Leupold 2.5-8x36 VX-3HD Riflescope, Matte Black with Second Focal Plane Duplex Reticle, ZL Custom Dial System, 1" Tube

SKU: LD180616 MFR: 180616
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Key Features

  • Experience crystal-clear views with this Leupold riflescope's superior image clarity.
  • The versatile 2.5-8x magnification power is perfect for a variety of hunting scenarios.
  • Built for rugged use, this Leupold VX-3HD riflescope offers exceptional durability.
  • The Duplex reticle on the second focal plane provides a clear and precise aiming point.
  • Customize your shots with the CDS-ZL system for accurate turret adjustments on the fly.
  • Enjoy comfortable shooting with generous eye relief, even during extended use in the field.
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Special Order?Estimated to Ship: 12/10/2025
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Questions & Answers

FAQ

What is the zoom ratio of the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope?

The VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope has a 3:1 zoom ratio. This means it offers three times more magnification at high power than at low power, allowing you to adjust for close encounters or long-range shots.

What is the Leupold's Elite Optical System?

Leupold's Elite Optical System is a feature in the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope that ensures superior light transmission from dawn to dusk, providing a bright, clear image when you need it most. It also offers elite-level glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that dedicated hunters and shooters require.

What is the purpose of the CDS ZeroLock dial in the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope?

The CDS ZeroLock dial in the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope is designed to ensure your settings remain secure, only moving when you want them to. You can simply push the button to unlock, adjust, and then rotate back to zero to lock it in place.

What materials are used in the construction of the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope?

The VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope is constructed with high-definition, calcium-fluoride lenses that ensure incredible clarity at all magnification levels. The lenses are also scratch-resistant. The housing of the riflescope is made from lightweight, durable aluminum.

What is the second focal plane duplex reticle in the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope?

The second focal plane duplex reticle in the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope is a feature invented by Leupold in 1962. It is defined by heavy posts that stand out against cover in low light, providing quick target acquisition with thin lines at the center. This is the most popular reticle in the world.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2025-11-14T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Exactly what I wanted for

Exactly what I wanted for hunting in southwest Washington. It's lightweight, crystal clear, and the magnification range is good for hunting in tight forests but also has the ability to reach across the clearcuts.

Matthew P.

2025-11-13T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I love a low powered

I love a low powered scope . I hunt in the north woods of northern Wisconsin where an 80 yard shot is a long one . A lot of shots are 50 to 60 yards . Lower power means no over magnification of small branches . It also makes it very easy to find the deer in the scope quickly . It is replacing a 50 year old 1. 75 x 5 scope or a different manufacturer . And clarity now days is superior to my 50 year old scope . It's going on a 1962 Winchester model 100 .

Rick W.

2025-11-11T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

One of the best scope

One of the best scope I have.

James B.

2025-11-10T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

There is no better equipment

There is no better equipment than Leopold. I have been purchasing products for over 50 years and used the product for law-enforcement for 25 years.

Richard A.

2025-11-06T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Best scope in the game

Best scope in the game

Anthony C.

2025-11-06T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

VX-3HD 4. 5-14x50 CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot

VX-3HD 4. 5-14x50 CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter. Work awesome, great scope for day and night in low light conditions

Tanh N.

2025-11-04T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Put this on my wifes

Put this on my wifes Ruger SFAR and she loves it. The clarity and usability for her is perfect!

Randy O.

2025-11-01T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very nice, clear optic for

Very nice, clear optic for the price!

Ernie W.

2025-11-01T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very good scope.

Very good scope.

Bruce F.

2025-10-30T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The Ultimate Workhorse: Bright and Light

As a hunter who spends most of my time in the Midwest woods and farm fringes, this VX-3HD 3. 5-10x40 is absolutely perfect. The 10x top end is plenty for any shot I'm ethically taking, and the low-light performance is what really makes this scope shine. That HD clarity gives me crucial extra minutes at dusk and dawn, and the edge-to-edge sharpness is incredible. It's also super light, which is a blessing when you're packing gear. The CDS dial is the feature that sold me, though. Once you get that custom turret sighted in for your load, there's no more guessing on holdover. It's a simple, fast dial-and-shoot system that gives me total confidence whether the shot is 50 yards or 300. It's rugged, reliable, and simply the best scope I've ever mounted. Highly recommend.

Randy

2025-10-28T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Incredible value and feature-packed! I

Incredible value and feature-packed! I love these VX-3HD optics, from the 30mm main tube to the CDS turret, fast focus eyepiece, and the firedot reticle for those shots at first and last light.

Vic Z.

2025-10-26T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Fine scope

Fine scope

Boyce Y.

2025-10-26T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

This scope checks so many

This scope checks so many boxes! It was easy to mount and boresight, great low light clarity and daedly accurate. I would HIGHLY recommend this as a low-mid priced optic.

Kevin W.

2025-10-26T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Currently mounted on a Tikka

Currently mounted on a Tikka 7 Rem. Mag. Was easy to zero and has worked flawlessly thus far this season in both good and bad weather.

Shannon W.

2025-10-22T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Pretty darn clear!

