Getting the best Leupold scope for low light is one of the best decisions you will make if you are looking for low-light riflescopes.
Many successful hunting expeditions take place at dawn or dusk, there are also times when you might hunt in low light due to weather conditions hence the need for a low light scope.
Choosing a Leupold scope for low light conditions brings to the table versatility, illuminated reticles, durability, and weatherproof performance among other advantages.
Best Leupold Scope for Low Light-Our Top Picks
| 1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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| 2. Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope
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| 3. Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope
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| 4. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
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| 5. Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Rifle Scope
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| 6. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
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| 7. Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Rifle Scope
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Now let’s look at each comprehensively
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is everything a rifle scope should be: dependable, accurate, and bright. Leupold has combined decades of American manufacturing with unrivaled optical performance to create a scope that is guaranteed to do the job every time.
The Huntplex reticle, along with the 3:1 Zoom ratio and the ability to deliver rugged performance and usability in all shooting conditions, distinguish the Leupold VX freedom 3-9×40.
Leupold Twilight Light Management System makes the scope one of the best for low light conditions, the technology is designed to reduce glare and improve image quality.
This scope is made of aircraft-grade aluminum 6061-T6, making it light and durable. It has been punisher tested to ensure a lifetime of performance under the most severe recoil force.
Windage and elevation are fine-tuned with 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments. This design aids in automating repeatability and dependability through the continuous use of the scope.
It has quality-rated Scratch-Resistant Lenses technology on the lenses to ensure their surfaces are scratch resistant with a high standard measure of military standard extreme abrasion specification.
It has a sleek matte finish that is intended to make the scope last a lifetime of use, in addition to the highly tested 100 percent waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance.
Features
- Zoom Ratio of 3:1
- 1/4 MOA clicks
- Absolute waterproofing and fog proofing.
- One-inch durable and compact tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum 6061-T6 construction
- Lenses are scratch-resistant.
- Twilight Light Management System
Pros
- 100% waterproof, fogproof
- The reticle is easy to aim in low-light conditions
- Best in class glare reduction even in the harshest light
- Rugged and lightweight riflescope
Cons
- Not illuminated
- No side focus
Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope
This Leupold Riflescope is very popular among hunters who prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, when deer, mules, and other large game animals are most active.
The lightweight scope features a 30mm aircraft aluminum main scope tube and a matte black finish that gives it a strong and attractive appearance.
Blackened edge lenses from Leupold reduce diffusion and glare for better visibility through the glass, resulting in improved lens contrast and resolution.
On the exterior lens surfaces of this Leupold riflescope, DiamondCoat 2 lens coating provides the highest level of abrasion resistance as well as more light transmission.
This Leupold scope is tough and delivers 100 percent water, fog, and shockproof performance, as well as being punisher tested to ensure a lifetime of performance even under the most severe recoil.
The Leupold riflescope line excels in all lighting conditions, whether it’s clarity, resolution, brightness, contrast, or color (especially in low light conditions).
Features
- Long Range Precision (LRP) Target Adjustment
- Waterproof & Fogproof
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Lightweight design
- Parallax Free
- Field of View, Linear: 7.6 – 19 ft at 100 yds
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 11 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 4.5 in
Pros
- Side Focus
- Completely waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch-Resistant Lenses
- Ultra-Lightweight Design
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope
With precise 1/4 MOA elevation and windage adjustments, this Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope provides a high level of dependability and repeatability.
The scope’s optical system has been optimized for optimal performance in low-light situations. It has a Twilight Light Management System and a large 40mm objective, allowing you to use it in both daylight and low light conditions.
The exposed turret dials are specifically designed for the.450 Bushmaster and they feature a 1/4 MOA point correction and 60 elevation and windage adjustments.
The riflescope is equipped with a duplex crosshair reticle in the second focal plane, according to the manufacturer. The wide outer posts are ideal for larger game, while the thin center hairs allow for much more precision when shooting smaller targets.
This scope has a one-inch main tube made of a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy. It’s also filled with nitrogen gas, which makes it waterproof and fog-proof in bad weather.
The exterior of the riflescope is coated with a scratch and corrosion-resistant coating to prevent reflections from revealing your game’s hiding spot.
The highly adaptable 3:1 zoom ratio erector system is ideal for almost any application. In different lighting conditions, you can clearly see distant objects. With high integrity levels, the riflescope is built to last a lifetime under any conditions.
