Do you want to buy the best Leupold scope for low light? We have compiled some of the top recommended options to narrow your search.
The best times for hunting are usually dawn and dusk since most animals are active during this time. However, targeting is usually hard at this time since there is less natural light available.
You need to have a low-light scope to get rid of the difficulty. A low-light scope with excellent capabilities such as lens coating, quality, objective lens, and magnification will maximize your chances of success.
Knowing the best Leupold scope for low light can be challenging, as many models are available. That said, we have put together seven Leupold scopes perfect for dismal lighting.
There is also a guide that will give you more information to help you make the right choice. So, read on.
Best Leupold Scopes for Low Light
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is one of the best low-light scopes. Thanks to its durable construction, the scope promises many years of use. It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that balances weight and durability. You will love the waterproofing and fog-proofing capability, making 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 that brings images closer to you. 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, 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.
Highlights
- 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
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Another Leupold scope that will not let you down in low light is the VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9x40mm Riflescope. It is a top-notch scope that hosts a bevy of unique features. Firstly, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses to allow maximum light to pass through, leading to bright, sharp, and clear images. The lenses are, better yet, scratch-resistant, offering excellent abrasion resistance.
Regarding construction, the scope is solidly built as it is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that is lightweight and durable. This means it will not weigh you down yet withstand the harshest field conditions.
Additionally, the scope comes with a long eye relief that guarantees the safety of your eyebrows when there is recoil. It is nonetheless waterproof and fog-proof for reliability in all weather conditions.
It is worth noting that the 3-9x magnification range is ideal for targeting with an iron sight. The massive 40mm objective lens gathers optimal light allowing you to hit your target even in poor lighting situations. Combine that with the Twilight Light Management System; visibility will never be an issue.
Highlights
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
- Lightweight construction
- Twilight Light Management System
- A long eye relief
- Scratch-resistant lens
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- One-inch tube construction
- Versatile 3-9x magnification
3) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope is another recommended low-light scope. With this low light scope comes the smart sensor technology that works well with its illuminated reticle. It is beneficial to use.
The 3-15x magnification range helps you acquire your target without any doubt. If you are worried about visibility, remember that the scope has a high-quality, scratch-resistant lens that guarantees clear and bright images.
The lens coating is also excellent. To make it even better, the scope has a Twilight Max HD Light Management System that provides an extra 30 minutes of shooting light. As a result, you can hunt in dismal lighting situations with no issues. The scope is nonetheless waterproof and fog-proof. With this, hunting in bad weather conditions will be like a walk in the park.
Furthermore, the Custom Dial System ZeroLock (CDS-ZL2) feature permits customization of the hunting load and elevation adjustment based on your hunting requirements. All these features fully satisfy the crucial parts of a low-light scope.
Highlights
- A motion sensor technology
- The Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Generous eye box
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- Premium quality lens
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Matte finish
- 44mm objective lens
- A smart sensor technology
4) Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-6 7 -42x56mm Riflescope is the definition of the perfect riflescope for low-light settings. One exciting feature of this scope is the Xtended Twilight Lens System that maximizes light transmission in low light conditions allowing you to have a brighter picture of the target.
The scope is entirely waterproof and fogproof, ready to face whatever conditions in the field. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum for life-long use.
Another feature of this scope is the 6:1 zoom ratio that produces clear images throughout the magnification range. A generous eye box offers edge-to-edge brightness and an entire sight picture that covers the eyepiece wholly.
It is also worth mentioning that a fast-focus eyepiece helps in quick reticle focusing for rapid target acquisition. The eyepiece is cushioned by the alumina rubber eyepiece guard that shields you from recoil. It also shades the eyepiece and, as a result, enhances your comfort while viewing.
Highlights
- Completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Massive 56mm objective lens
- Made of high-quality aluminum
- Blackened Lens Edges minimize light diffusion
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Xtended Twilight Lens System
- Alumina rubber eyepiece cushions the eyepiece and enhances comfort
- It comes with a Lifetime Warranty
- 6:1 zoom ratio
5) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope is made with both left and right-handed users in mind, as it has an ambidextrous reversible throw lever that facilitates swift magnification changes. This can make a difference when time is not on your side as you hunt.
