Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL vs Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL is a 3.5-10×40 SFP on a 1-inch tube with MOA turrets; Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 is a 3-15×44 SFP on a 30 mm tube with MOA turrets. The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL is lighter by 6.6 oz. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 has more elevation travel, 75 MOA to 55 MOA in the same unit. At its top magnification the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL keeps a 4 mm exit pupil against 2.9 mm for the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 — estimated from the layout, not measured. On our last catalog check the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL listed for about $600 less.
| Spec | LeupoldLeupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL | LeupoldLeupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$599 | ~$1,199 |
| Magnification | 3.5-10× | 3-15× |
| Objective lens | 40 mm | 44 mm |
| Focal plane | SFP | SFP |
| Reticle | Duplex | Duplex |
| Illuminated | No | No |
| Turret unit | MOA | MOA |
| Per click | 0.25 MOA (0.26″ at 100 yd) | 0.25 MOA (0.26″ at 100 yd) |
| Elevation travel | 55 MOA (≈16 MRAD) | 75 MOA (≈21.8 MRAD) |
| Windage travel | 55 MOA | 75 MOA |
| Zero stop | Yes | Yes |
| Turrets | Capped | Capped |
| Parallax | Fixed 150 yd | Side focus from 50 yd |
| Eye relief | 3.6–4.4″ | 3.7–3.8″ |
| Field of view | 29–11 ft at 100 yd | 38.3–7.7 ft at 100 yd |
| Tube | 1-inch | 30 mm |
| Length | 12.67″ | 13.5″ |
| Weight | 13.1 oz | 19.7 oz |
| Country of origin | USA | USA |
| Warranty | Lifetime Guarantee | Lifetime Guarantee |
| Exit pupilest. | 11.4–4 mm (3.5×–10×) | 14.7–2.9 mm (3×–15×) |
| Twilight factorest. | 20 at 10× | 25.7 at 15× |
| Zoom ratioest. | 2.9× | 5× |
| Where to buy | Leupold → | Leupold → |
Tinted rows are where these two differ. Rows marked est. are computed, not published.
Exit pupil and twilight factor are computed from the published magnification and objective diameter, not measured. Real exit pupil is also capped by the erector at low magnification, and coatings and glass quality move low-light performance in ways the formula cannot see — read these as comparisons between layouts, not verdicts on scopes.