Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Side Focus Riflescope
- Magnification Minimum: 3x
- Magnification Maximum: 15x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Mounting Type: Picatinny Mount
Last refreshed Jun 22, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A precise, American-made optic worth the spend for anyone who will actually use the custom-dial system it is built around.
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ASIN: B06XX1PMXHModel: VX-5HD 3-15x44Category: Rifle Scopes
More from this brandAll Leupold rifle scopesOverview
The Leupold VX-5HD 172368 is a 3-15x44 side-focus riflescope with an illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle and the CDS-ZL2 zero-locking elevation dial. It is built and machined in the USA for hunters who want a customizable dial matched to their own load's ballistics.
The CDS-ZL2 system is the real feature here: Leupold will laser-mark a bullet-drop dial to your specific ballistics, and the ZeroLock push-button prevents the turret from moving accidentally in the field. That level of customization plus a hydrophobic Guard-ion lens coating puts this squarely in premium territory, and buyers largely treat it that way, calling out the price as reasonable for what the glass delivers. One recurring gripe is that the windage turret does not click audibly, so dialing without looking takes practice.
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating
- Push-button ZeroLock elevation dial
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof housing
Who it's for
Fits hunters and long-range shooters who want a scope dialed to their exact load and are willing to pay Leupold's price for it. Overkill for anyone who only needs a basic hunting setup and does not plan to use the custom ballistic dial.
Pros and cons
- Crisp glass through full 15x magnification
- FireDot reticle performs well in low light
- Ballistics-matched CDS-ZL2 elevation dial
- Machined and assembled in the USA
- Windage turret has no audible click
- Neoprene cover missing for at least one buyer
- More scope than casual hunters need
Performance notes
The Guard-ion coating sheds water and dirt from the lens surface, which is what keeps the image clear in the field without constant wiping, and owners consistently describe the glass as crisp even at full 15x magnification. Side focus parallax adjustment lets you correct from typical shooting positions without breaking your cheek weld, and the FireDot illuminated reticle is tuned for low-light dawn and dusk hunts rather than daylight use. One hunter used the FireDot to make a clean shot on a fast-moving whitetail past 110 yards.
Specifications
| Brand | Leupold |
|---|---|
| Model | VX-5HD 3-15x44 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 40 mm |
| Item Weight | 1 poundlower than 69% of 238 rifle scopes |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Aluminum |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Mounting Type | Picatinny Mount |
| Compatible Devices | Rifle |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | Lifetime |
| Other details | |
| Magnification Minimum | 3x |
| Magnification Maximum | 15x |
| Night vision | No |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
| Item Type Name | Rifle Scope |
| Field Of View | 38.3 feet |
Closest rivals on specs
Frequently asked questions
What does CDS-ZL2 mean on the Leupold VX-5HD 172368?
It is Leupold's Custom Dial System with ZeroLock, letting you order an elevation dial laser-marked to your specific load while a push button prevents accidental turret movement.
Does the VX-5HD windage turret click when adjusted?
Owners report the windage turret lacks audible clicks, so you generally need to watch the dial rather than count clicks by feel.
Is the VX-5HD 172368 made in the USA?
Yes, Leupold states it is designed, machined and assembled in the USA.