TESTED: Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44

At the top of Leupold’s scope offerings are the VX-5HD and VX-6HD lines. We’ve tested models of these Professional-Grade optics before, but this time have Gen 2 of the VX-5HD series in hand. Not only do we test this scope in the field and on the optics test rig, but we also kick off a discussion of Leupold’s Gold Ring scope families.

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About the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44

We previously tested the Gen 1 VX-5HD 3-15×44, so what is new in Gen 2?

Changes and updates to the Gen 2 include further optimized glare reductions, a more compact form factor, integrated Mark 5HD design details and a new turret shape for more travel.

The adjustments were made to be more robust and the 3-15x series now includes 44mm, 50mm, and 56mm objective lenses. I have always been impressed with Leupold’s ability to reduce glare in their scopes and this is no exception.

Just like Gen 1, the Gen 2 has a zero-stop and locking turret along with a 44mm objective and 30mm tube. It is weather resistant with side parallax, integrated throw lever, and advanced multicoated lenses. The Gen 2 weighs 0.2 ounces more than the Gen 1 at 19.9 ounces and has an MSRP between $1,399.99 and $1,499.99 as of this writing.

From Leupold:

The VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15x44mm is built around Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, delivering best-in-class light transmission, exceptional clarity, and glare-cutting performance when it matters most. The versatile 5:1 zoom range adapts to any environment—from dense timber to open country—giving hunters the flexibility and the precision to make every shot count.

Guard-Ion lens coatings keep your glass clear by repelling water, dirt, and oil, while the Wind-Plex® reticle, fast-focus eyepiece, and integrated throw lever ensure fast, confident target acquisition. Dial in with enhanced competition-grade adjustments and our innovative tool-free SpeedSet™ elevation dial. Every VX-5HD Gen 2 is eligible for one free custom dial to match your preferred ammo and environmental conditions.

Waterproof, fogproof, and built for the backcountry, every VX-5HD Gen 2 is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA and backed by Leupold’s Lifetime Guarantee.

Similar to Gen 2 of the VX-6HD series, the VX-5HD Gen 2 family includes a number of SKUs in six different magnification ranges. They come with a tool-free SpeedSet elevation dial to quickly set a zero stop. The windage knob can also be reset without tools. This is perhaps one of my favorite features.

I also appreciate elevation dial compatibility with Leupold’s custom dial system (CDS). The CDS allows you to match your dial to your exact load to simplify shooting and eliminate elevation holdovers. Simply dial your yardage in hundreds (1 for 100 yards), and fire! Every VX-5HD Gen 2 optic is eligible for one free custom dial!

We have the SFP 3-15×44 with Wind-Plex reticle. This reticle features a thick-crosshair with 1MOA hashmarks out to 10 MOA on each side.

About Leupold’s Gold Ring Line

Leupold’s Gold Ring series is oriented towards hunters and includes good, better, and best optical tiers.

The VX-Freedom falls under its Advanced or “good” tier and is the most affordable of the Gold Ring scopes. The “Elite” tier builds on the quality and price of the Advanced tier and includes the VX-3HD.

Leupold Open Range 30mm Scope Rings with the VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44

Professional-Grade tops the list, including models of the VX-5HD and VX-6HD series of scopes. These optics are of the highest quality with better mechanical features and a higher cost.

The Advanced and Elite lines both have a 3x magnification ratio. The VX-5HD and VX-6HD have a 5x and 6x magnification zoom ratio respectively. Multiplying the minimum magnification by the respective ratio returns the maximum magnification value. In example, a minimum magnification of 3x in a VX-5HD with a 5x magnification ratio has a maximum power of 15x.

About the Rifle

I chose to mount the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 on our Bergara CIMA CF chambered in 308 Winchester. This new for 2025 rifle is the lightest in the B-14 series at 5.8 lbs. and features a carbon fiber stock and CURE carbon barrel.

I was confident in the accuracy of this rifle, having previously fired a three-shot group at 100 yards measuring 0.221”. I was using Sierra’s new .30 caliber expanding 200 grain MatchKing-X bullets.

Swapping my previously-mounted, heavier scope for the much-lighter VX-5HD Gen 2 made a significant difference in the feel of the rifle.

Mounting and Live Fire Testing

I mounted the VX-5HD Gen 2 in Leupold’s 30mm Open Range Cross-Slot Medium Rings, ensuring proper eye relief. (I still have flexibility to move the scope both fore and aft with the long action Picatinny rail.) The Arrow Products Rock Vise held the rifle steady during this process.

I loaded some of the high-performing Sierra .30 Caliber 200 Grain MKX bullets in Peterson 308 WIN brass and headed to the 100 yard range.

Peterson 308 Brass Loaded with Sierra 200 Grain MKX Bullet

I always start with bore-sighting to get on target, and this time my first shot was less than an inch off.

I shot some steel offhand in the industrial yard to get a feel for the balance of the rifle. Afterwards, I decided to get some tripod practice in a hunting scenario, firing uphill at a steel coyote target 400 yards away.

Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig

The Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig, designed and built in house, measures actual optics performance using precision 100 yard targets (MIL, MOA) and camera positioning to sub -0.0005”. It tests tracking, zoom, parallax, and distortion. Though we do not currently have a way to capture optics image quality in a meaningful way, the glass on this scope is exceptionally clear.

To test tracking, we took the scope up, down, left and right 10 MOA, noting where we landed on the target. Windage tracking was perfect, but there was just the slightest variance in elevation. Overall, I was happy.

For parallax, we started with the center of the scope scope and camera collinear. With the parallax set to the testing range (100 yards), we moved the scope left and right 0.050” to simulate varying head position. There was a slight blackening of the view when the scope was moved left and right, but the point of aim did not shift. This is exactly what we want.

To test image distortion, we took one frame from the video and aligned it with a rectangle to see if there is any pincushion effect. All lines were parallel, indicating zero distortion.

Conclusion

Just like the Gen 1, the glass was crystal clear, the scope was great to use, and it performed exceptionally on the Optics Test Rig. The extra features in Gen 2 only elevate an already fantastic scope and add more objective diameter options!