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10 Best Leupold Spotting Scopes 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm Spotting Scope, TMR Reticle

Magnification: 12-40x
Objective Lens Diameter: 60 mm
Lens Coating: DiamondCoat 2
Waterproof and Fogproof: Fully waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 3.2 pounds

Chosen by 1395 this week

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 20-60x85mm Angled

Magnification: 20-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 85mm
Lens Coating: high-quality coatings
Waterproof and Fogproof: waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 7 Pounds

Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope, TMR Reticle

Magnification: 20-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 80mm
Lens Coating: DiamondCoat 2
Waterproof and Fogproof: Yes
Weight and Portability: 4 pounds

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80 Angled (185605)

Magnification: 27-55x
Objective Lens Diameter: 80mm
Eye Relief: generous
Lens Coating: DiamondCoat 2
Waterproof and Fogproof: 100% waterproof, fog and shockproof
Weight and Portability: 68.7 ounces

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 15-45x65mm Angled

Magnification: 15-45x
Objective Lens Diameter: 65mm
Lens Coating: lens coatings
Waterproof and Fogproof: waterproof, fogproof
Weight and Portability: 5 Pounds

Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Gen 2 20-60x80mm Angled

Magnification: 20 to 60 times
Objective Lens Diameter: 80 mm
Field of View: 102 feet
Waterproof and Fogproof: Waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 67 ounces

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope - Strait Eyepiece

Magnification: 20-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
Lens Coating: DiamondCoat 2
Waterproof and Fogproof: Fully waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 4.29 lbs

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Spotting Scope - Strait Eyepiece

Magnification: 27x to 55x
Objective Lens Diameter: 80mm
Waterproof and Fogproof: 100% waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 55 ounces

Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Gen 2 20-60x60mm Angled

Magnification: 20x to 60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 60 mm
Lens Coating: coatings reduce glare and improve brightness
Waterproof and Fogproof: waterproof and fogproof
Weight and Portability: 3.8 pounds

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 15-45x65mm Spotting Scope - Angled Eyepiece

Magnification: 15-45x
Objective Lens Diameter: 65mm
Lens Coating: DiamondCoat 2
Waterproof and Fogproof: Yes
Weight and Portability: 4.08 kg
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm Spotting Scope, TMR Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,395
Weight and Portability

Most important from
12 reviews

Weight and Portability
The protective canvas cover is a thoughtful addition, allowing it to stay on during use and adding to the overall durability.

The Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm Spotting Scope is designed for serious users who need reliable optics, such as hunters or outdoor enthusiasts. Its magnification range from 12x to 40x offers versatile viewing options, making it suitable for both medium and long-distance spotting. The 60mm objective lens collects a good amount of light, which, combined with Leupold's DiamondCoat 2 lens coating, enhances clarity and reduces glare even in challenging lighting.

The spotting scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, which is essential for use in various weather conditions, so you won't have to worry about moisture affecting your view. The magnesium housing adds durability while keeping the scope relatively lightweight at about 3.2 pounds, making it fairly portable though a bit heavier than some compact models. The TMR reticle is a tactical milling reticle, which is helpful for precise range estimation, especially in hunting or target shooting scenarios.

Some users may find the weight on the heavier side for all-day carry. This robust, high-quality scope balances power, durability, and optical performance, making it ideal for those who want a dependable spotting scope for serious outdoor use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,395
Weight and Portability

Most important from
12 reviews

Weight and Portability
The protective canvas cover is a thoughtful addition, allowing it to stay on during use and adding to the overall durability.
#2

Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 20-60x85mm Angled

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Weight and Portability

Most important from
8 reviews

Magnification
The spotting scope delivers exceptional edge-to-edge resolution across all magnification levels, making detailed viewing a pleasure.
Weight and Portability
Mounting the scope on a high-quality tripod significantly improves stability and viewing comfort, especially given its weight.

The Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 20-60x85mm Angled spotting scope is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a versatile and durable optic. It offers a powerful magnification range from 20x to 60x, which is excellent for detailed viewing over long distances, such as birdwatching, hunting, or target spotting. The large 85mm objective lens allows plenty of light to enter, helping to deliver bright and clear images even in low light conditions like dawn or dusk.

Leupold scopes generally provide comfortable viewing with good eye relief, reducing eye strain during extended use. The scope's lenses feature high-quality coatings that improve image clarity and reduce glare. A key strength is its rugged aluminum body, which makes it waterproof and fogproof—important for reliability in harsh weather conditions. At 7 pounds, it is on the heavier side, so portability might be a concern if carried all day without a sturdy tripod or support.

