Leupold 183855 VX-5HD Gen 2 Black 3-15x 56mm 30mm Tube Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter Reticle

The Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15x56mm rifle scope is built for hunters who refuse to let fading light end their day. This second-generation optic combines a large 56mm objective lens with Leupold's Professional-Grade Optical System to maximize light transmission when deer are moving and visibility counts most. The oversized objective brings in every available photon, while the Guard-Ion lens coating sheds water, dirt, and smudges so you get a consistently clear view in wet or dusty conditions.

What sets the Gen 2 apart is speed and precision where it matters. The integrated throw lever lets you dial magnification quickly, and the illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle—with eight brightness settings—performs in low light without the battery drain of constant operation. The Motion Sensor Technology (MST) automatically dims the illumination when the scope is still, preserving battery life during glassing and waiting. When action happens, a flick of movement restores full brightness instantly. The ZeroLock dial locks your zero after setup, and the SpeedSet rezero system lets you quickly reset windage and elevation if needed. Leupold's Custom Dial System is included with your purchase: you can order one free custom elevation dial matched to your exact ammunition and environmental conditions for true point-and-shoot accuracy.

The 30mm tube handles the robust adjustment range—85 MOA windage and elevation, split across a 5:1 zoom ratio—without the weight penalty of a heavier optic. At 22.6 ounces, it balances glass quality with rifle ergonomics. Precision side focus knob lets you dial out parallax down to 35 yards, so your reticle stays sharp on target at any range. The scope is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, designed and assembled in the USA, and backed by Leupold's lifetime guarantee.

This is a serious low-light hunting scope that doesn't overcomplicate the job. If you hunt from late afternoon into dusk, or glass heavy timber in marginal light, the VX-5HD Gen 2 is engineered to keep pace with your season.

Key Features

• Large 56mm objective lens for maximum light gathering in low-light conditions
• Professional-Grade Optical System with Guard-Ion coating to repel water, dirt, and smudges
• Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle with 8 brightness settings and Motion Sensor Technology for battery conservation
• 5:1 zoom ratio (3-15x magnification) with integrated throw lever for fast power changes
• Precision side focus knob for parallax adjustment down to 35 yards
• ZeroLock dial to protect your zero; SpeedSet rezero system for quick windage/elevation reset
• One free custom elevation dial included—order to match your ammunition and conditions
• 30mm tube with 85 MOA adjustment range per axis
• Compact, rugged design at 22.6 oz; waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
• Designed and assembled in the USA; backed by Leupold's lifetime guarantee

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the VX-5HD Gen 2 and the original VX-5HD?

The Gen 2 adds Motion Sensor Technology (MST) to the illuminated reticle, which automatically dims the brightness when the scope is still and restores full intensity when it detects movement. This extends battery life significantly during long glassing sessions while keeping the reticle bright when you need to react. The Gen 2 also features updated optical coatings and refined ergonomics.

Is this scope compatible with a custom dial, and what does that mean?

Yes. This scope comes with one free custom elevation dial through Leupold's Custom Dial System. You specify your ammunition, zero distance, and environmental conditions (altitude, typical temperatures where you hunt), and Leupold creates a dial with calibrated holdover marks for that exact load. Instead of doing mental math or consulting a ballistics table, you dial your distance and shoot. You can order additional custom dials for different ammunition or hunting scenarios.

Can I use this scope for night vision?

No. The illuminated reticle is not night vision compatible. The illumination is designed to make the reticle visible to your eye in low light, not to work with NV devices.

What magnification is best for hunting—3x or 15x?

The 3–15x range lets you choose based on your situation. At 3x, you have a wider field of view (37.8 feet at 100 yards) and faster target acquisition for close shots in thick cover. At 15x, the field narrows to 8 feet at 100 yards but you get higher magnification for precision aiming at distance. The integrated throw lever makes switching magnification quick, so you can adjust between glassing and shooting.