Thread: New Scope - Leupold

So I have about $2000 in Fishing and Hunting vouchers and need to spend them. To be honest there isn't much that I need that I don't already have so have been thinking about putting it into a new scope. The one I've been looking at is a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 Firedot. Just interested to know if this would be a good all-round option? I hunt in the South Island in a mix of places. I'll probably start by putting it on my 6.5x55 with the intention of buying something a bit larger down the track. I currently use a Zeiss 3-9x40. It's been fine, but anything further than 200m looks a bit small ( my eyes aren't what they used to be ).

I'd appreciate thoughts. Thanks

Great choice, I mean there are other options, Burris, Zeiss in the same price bracket but the Leupold is not a bad choice by any means.

The leupold that you buy at nowdays price, will look like a bargain in 3 years times the way inflation is going.

Good choice, no need to go any bigger in the future, it will work just fine out a loooong ways.

Originally Posted by Wild Hunt

So I have about $2000 in Fishing and Hunting vouchers and need to spend them. To be honest there isn't much that I need that I don't already have so have been thinking about putting it into a new scope. The one I've been looking at is a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 Firedot. Just interested to know if this would be a good all-round option? I hunt in the South Island in a mix of places. I'll probably start by putting it on my 6.5x55 with the intention of buying something a bit larger down the track. I currently use a Zeiss 3-9x40. It's been fine, but anything further than 200m looks a bit small ( my eyes aren't what they used to be ).

I'd appreciate thoughts. Thanks

Personally would avoid Leupold, their scopes are certainly very light but that's got it's own downsides. Their 'warranty' is there for a reason- poor erector design and QC. They have come out with a new , Gen2 design of VX5HD in response (which has the same erector system but the dial off a VX6HD... )

A new Swarovski scope will have 30 years factory support, better glass + eye box and be just a tad heavier than a Leupold.

I still have one Leupold left (old 3-9x40 VXII) but won't have any more.

The VX5 is a great scope, Love my one!

Go Leupold....you will not regret it.

Have a look through both the Leupold and the Burris 3-15.

My eyes preferred the Leupold image was a tad brighter but cant justify 2x the price. Burris locking turrets were great and their warranty from what ive seen is sorted out either on the spot or within a matter of weeks. Same cant really be said with Leupold at times.

Guess im saying go look at a variety of glass and get what appeals to you

+1 for the VX5.

Originally Posted by Wild Hunt

So I have about $2000 in Fishing and Hunting vouchers and need to spend them. To be honest there isn't much that I need that I don't already have so have been thinking about putting it into a new scope. The one I've been looking at is a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 Firedot. Just interested to know if this would be a good all-round option? I hunt in the South Island in a mix of places. I'll probably start by putting it on my 6.5x55 with the intention of buying something a bit larger down the track. I currently use a Zeiss 3-9x40. It's been fine, but anything further than 200m looks a bit small ( my eyes aren't what they used to be ).

I'd appreciate thoughts. Thanks

Only thing to bear in mind when thinking about larger zooms, it really only improves what you can see in bright daylight, unless you also increase the objective size. So you might still find at dawn/dusk you need to back off the zoom to get a brighter image. But even an increase from 40 to 44mm lets in 20% more light, all else being equal.

What you are looking at seems pretty much spot on I reckon, from the selection available at H&F.

it would be my choice of zoom size, or even 12x max, but next time I upgrade I'll be looking for something similar with a 50mm objective i think. They start getting heavier though... its a shame their Twight Hunter is only in 3x range, a 3-12x or 3-15x would be spot on for me.

Come and have a look at a GPO.

Similar specs and saves you around 1k. Don't take H&F vouchers though

Have a good look at what Burris has as well. They are also very good in the warrantee front.
had an older 1.5-6 which developed an electrical fault. They replaced it no question.
XTR's or Signature line, Veracity or Veracity HD ranges
Z

Some people swear by them, personally I swear at them as every single Leupold I’ve owned has given problems or failed on me resulting in ruined trips.

I can’t understand why everyone seems to rave about the warranty Leupold offer yet are happy to overlook the fact that you shouldn’t need to use it in the first place.

Spend your vouchers on something worthwhile rather than overpriced junk.

I don't own a Leupold that cost me over $500.... And the only one I've had issues with was at least third hand to begin with and the dials had seized thirty years ago....and worked fine until a year ago. Sorted again,I anticipate another thirty years of trouble free usage. My spare scope is a kahles lol

Originally Posted by Pommy

Come and have a look at a GPO.

Similar specs and saves you around 1k. Don't take H&F vouchers though

That's my plan. Need to sell some stuff first to pay for it!