Features
- Designed to withstand the toughest conditions
- Duplex reticle
- ZeroStop system
- Unparalleled low light performance
- 1 inch in diameter
- Ring attachment
- Scratch-resistant lenses
Pros
- Best-in-class glare reduction in low and harsh light conditions
- The Duplex reticle features hin lines at the center for quick target acquisition
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is built for everything. With a magnification range of 3-15, you can make the most of any situation. Adjust the power to three for thick timber hunting, 15 for a trek across the open plains, or anywhere in between during your range days.
The VX-5HD 3-15×44 can handle them all. Leupold’s Guard-ion lens coating sheds water and dirt, keeping your target clear even when the weather isn’t, and Leupold’s Twilight Max HD light management system delivers the most usable light to your eye for unrivaled low-light performance and clarity.
You’ll have the confidence to take long-range shots without worrying about holdovers thanks to the two-turn CDS ZeroLock 2 adjustment
Take this riflescope out for a day and you’ll quickly realize it’s the lightest, most rugged 5:1 riflescope in its class that will never let you down.
Features
- Large Eyebox
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating
- Twin Bias Spring Erector System
- BAS is a feature (Ballistic Aiming System)
- Uses MST (Motion Sensor Technology)
- Ring Attachment
- Aluminum 6061-T6 aircraft grade with a 30mm main tube
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating is present
- Zero Lock Adjustment with Revolution Indicator CDS-ZL2
- 5:1 Zoom ratio
- Windage Adjustment for Rezero
Pros
- 100% Waterproof and Fog Proof
- Unparalleled low light performance
- Side focus parallax adjustment for a clear reticle and reduced reticle movement when shooting in different ranges
- Blackened Lens Edges for superior optical performance
- Features a Fast-Focus Eyepiece for a wide field of view, a larger eye box, and optimal diopter adjustment
- Extended battery life
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating
Cons
- No Adjustable Objective
Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Rifle Scope
The VX-6 7-42x56mm scope is developed to deliver incredible precision at extreme distances. The scope features a TMOA Plus reticle and one of the widest fields of view.
Featuring an open center, users will easily locate and engage targets when shots extend out to incredible distances. Its 34 mm main tube provides unrivaled windage and elevation adjustment travel.
With the Fast-Focus eyepiece, this scope quickly brings the reticle into focus when needed. At high power, its rear focal plane reticles remain fine and cover the target minimally.
The scope also features extreme Military-Standard scratch resistance for added protection.
With its ultra-lightweight and strong construction, this scope disperses recoil energy for unrivaled durability and performance. Its powerful 6:1 zoom ratio provides a wide magnification range for excellent versatility in a variety of settings.
The VX-6, with its industry-leading glare reduction and Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, provides a clear image in harsh, direct light, while the resolution and clarity will meet the demands of any professional shooter in the field.
The VX-6 is fog-proof and waterproof, and like all Leupold riflescopes, it’s designed, machined, and assembled in the United States, with a lifetime warranty.
It can handle any challenge you throw at it thanks to its unique combination of features, durability, and professional-grade optical performance.
Features
- A powerful zoom ratio of 6:1
- Alumina Rubber Eyepiece Guard with Fast-Focus Eyepiece
- Main tube: 34 mm
- Reticles with a rear focal plane (RFP)
- The design is ultra-lightweight.
- Extreme scratch resistance to military standards
- Fogproof and waterproof
Pros
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Leupold’s Elite Optical System for the best dawn-to-dusk performance and light transmission
- Side focus parallax adjustment for a clear reticle and reduced reticle movement when shooting in different ranges
- Leupold’s Custom Dial System for turret customization
- Guard-ion lens coating to shed dirt and water for clarity in the images
Cons
- Not illuminated
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
The VX-6HD 3-18x50mm might be the ultimate all-around scope. Edge-to-edge clarity on the 3-18 power ensures exceptional brightness, color consistency, and resolution. The scope is one of the most versatile Leupold riflescopes ever made, thanks to its wide zoom range and cutting-edge technology which includes an in-scope electronic reticle level, CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock elevation dial, and removable throw lever.
When time is of the essence on a hunt, the ambidextrous reversible throw lever provides leverage for quick magnification changes, which can make all the difference.
The twin bias spring erector system prevents accidental adjustments and ensures a precise return to zero every time.
The scope is built on Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which offers unrivaled light transmission and is designed to perform in even the most challenging lighting conditions.
Its glare reduction is industry-leading, ensuring a clear image in harsh, direct light, and its resolution and clarity will satisfy the needs of any professional guide or shooter in the field.
It is completely waterproof and fog-proof. It can handle any challenge you throw at it thanks to its unique combination of features, durability, and elite optical performance.
