Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 vs Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 is a 3-15×44 SFP on a 30 mm tube with MOA turrets; Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP is a 5-25×56 FFP on a 35 mm tube with MRAD turrets. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 is lighter by 10.3 oz. The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP has more elevation travel, 120.3 MOA to 75 MOA in the same unit. At its top magnification the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 keeps a 2.9 mm exit pupil against 2.2 mm for the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP — estimated from the layout, not measured. On our last catalog check the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 listed for about $1,000 less.
| Spec | LeupoldLeupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 | LeupoldLeupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$1,199 | ~$2,199 |
| Magnification | 3-15× | 5-25× |
| Objective lens | 44 mm | 56 mm |
| Focal plane | SFP | FFP |
| Reticle | Duplex | PR2-MIL |
| Illuminated | No | No |
| Turret unit | MOA | MRAD |
| Per click | 0.25 MOA (0.26″ at 100 yd) | 0.1 MRAD (0.36″ at 100 yd) |
| Elevation travel | 75 MOA (≈21.8 MRAD) | 35 MRAD (≈120.3 MOA) |
| Windage travel | 75 MOA | 17 MRAD |
| Zero stop | Yes | Yes |
| Turrets | Capped | Exposed |
| Parallax | Side focus from 50 yd | Side focus from 50 yd |
| Eye relief | 3.7–3.8″ | 3.6–3.8″ |
| Field of view | 38.3–7.7 ft at 100 yd | 20.4–4.2 ft at 100 yd |
| Tube | 30 mm | 35 mm |
| Length | 13.5″ | 15.7″ |
| Weight | 19.7 oz | 30 oz |
| Country of origin | USA | USA |
| Warranty | Lifetime Guarantee | Lifetime Guarantee |
| Exit pupilest. | 14.7–2.9 mm (3×–15×) | 11.2–2.2 mm (5×–25×) |
| Twilight factorest. | 25.7 at 15× | 37.4 at 25× |
| Zoom ratioest. | 5× | 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.