00
Great eye relief and clarity
Joshua H.

2025-09-15T20:00:00
One of the best scopes I have been around
Meade D.

2025-09-14T20:00:00
This is the 3rd VX5HD that I have purchased. In my opinion this is the best overall scope made. It covers everything a hunter could need. As always Leupold quality is second to none.
Christopher G.

2025-09-14T20:00:00
Great scope
Rich M.

2025-09-14T20:00:00
Absolutely love this scope! I put it on a Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed chambered in a 6. 5 PRC. I am using a rangefinder bino with Applied Ballistics so I haven't had the need to get a custom dial yet and the pair are performing phenomenally! I will most likely get a couple dials made once my barrel is broke in but for now I'm confident in my current setup.
Tom M.

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Browse our FAQ
1 - 5x
24mm
30mm (1.18")
Illuminated FireDot Duplex Reticle
2nd focal plane
114.6 - 22.5' at 100 yd (38.2 - 7.5 m at 100 m)
150 yd / 137.2 m
3.8" (96.52mm)
24.0 - 4.8mm
1/4 MOA
1 x CR-2032 battery
170 MOA
Argon/krypton-filled, water and fogproof
10.6" (269.24mm)
13.1 oz (371.38g)
030317013875
Best in class by a long shot!!
By Axman
This is the latest addition to my Leupold family and man did they raise the bar. I have long favored the VX3 LR in 4.5x14x50 and own several in various reticle configurations. The features they loaded into this scope are top notch. The low light performance is second to none. CDS and zero lock are the icing on the cake. Born and raised in America. Buy American.
Leupold, why buy anything else?
By BTN
I've been buying Leupold for 25 years or so, used Leupold extensively in the Military over that time and can say that every product I have used has been Sailor, Marine, and Soldier proof and built to be precise before, during, and after rough use. The VX5HD is no exception. Crystal clear 30 mins before and after sun rise and set. Most importantly for me, this scope offers as much or more in quality and ability as higher priced competitors at a (at times significantly) lighter weight. Equally ...
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Under the most challenging lighting conditions, the 1-5x24 VX-5HD Riflescope from Leupold stands out with its superior optical performance. Engineered with a High-Definition optical system, this riflescope delivers unparalleled clarity, ensuring that every detail is sharp and distinct. The Twilight Max Light Management System enhances this clarity, providing exceptional low-light performance that gives hunters the critical edge during the pivotal moments of dawn and dusk when game activity peaks.
The innovative CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2) elevation dial is a standout feature, designed to lock securely in place, preventing any accidental adjustments. With a simple button press, shooters can engage up to two full turns of elevation for long-range precision. The intuitive design includes a visual indicator on the second revolution, ensuring you never lose your bearings when dialing in for extended distances.
Windage adjustments are equally efficient, thanks to the covered pop-up windage dial that allows for swift and precise sighting. Each VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 riflescope comes with a complimentary Custom Ballistic Dial, enhancing your shooting accuracy tailored to your specific ammunition and conditions.
The FireDot illuminated reticle is a game-changer, offering a bright, red dot-like performance that is easily adjustable with a single button for intensity control. This feature ensures rapid target acquisition in any lighting condition.
Built with 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton Waterproofing, this riflescope boasts an exclusive gas blend that significantly reduces the impact of thermal shock and gas diffusion, surpassing the effectiveness of traditional nitrogen-filled scopes.
The robust 30mm maintube not only provides exceptional strength but also allows for an extensive range of windage and elevation adjustments. With a versatile 5:1 zoom ratio, the scope offers a broad field of view at lower magnifications and detailed target identification at higher settings.
Constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, the VX-5HD is the epitome of durability and reliability. The CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock Adjustment with Revolution Indicator ensures quick and secure elevation adjustments, while the FireDot Illumination system combines optimal daylight visibility with superior light transmission for low-light scenarios.
Experience an effortless targeting experience with the generous eyebox, which allows for quick target acquisition even at higher magnifications, providing a full, clear sight picture. The Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating on the lenses repels water, dirt, and fingerprints, maintaining a clear view in all conditions.
Leupold's proprietary MST (Motion Sensor Technology) enhances battery life by deactivating the illumination after five minutes of inactivity and reactivating it instantly upon detecting motion. The Pop Up Rezero Windage Adjustment simplifies the zeroing process, and the Push Button Illumination offers straightforward brightness control.
Lastly, the Twilight Max Light Management System ensures that usable light reaches your eye, forming a crisp, high-contrast image, while the Twin Bias Spring Erector System provides unmatched stability, virtually eliminating backlash and stress on internal components for a riflescope built to last a lifetime.