Features
- The 6:1 zoom ratio is ideal for a wide range of applications
- Lightweight and compact
- 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum construction
- Proprietary MST (Motion Sensor Technology)
- One button brightness control
- The Twilight Light Management system reduces glare
- Quick focus Eyepiece
- Reversible Throw Lever
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Guard-Ion rain shedding coating
Pros
- Illuminated Reticle for lowlight conditions
- Unmatched light transmission thanks to the Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical Systemfor
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Motion Sensor Technology deactivates the illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity
- Unparalleled low light performance
- The in-scope electronic level improves long-range accuracy and makes mounting easy
Cons
- No Adjustable Objective
Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Riflescope
The FX-II Ultralight riflescope is a small and compact scope with fully multi-coating that helps to improve the scope’s vision. Overall, the lens is fantastic.
The light management system is one of the best features of the scope. It’s a patented system that collects more light than traditional scopes. As a result, it performs exceptionally well in low light.
The FX-II Ultralight is based on Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, which provides tried and true light transmission, best-in-class glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that recreational sportsmen and women demand. All Leupold scopes, including the 2.5x20mm, are put through rigorous testing.
This scope has some incredible features and is made of high-quality, durable aluminum. Being waterproof is one of them. It also has shock and fog resistance. It may appear unexpected, but it is. On this scope as well, there are no anodization errors.
Features
- Lockable Classic/Standard Eyepiece
- Field-click adjustments of 1/4-MOA
- The main tube is one inch
- Unparalleled low light performance
- System of Index Matched Lenses
- On the Second Focal Plane, the reticle is located
- Nitrogen Filling Process Is Unique
- Waterproof and fogproof to the extreme
Pros
- 100% Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Lightweight Design that disperses recoil energy for performance and durability
- Scratch-Resistant Lenses
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
- Fixed magnification
Choosing the Best Leupold Scope for Low Light
Zoom Factor
The zoom factor is the ratio of maximum to minimum magnification; in other words, how many times the actual scope magnifies on itself from its smallest to greatest power.
The larger the zoom factor, the more lenses are used in the design of riflescopes. The more lenses in the design, the more light is reflected, and thus, the more light is lost.
Low-light riflescopes had a 4x zoom about five years ago. As manufacturers produce riflescopes with a 5x zoom or more, such riflescopes are becoming increasingly rare, as they seek to reduce light loss by using higher-quality coatings.
Magnification
If you’re shooting in low light, you’re almost certainly hunting. Because most hunting takes place at distances of less than 200 yards, rifle scopes with magnifications of 1x to 12x should suffice. One of the most popular low-light hunting configurations is 3-9x40mm.
A fixed scope may be preferred by some hunters. Fixed scopes have only one magnification setting, such as 3x or 4x magnification. When compared to variable scopes, fixed scopes are lighter and tend to provide more clarity at a lower cost.
Reticles
A rifle scope with an illuminated reticle, preferably in the form of a finely adjustable central dot, performs best in low light. In low-light situations, the illuminated crosshairs make it easier to see details and quickly line up your shot.
Use a simple reticle, such as basic crosshairs or Duplex reticles, if you don’t have an illuminated reticle. Trying to decipher a complicated reticle in the dark may prevent you from taking the proper shot
Light Transmission Rate
The light transmission rate is a measure of how much light passes through an optical instrument, such as a riflescope. The outcome determines the scope’s quality and how well it performs in low-light situations. Contrast is also very important for low-light performance.
It essentially defines the optical quality. Everything above 80% is acceptable, and everything above 90% is exceptional. Light transmission rates of over 95% are found in truly premium products.
Exit Pupil
The exit pupil is a circle from which light passes through the optical product and into your eye. More light can reach the eye through a larger exit pupil, making the image appear brighter. As a result, when it comes to optical products in low-light situations such as dawn or dusk, the exit pupil is crucial. The size of the exit pupil also influences how comfortable it is to view through an optical device.
Lens coatings
When it comes to light transmission, coatings are crucial. If the lenses are not coated, more than half of the light entering the riflescope can be lost in the blink of an eye.
Even a single layer of anti-reflective coating can split the difference. This is why coatings are so important – some might even call them magical – because they can double the brightness of a riflescope without also doubling its weight.
The best coatings on the market have multiple layers and can boost the light transmission rate of a single lens to 99.9%.
Leupold Low Light Reticles
When you’re out in the field from sunrise to sunset, whether on the trail or in a blind, it’s critical that you and your gear are prepared for the decisive moment. Check out these reticles designed to stand out in low-light situations to maximize your shooting light.
Duplex reticle-The thick lines of the Duplex reticle draw your eye to the center, where it narrows into a fine crosshair. This widely imitated combination provides low-light visibility without sacrificing precision aiming.
