Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Review: Is it Worth It?
I recently had the opportunity to test the Leupold Mark 5HD rifle scope. It’s been getting a lot of attention in the precision shooting community, so I decided to see what all the talk was about. After testing this scope in different shooting scenarios, I’m ready to share my thoughts on it. In this Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 review, I’ll cover everything from its build quality to its performance in different conditions. So, let’s dive in and explore what this scope has to offer.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Specs
- Magnification Range 5-25x
- Objective Lens Diameter 56 mm
- Focal Plane First Focal Plane
- Weight 30 oz
- Length 15.7 in
- Field of view at 100 yds 5x: 20.4 ft 25x: 4.2 ft
- Illumination Yes
- Total Elevation Adjustment 120 MOA / 35 Mil
- Tube Diameter 35 mm
- Zero Stop Yes
- Parallax adjustment Side focus
- Eye Relief 3.6-3.8 in
Specifications and Background of the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
Before diving into my personal experience with the Leupold Mark 5HD, let’s take a closer look at its specifications.
Leupold has been a pioneer in the optics industry since 1907, delivering top-notch equipment for hunters, tactical shooters, law enforcement agencies, and the US military. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation for high-quality, purpose-built optics that stands up to the demands of professionals. The Mark 5HD 5-25×56 is a part of Leupold’s extensive lineup of riflescopes. It stands as a testament to their commitment to delivering reliable, precise optics.
The Leupold Mark 5HD boasts a magnification range of 5-25x with a large 56mm objective lens. It features an Illuminated Tremor 3 reticle on the First Focal Plane (FFP) for improved visibility in low-light conditions and it has precise holdover points for windage and bullet drop compensation.
It has a Twilight Max HD lens system, which is designed to deliver exceptional clarity, resolution, and contrast. This system is supposed to enhance image quality and also extend shooting time during dawn and dusk.
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 riflescope is equipped with a precise elevation turret and a capped windage turret, providing accurate adjustments for optimal targeting. It provides adjustments up to 60 MOA or 17 MIL for windage and up to 120 MOA or 35 Mil for elevation. This makes it ideal for long range shooting scenarios. This riflescope offers an eye relief of 3.82-3.58 inches and an exit pupil of 11.2-2.2 mm, ensuring comfortable viewing and enough light transmission for a clear image.
This Mark 5 scope is compact, measuring 15.7 inches and weighing 30 ounces. The hard-anodized finish ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear. Also, this scope is waterproof and fog proof, which guarantees reliable performance in varied weather conditions. The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 riflescope does not come with a BDC dial. However, it is compatible with Leupold’s custom dial system. This allows you to create a custom BDC dial for your specific rifle and ammunition. Having covered the specifications of the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 riflescope, now let’s delve into my experience with it.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Features
1 First Focal Plane
First focal plane, also called front focal plane, means the reticle grows and shrink as the magnification is adjusted. However, the reticle subtensions will always be accurate, regardless of the magnification dialed.
2 Turrets
Capped windage turret with exposed elevation turret with zero lock dial and a zero stop. You can also get a custom dial from Leupold for you specific ammunition.
3 Side Focus
Parallax can be adjusted using the side focus knob that can dial down to as low as 50 yds.
4 5x Zoom
Leupold’s Mark 5 line features a 5:1 zoom ratio providing you a large range of magnification.
Review of the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
From the moment I mounted the Leupold Mark 5HD on my rifle, I was impressed by its build quality and attention to detail. The rugged construction of this optic gave me confidence, knowing it could handle anything. With the lifetime warranty for the Mark 5 HD, I have peace of mind knowing Leupold stands behind their products, so I’m covered for years to come.
With its well-placed controls, this scope excels in ergonomics and allows for quick adjustments when needed. The inclusion of a throw lever adds to its usability, which allows for quick magnification adjustment even in high-pressure situations like hitting a moving target. While the size and weight may concern some shooters, particularly those prioritizing lightweight setups. But I find it to be well-suited for my shooting needs.
The Japanese glass used in the Mark 5HD was exceptional. It delivered clarity and sharpness that surpassed my expectations, even in challenging lighting conditions. When I was scanning the horizon at dawn or taking precise shots at dusk, the Twilight Max HD lens system gave me a good balance of color and contrast, as well as unmatched light transmission.
The magnification on this scope ranging from 5x to 25x is awesome. It gives you a variable range which is perfect for adapting to different shooting scenarios. Whether you’re zooming in for precision or dialing it back for a broader view, this flexibility is a game-changer in the field. The cool thing is that it’s designed with a front focal plane. I’ve tried both the front focal plane and second focal plane scopes, and I lean towards the front focal plane. Now, what’s nifty about this is that when you zoom in or out, the reticle changes size with it, which makes it easy to get your aim right and estimate distances.
With this scope, I could shoot targets beyond 1,000 yards and even up to 2,000 yards! It’s all because of its features, like the 35mm main tube that helps with elevation adjustments. This scope also has milliradian adjustments, which helped me make precise aiming adjustments even at super long range. The only downside to the Mark 5HD is its price. This is a common issue with Leupold’s other scopes that feature quality reticles, as they all come with a hefty price tag. However, I believe the Mark 5HD is a worthwhile investment for serious shooters, even when considering other options available in the market.
Final Thoughts on the Leupold Mark 5 HD 5-25×56
To sum it up, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 is a real precision scope with no compromises. That’s why I have ranked it 2nd in my best 1000 yard scopes article. It has great glass, a tough build, and user-friendly features. Sure, it might be a bit pricey, but if you care about performance and reliability, the Mark 5HD is totally worth the investment. Whether you’re into competitions, hunting, or just love precision shooting, this riflescope will take your experience up a notch.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Pros and Cons
- Outstanding glass – The Japanese glass used is some of the best you can get.
- American made – Other than the glass, this optic is made in America, which is definitely a plus.
- Perfect tracking – This scope tracks perfectly, so you can dial with confidence.
- Pricey – This is a high end optic, with a high end price tag. But it is great!
- Reticle up charge – There are many reticle options, but some do come with an extra charge.
Report Card | ||
Reliability | This is definitely a dependable scope that gave us no issues in our use. | A- |
Glass | Leupold makes great glass, this is no exception. | A |
Reticle | There are many reticle options in the Mark 5 HD 5-25×56, you are sure to find the perfect reticle for your shooting style. | B+ |
Ergonomics | The rotation of the magnification dial is firm and stayed where you set it. The turret adjustments were tactical. Top scores. | A+ |
Value | This is an outstanding scope, yet it comes in at a high price point that may be out of reach for many. | B- |
Our Grade
A-
Reviewed by Dave Chesson
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 6 Reviews
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FAQs on Leupold Mark 5 HD 5-25×56
Yes, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 riflescope is compatible with Leupold’s custom dial system, allowing users to create a custom BDC dial for their specific rifle and ammunition. This feature enhances accuracy and precision in shooting applications.
Yes, the Leupold Mark 5HD rifle scope provides over 35 mils of travel with milliradian adjustments. This extensive adjustment range allows you to compensate for bullet drop and windage at long distances.
The Leupold Mark 5HD riflescope is well-suited for a wide range of shooting scenarios, including long-range target shooting, precision competition shooting, hunting at extended distances, and tactical applications where accuracy and reliability are paramount.
Yes, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 is 100% waterproof and fogproof.
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About Dave Chesson
Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use.
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