The angled eyepiece design is great for comfortable viewing angles, especially when observing from low positions or during extended sessions. Leupold backs this scope with a lifetime warranty, demonstrating confidence in its durability and performance. Although the price might be higher than entry-level scopes, those seeking superior optics and build quality will find this model worth the investment.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Weight and Portability

Most important from
8 reviews

Magnification
The spotting scope delivers exceptional edge-to-edge resolution across all magnification levels, making detailed viewing a pleasure.
Weight and Portability
Mounting the scope on a high-quality tripod significantly improves stability and viewing comfort, especially given its weight.
#3

Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope, TMR Reticle

Rating
9.7
Magnification

Most important from
8 reviews

Magnification
The magnification at 60x is excellent, and the TMR reticle is highly recommended for precise aiming.

The Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope stands out as a robust option for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking for high-quality optics. With its impressive magnification range of 20-60x, it allows for detailed observation at various distances, making it ideal for spotting game from afar. The 80mm objective lens diameter enhances light-gathering capabilities, especially in low-light conditions, paired with the Twilight Max Light Management System that offers up to 10 extra minutes of visibility during dawn or dusk. This feature can be a game changer for those who hunt during early or late hours.

One of its key strengths is the DiamondCoat 2 lens coating, which not only boosts light transmission but also provides excellent durability against scratches and abrasions. Additionally, the BAK 4 prisms contribute to a bright, clear image with minimal distortion, ensuring that you can identify targets accurately.

The scope weighs in at 4 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for those looking for complete portability. While it is designed to be waterproof and fogproof, which is crucial for outdoor usage, its larger size may affect ease of transport. The TMR Reticle can be beneficial for precise aiming, but may not suit every user's preference. The Leupold Mark 4 is a strong contender for serious hunters who prioritize optical performance and durability, although those seeking a lighter scope might need to explore other options.

Rating
9.7
Magnification

Most important from
8 reviews

Magnification
The magnification at 60x is excellent, and the TMR reticle is highly recommended for precise aiming.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Spotting Scopes

When choosing a Leupold spotting scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best model for your needs. Spotting scopes are used for a variety of activities such as bird watching, hunting, and target shooting, so understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specifications to consider and how to navigate them.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer an object appears through the spotting scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how much detail you can see at a distance. Spotting scopes typically have variable magnification, such as 20-60x. Lower magnification (20-30x) provides a wider field of view and is easier to use for scanning large areas, while higher magnification (40-60x) allows you to see finer details but may require a tripod for stability. Choose a magnification range based on your primary use; for bird watching, lower magnification is often sufficient, while for target shooting, higher magnification may be necessary.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the spotting scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (60-80mm) gather more light, providing brighter and clearer images, especially in low-light conditions. However, they also make the scope heavier and bulkier. If you plan to use the scope in various lighting conditions or need high image quality, opt for a larger objective lens. For portability and ease of use, a smaller lens may be more suitable.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the spotting scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the landscape, making it easier to locate and track moving objects. This is particularly important for activities like bird watching or observing wildlife. FOV decreases as magnification increases, so if you need to scan large areas, look for a scope with a wider FOV at lower magnifications. For detailed observation, a narrower FOV at higher magnifications may be acceptable.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece lens where you can still see the full field of view. This is crucial for comfort, especially if you wear glasses. Longer eye relief (15-20mm) allows you to see the entire image without having to press your eye close to the eyepiece, which can be more comfortable during extended use. If you wear glasses, look for a spotting scope with longer eye relief to ensure you can use it comfortably.
Lens CoatingLens coating refers to the special coatings applied to the lenses to reduce glare and improve light transmission, resulting in clearer and brighter images. There are different types of coatings, such as fully coated, multi-coated, and fully multi-coated. Fully multi-coated lenses provide the best performance by maximizing light transmission and reducing reflections. If image quality is a priority, choose a spotting scope with fully multi-coated lenses. For casual use, other coatings may be sufficient.
Waterproof and FogproofWaterproof and fogproof features ensure that the spotting scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent internal fogging due to temperature changes. This is important for outdoor use, as it ensures the scope remains functional and provides clear images regardless of the environment. Look for scopes that are nitrogen or argon purged and have O-ring seals to ensure they are waterproof and fogproof. If you plan to use the scope in various weather conditions, these features are essential.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are important considerations, especially if you plan to carry the spotting scope over long distances or use it in the field. Heavier scopes with larger objective lenses provide better image quality but can be cumbersome to transport. Lighter, more compact scopes are easier to carry but may sacrifice some image quality. Consider how you will use the scope and choose a model that balances image quality with portability based on your needs.

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