Hunt-plex reticle-This reticle has twice the number of heavy lines as the Duplex while maintaining the same fine crosshair.
Firedot reticle-Illuminated reticles are the best option for aiming in low light. Even against the darkest backgrounds, an illuminated FireDot reticle will make your aiming point visible. A fine red dot in the center of your reticle is created by FireDot illumination, which is available in virtually all Leupold hunting riflescope series.
How to focus the reticle
Secure the scope and firearm in a solid rest. To keep the scope safe, point it to a light-colored background.
- If the eyepiece has a lockring, take it in your hand and turn it counterclockwise until the lock is released.
- Look through the scope while pointing it at a light-colored background.
- Take a few steps back to relax your eye between focus checks. Recheck the focus by rotating the eyepiece and rotating it again until the reticle is sharp.
- Retighten the lockring against the eyepiece if it has one.
Eye Relief
- For safety, Leupold recommends mounting your scope as far forward as possible. After that, take the following steps:
- Maintain your normal shooting position, with the scope as far forward as possible. (Variable power scopes should be set to the highest magnification for this procedure.)
- Move the scope backward gradually until you can see the entire field of view.
- For the best eye relief, position your scope here.
How to Sight-In A Leupold Scope
- If you’re using an adjustable objective or side focus model scope, make any necessary parallax corrections before proceeding.
- To begin, bore-sight your weapon. Then it’s off to the range for one last target sight-in. To ensure consistent results, always fire from a rested position when performing these steps.
- Then you fire a few shots to get things going.
- If you’re a few inches off, make the necessary adjustments to bring the reticle to the target’s center.
- Fire a three-shot group with caution.
- Use the group’s center as a reference point for final windage and elevation adjustments.
Troubleshooting Leupold Scopes
Check the following items before returning a scope to the manufacturer for service or repair:
- Examine the mounting. Check the tightness of the scope on the rifle. With your hands, gently twist or jiggle the scope in the rings to see if anything moves. Tighten the mounting system according to the mounting instructions if there is any movement.
- Make sure your rifle’s action is properly seated in the stock and that all receiver screws are tightened in the manufacturer’s recommended sequence. A sloppy-fitting stock can alter the point of impact.
- If you’re going to test-fire a rifle, do so from a solid bench with sandbags supporting the forearm and buttstock.
- Use factory-loaded ammunition with the same bullet type, weight, and lot number, if possible. If one brand or weight of bullet does not perform well, try a different brand or weight of the bullet.
- Check that both the barrel and the chamber are clean. Excessive factory grease or copper fouling can reduce a firearm’s accuracy.
Front Focal Plane or Rear Focal Plane
When choosing an optic for your firearm, there are many factors to consider, and one of the most common questions is “Front focal plane or rear focal plane?” The important thing is to think about how you’ll use your system. Neither focal plane is superior to the other; choosing the best tool for the job is all that matters.
When using a Front Focal Plane optic, the reticle is positioned in front of the erector system (magnifying lenses), so that when you zoom in, the reticle is magnified as well.
In a Rear Focal Plane scope, the reticle comes before the erector system, so all of the magnification occurs after your eye sees the reticle, which means the reticle will remain the same size regardless of magnification. That is by far the most significant difference between the two options.
Advantages of Leupold Scopes
- They have stunning edge-to-edge sharpness and bright, crystal-clear images.
- They maintain high-quality optics and make their scopes simple to use.
- They are waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant.
- Their main tube is extremely strong, and it allows for a wide range of windage and elevation adjustment.
- Designed to perform well in the most extreme conditions
Leupold Scope for Low Light FAQs
Does Leupold make an illuminated scope?
They certainly do. The award-winning VX-Freedom riflescope line now includes five new illuminated reticle models. They make it easier to ensure that your point of aim is where it should be, and they allow you to acquire and track targets more quickly.
Where does Leupold get its glass?
Their lens systems are created in Leupold’s state-of-the-art optics labs by American optical engineers. After that, the glass is purchased from vendors who must adhere to strict quality standards. Before being accepted into the build process, incoming parts are thoroughly inspected in our testing facility.
Conclusion
Most rifle owners are aware that some of the best hunting times are at dawn or dusk when light is limited, as you have seen. This is because varmints and game are more likely to emerge from hiding during these hours.
With a standard rifle scope, however, targeting in these conditions can be difficult. That’s why, in our in-depth review, we only included high-quality and reputable scope options that will provide you with the visuals you require, not just at dawn or dusk, but also when available sunlight is significantly reduced due to heavy cloud cover.
We hope that these Leupold Scopes will meet your requirements. Good luck with your hunt!
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