Pretty darn clear!

Bill P.

2025-10-22T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Love it! Nothing to complain

Love it! Nothing to complain about! Perfect for my rifle!!!

John C.

2025-10-21T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very clear and easy to

Very clear and easy to use.

Chad S.

2025-10-20T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very clear glass. It's my

Very clear glass. It's my favorite scope so far specially at the price point.

Jossue L.

2025-10-20T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very thankful for you guys!

Very thankful for you guys!

Robert C.

2025-10-16T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I put this Scope on

I put this Scope on my 7mm-prc and I could not be happier with it. I sent Leopold all my information about my gun and they quickly sent me back my CDS dial and I am easily making 800 plus yard shots without hesitation. For the price you can't beat this scope.

Slade M.

2025-10-16T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

I really like my VX-3HD

I really like my VX-3HD the only drawback is the scope lacks side focus, which would be a really nice feature for them to add. I look forward to using it this season.

James W.

2025-10-12T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The size and weight are

The size and weight are the selling points here. It has great glass too. My only small issue is the reticle lines are much thicker than I'm used to. But I'm sure that's a personal issue.

Kyle M.

2025-10-11T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good glass. Good eye box.

Good glass. Good eye box. Like the zero stop. Good turret clicks. Reticle lines are too thick. Please revisit all your reticles. Picking a scope in the VX3 line is tough because they are all a compromising decision for which reticle is the least worst.

Ryan B.

2025-10-10T20:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Horrible Scopes Bought New 3hd and 3hd twightlight

bought the 3hd 3. 5-10-50 and the 3. 5-10-50 twightlight hunter and they are junk out of the box . Went to the range to zero them and both were shooting 6-8 inches low and they would not adjust up. Took them off the guns and remounted them using a picatinny rail and rings and still the same problem and I did bore sight both using a laser and both were low. I have returned both to Leupold so I will see what happens when I get them back. I have owned over 10 Leupold scopes over the years and never had a problem so it has to be this new CDS system they are using.

CLARENCE M.

2025-10-10T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I bought the VX-3HD to

I bought the VX-3HD to put on my Smith-Corona Springfield 1903A#, which seemed extremely accurate for a 1903A33, and I was not disappointed. Accuracy went from really good to phenomenal! I had a custom CDS dial made for it, and shooting at 100, yards, then an immediate change to 200, immediate change to 300, and then an immediate change to 425 yards became ridiculously easy. V/r, WA Rogers LTC, JAGC, AUS (ret. )

William R.

2025-10-10T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Luneta fenomenal!

Esperei 3 anos para conseguir importar para o Brasil um rifle Ruger American e uma leupold vx3 Firedot, comecei a importação em 2022 e só em setembro deste ano de 2025, consegui toda documentação para poder buscar meu rifle e essa semana tive a má sorte de na hora de instalar a leupold vx3 firedot número de série 148649AL ela cair e quebrar o bocal de saída. Agora vou juntar dinheiro novamente e espero pode comprar outra daqui uns anos, pois aqui no Brasil sabemos a qualidade e perfeição de uma leupold!!!!

José n.

2025-10-10T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Clarity and accuracy are the

Clarity and accuracy are the best!

Richard B.

2025-10-06T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Everything I wanted out of

Everything I wanted out of this scope. Look forward to using it this fall.

Jesse K.

2025-10-05T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I mounted one of the

I mounted one of the VX-3HD 6. 5-20x40 on a CZ 457 Royal 22 lr and the other on a CZ 457 Varmint 17 HMR. I have not finished setting up the 17HMR. These are both what I was looking for. I have several other Leupolds. I have tried others but always come back to Leupold.

Donald P.

2025-09-30T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I have many of these

I have many of these scopes on my distance rifles. In my opinion it is the best scope on the market at a affordable price point. Leupold quality and American made.

Joe B.

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Leupold VX-3HD Specifications

  • Color

    Matte Black

  • Adjustable Objective

    No

  • Side Focus

    No

  • Reticle Focal Plane

    Second Focal Plane

  • Elevation Adjustment Type

    CDS-ZL

  • Locking Dial

    Yes

  • Revolution Indicator

    No

  • Rezero Type

    Set Screw

  • Windage Adjustment Type

    Finger Click

  • Custom Dial System (CDS)

    Yes

  • BDC Dial Included

    No

  • Reticle Type

    Second Focal Plane

  • Reticle

    Duplex

  • Magnification Type

    Variable

  • Illuminated

    No

  • Nightvision Compatible Illumination

    No

  • Daylight Bright Illumination

    No

  • Motion Sensor Technology (MST)

    No

  • Electronic Reticle Level

    No

  • Guard-ion Lens Coating

    No

  • Adjustment Value per Click

    Elevation: 1/4MOA
    Windage: 1/4MOA

  • Adjustment Range (MOA)

    Elevation: 70
    Windage: 70

  • Adjustment Range (MIL)

    Elevation: 20.4
    Windage: 20.4

  • Adjustment Range (@ 100m)

    Elevation: 80" (203.6cm)
    Windage: 80" (203.6cm)