Like other high-quality scopes from Leupold, Leupold VX-6HD has the Twilight Light Management System that optimizes light transmission and reduces glare resulting in bright and clear images. Also, the scope has a twin-bias spring erector system that prevents unintended adjustments and guarantees a precise return to zero.
Regarding durability, it is crafted from solid aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and durability. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure reliable use even in bad weather conditions. The durability aspect of this scope ticks all the boxes of a standard low-light scope.
Another feature is great eye relief and generous eyebox essential for fast target acquisition. It is coated with a robust Guard-Ion rain shedding that resists scratches while shedding water and dirt.
Highlights
- Easy to use
- Motion sensor technology
- Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Zero Lock Windage Adjustment
- Long eye relief and a generous eye box
- 6:1 zoom ratio
- Made of robust aircraft-grade aluminum
- 30mm main tube
- Massive 50mm objective lens
- Ambidextrous reversible throw lever
See Also
- Best Vortex Scope for 308 Remington 700
- Best Vortex Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Best Marine Image Stabilized Binoculars
Criteria for Selecting The Best Leupold Scope for Low Light
Magnification
Magnification is crucial to avoid missing the target. Generally, the least magnification level that provides a crystal-clear image and a bright view is the best for your scope. High magnification can be a disadvantage as it shrinks your field of view, making it more difficult to spot a target. More magnification may be ideal when shooting smaller targets like rabbits, ducks, and geese.
Overall, ensure you get a proper magnification level that suits your needs.
Illuminated reticle
The reticle you select is instrumental in choosing the best low-light scope. A bright illuminated reticle is helpful in target acquisition when shooting in poor lighting environments. Illuminated reticles also have redefined how low-light rifles are used, thus being game-changers in the dark. The best-illuminated low-light reticle reduces the predator’s problem when hunting in a dismal light. It gives you safety and confidence in the field. That is why it is best to have a Leupold scope with an illuminated reticle for improved performance.
Picture quality
It is essential to look at the scope’s optical quality to ensure it produces clear images. While a clear picture depends entirely on the glass quality and the focal plane, the optic quality helps you get a crisp view during the day or at night.
Objective lens
The objective lens collects, retains, and provides light on a target to deliver the image you see through the scope. The objective lens of most scopes ranges from 32mm to 42mm, which is functional when you want to see most game. Awareness of the objective lens size and focal plane gives you a feel of how the scope will sit on the rifle. A scope with the appropriate glass or lens diameter ensures a consistent cheek and an easy and fast eye alignment.
Daylight conditions
While focusing on low light conditions, ensuring the scope still works well in the daytime is crucial. This is a more common problem, so it is vital to ensure that you settle for a suitable model.
Advantages of the Best Leupold Scope for Low Light
Good glass quality
The scopes have durable glass to endure abuse and produce a clear target view.
Solid construction
The scopes are made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum and guarantee many years of reliable use.
All-weather reliability
The scopes have waterproof and fog-proof properties, making them suitable even in bad weather conditions.
Variable magnification
Most scopes have excellent adjustable magnification, making them ideal for various distances and shooting applications.
Disadvantages of Leupold scopes for low light
Daytime shooting
Some scopes do not perform so well in the daytime.
See Also
FAQs on the Best Leupold Scope for Low Light
1) What is a low light scope?
A low light scope is designed to provide the best possible performance at dawn or dusk and when night hunting when the moon and stars are the only light sources.
2) Is it a must to have a low-light scope?
Yes. A low-light scope is necessary to shoot or hunt in low-light settings. A low light scope provides better views allowing you to hit directly at your target without missing, just like in bright lighting situations. In addition, seeing optimally helps you to shoot effectively and responsibly. It also helps you hit your target effortlessly and with precision.
3) Is an illuminated reticle necessary?
No, an illuminated reticle is not necessary. However, it is a great feature, particularly when hunting in the shadows.
Conclusion
Every skilled shooter requires the best low-light scope, and understanding this, Leupold has developed a number of them.
The Leupold scopes reviewed in this article are worth your money as they have the best features requisite for low light. Going through the guide will make choosing a model that best suits your needs easy.
See Also