See why Brady is excited about this upgrade
When Leupold upgrades a scope line as beloved as the VX-5HD, every serious rifle hunter takes notice. The original VX-5HD earned its reputation for low-light clarity, bomb-proof construction, and intuitive controls, all in a trim, hunt-friendly package.
The new Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 keeps that proven DNA and stacks on practical refinements that matter in the field: faster zeroing, more travel, a cleaner dial interface, and a built-in throw lever to name a few. It’s the same trusted glass with meaningful upgrades you’ll notice from the first hunt.
Tool-free zeroing and dial swaps. Lift the lever, rotate, and lock. No tiny tools, no micro-Allen screws to drop in the grass or snow. That means faster, frustration-free adjustments in the field.
The dial will not move unless you press the button. This makes it accident-proof in the scabbard yet still glove-friendly. If the button is protruding, you’re on zero with no second-guessing.
The redesigned main tube offers noticeably more elevation and windage travel than the previous generation, giving hunters more flexibility for long shots and challenging wind calls. Turrets feature large, high-contrast digits for confident dialing in low light. Competition-grade precision adjustments are buttery smooth yet deliver crisp, positive clicks.
A built-in, low profile magnification lever stays glove-friendly, and moves smoothly. One-finger magnification changes now come standard with no need for aftermarket add-ons.
The Gen 1 was already excellent for dawn and dusk. Gen 2 delivers industry-leading light transmission, glare reduction, and edge-to-edge clarity. The Guard-Ion hydrophobic coating sheds water, oil, and debris so your view stays sharp in dynamic conditions.
Other noteworthy details include a removable illuminated-reticle cap with its own built-in tool for quick battery swaps and one free custom CDS dial matched to your exact load.
The VX-5HD Gen 2 is designed, machined, assembled, and tested in Beaverton, Oregon. It carries Leupold’s lifetime, transferable warranty with no receipt needed.
The Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 takes what already worked, including long travel, intuitive controls, excellent glass, and legendary build quality, and refines it. No tools required, more travel on tap, and ergonomics tuned for the hunter who actually lives behind their rifle.
If you’re after a premium hunting scope in 2025 that is still light enough for long miles, the VX-5HD Gen 2 belongs at the top of your shortlist. You can pick one up now in the GOHUNT Gear Shop and if you are an GOHUNT Insider earn Gear Shop rewards to use towards a new set of scope rings.
Tried it yet? Share your in-the-field experience below. Your feedback could help other hunter pick the right glass for their hunt.
Backcountry elk and mule deer hunters who want a sub-20 oz optic (all options below 50mm) that can still dial out to 600 yards.
Crossover competitors after a lightweight, NRL-Hunter set-up scope with repeatable, precise clicks.
Low-light whitetail hunters who want big objectives without jumping to the heavier VX-6 family.
Hard-use hunters who need optics built to withstand punishing recoil, hard knocks, and brutal backcountry conditions.
Model (5:1 Zoom) | 1-5×24 |
|---|---|
Objective | 24 mm |
Tube Diameter | 30 mm |
Field Use | Fast timber shots or dangerous-game scope. True 1× for both-eyes-open shooting. |
Model (5:1 Zoom) | 2-10×42 |
Objective | 42 mm |
Tube Diameter | 30 mm |
Field Use | Classic do-everything rifle optic. Compact but enough top-end for 400-yard work. |
Model (5:1 Zoom) | |
Objective | 44 mm |
Tube Diameter | 30 mm |
Field Use | Sweet spot for most mule deer and antelope hunts where you still hike hard. |
Model (5:1 Zoom) | 3-15×50 |
Objective | 50 mm |
Tube Diameter | 30 mm |
Field Use | Same versatility as above with more exit pupil for dawn and dusk glassing. |
Model (5:1 Zoom) | 3-15×56 |
Objective | 56 mm |
Tube Diameter | 30 mm |
Field Use | Maximum low-light intake for black bears over bait or whitetail stands. |
Model (5:1 Zoom) | |
Objective | 52 mm |
Tube Diameter | 34 mm |
Field Use | Long-range specialist. Bigger tube offers increased elevation adjustment, perfect for heavy-for-caliber bullets. |
Model (5:1 Zoom) | Objective | Tube Diameter | Field Use |
|---|---|---|---|
1-5×24 | 24 mm | 30 mm | Fast timber shots or dangerous-game scope. True 1× for both-eyes-open shooting. |
2-10×42 | 42 mm | 30 mm | Classic do-everything rifle optic. Compact but enough top-end for 400-yard work. |
44 mm | 30 mm | Sweet spot for most mule deer and antelope hunts where you still hike hard. | |
3-15×50 | 50 mm | 30 mm | Same versatility as above with more exit pupil for dawn and dusk glassing. |
3-15×56 | 56 mm | 30 mm | Maximum low-light intake for black bears over bait or whitetail stands. |
52 mm | 34 mm | Long-range specialist. Bigger tube offers increased elevation adjustment, perfect for heavy-for-caliber bullets. |