  • Adjustment Per Revolution

    Elevation: 15 MOA
    Windage: 15 MOA

  • Elevation Dial Travel Limit

    14.5MOA

  • Magnification

    2.5-8x

  • Objective Lens Diameter

    36mm

  • Linear FOV (@100yds)

    Low Mag: 37.5' (11.4m)
    High Mag: 13.7' (4.2m)

  • Angular FOV

    Low Mag: 7.2 Degree
    High Mag: 2.6 Degree

  • Eye Relief

    Low Mag: 4.4" (112mm)
    High Mag: 3.6" (91mm)

  • Fixed Parallax-Free Distance (yd)

    150 Yards

  • Maintube Diameter

    1" (25.4mm)

  • Length

    11.42" (290mm)

  • Weight

    11.9 oz (337g)

  • UPC Code

    030317028541

About Leupold VX-3HD

FEATURED REVIEWS

VX-3HD 1-5-5 Twilight (30mm) - Perfect Short Range Hunting Scope

By Chris G.

I waited patiently for these to become available and grabbed one as soon as they were in stock. This scope replaced a Steiner PX4i 1-4 on my 450 Bushmaster deer rifle and it checks all the boxes. The Steiner was an awesome scope, but this one is clearer, brighter, lighter, and just as rugged - without a cluttered/busy reticle. I love the duplex width and the Firedot is just what I need for those last minute shots. The distances I shoot don?t require dialing the elevation turret, but the ZL w...

View full Review

Leupold VX3 HD 4.5-14 Side Focus Riflescope

By Randy H.

Great glass with side adjustment providing shooter with exceptional clarity. Power adjustment is smooth and gives enough range for hunting wood lots in the East to the wide open expanses of the West. CDS dial allows easy ranging of distance without holdover. Leupold optics have always served me very well in my hunting and shooting endeavors.

Bring your hunting and shooting experience to the next level with the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope, a matte black marvel of optical technology. This high-performance riflescope, renowned for its extreme clarity and legendary performance, is an ideal companion for timber hunting and mid-range shots.

Crafted with Leupold's Elite Optical System, the VX-3HD Riflescope ensures superior light transmission from dawn to dusk, providing a bright, clear image when you need it most. This system also offers elite-level glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that dedicated hunters and shooters require.

Designed with user-friendly features, the VX-3HD Riflescope boasts match-grade repeatability and ergonomic controls that are easy to read and use, even with gloves on. The low-profile, one-revolution CDS ZeroLock dial ensures your settings remain secure, only moving when you want them to. Simply push the button to unlock, adjust, and then rotate back to zero to lock it in place.

The 3:1 zoom ratio, common in many scope models, offers three times more magnification at high power than at low power. This allows you to adjust your power for close encounters or dial it up for long-range shots.

The riflescope is also compatible with Leupold's Custom Dial System (CDS), allowing you to customize your turret to your exact ballistics and environmental conditions. Once your custom dial is installed, simply range the target, turn the dial to that number, and aim with precision.

Constructed with high-definition, calcium-fluoride lenses, the VX-3HD Riflescope ensures incredible clarity at all magnification levels. The lenses are also scratch-resistant, meeting extreme military standards for added protection.

The lightweight aluminum housing offers excellent durability and ruggedness without adding unnecessary weight. The lockable eyepiece allows you to lock in a focus setting that is best for your eye, while the reversible throw lever clamps onto specific power-selector rings, making quick magnification changes a breeze.

The VX-3HD Riflescope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thanks to Leupold's pioneering technology. It uses advanced internal gasses and sealing methods that withstand extreme temperatures, elevation changes, and shocks, ensuring the internals of the optics stay moisture-free and crystal clear for life.

The second focal plane duplex reticle, invented by Leupold in 1962, is defined by heavy posts that stand out against cover in low light, providing quick target acquisition with thin lines at the center. This is the most popular reticle in the world, and it's included in your VX-3HD Riflescope.

Like all Leupold riflescopes, the VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA and guaranteed for life. This riflescope is not just a tool, but a game-changer, designed to help you succeed in your hunting and shooting endeavors.

Leupold VX-3HD Features

  • 3:1 Zoom Ratio
  • Custom Dial System Compatible
  • Zero Lock Dial
  • High Definition
  • Scratch Resistant Lenses
  • Lightweight Aluminum Housing
  • Elite Optical System
  • Lockable Eyepiece
  • Reversible Throw Lever
  • Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof

Warranty Information

This product has a limited lifetime warranty.

Key Features

  • Experience crystal-clear views with this Leupold riflescope's superior image clarity.
  • The versatile 2.5-8x magnification power is perfect for a variety of hunting scenarios.
  • Built for rugged use, this Leupold VX-3HD riflescope offers exceptional durability.
  • The Duplex reticle on the second focal plane provides a clear and precise aiming point.
  • Customize your shots with the CDS-ZL system for accurate turret adjustments on the fly.
  • Enjoy comfortable shooting with generous eye relief, even during extended use in the field.

What's in the box:

  • Leupold 2.5-8x36 VX-3HD Riflescope (Matte Black)
  • Leupold Lifetime Limited Warranty