Unlock Precision and Versatility: The Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL 2.5-8x36mm Rifle Scope

Are you a dedicated hunter seeking an optic that consistently delivers unwavering clarity, rugged reliability, and intuitive precision in the field? Or perhaps a target shooter who demands a lightweight, compact scope capable of consistent performance across varying ranges? Look no further than the Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL Matte Black 2.5-8x36mm 1" Tube Duplex Reticle. This exceptional rifle scope is engineered to be a true workhorse, excelling in close to mid-range scenarios while providing the advanced features necessary for confident, ethical shot placement every time.

In the realm of modern optics, where versatility and durability are paramount, the Leupold VX-3HD stands out. It's designed for those who understand that success in hunting or shooting isn't just about raw power, but about the intelligent application of advanced technology to real-world challenges. This scope, identified by its MPN 180616 and UPC 030317028541, offers a potent blend of Leupold's legendary optical performance and a user-centric design that simplifies complex shooting scenarios.

Core Features and Their Impact on Your Shooting Experience

Understanding the individual components of the Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL is key to appreciating its comprehensive value. Each feature is meticulously crafted to enhance performance and user confidence.

Versatile Magnification Range: 2.5-8x

The 2.5-8x magnification range is a sweet spot for a wide array of hunting and shooting applications. At its lowest setting of 2.5x, the scope provides a remarkably wide field of view, making it ideal for tracking moving targets, navigating dense timber, or quickly acquiring game at close quarters. This wide perspective is crucial for situational awareness and rapid target acquisition. As you increase the magnification to 8x, you gain the necessary power for precise shot placement on mid-range targets, whether it's an antelope across a sagebrush flat or a whitetail deer in a clearing. This balance ensures that the scope is never "too much" or "too little," but always just right for the task at hand. It offers the flexibility to engage targets from just a few yards out to several hundred yards with confidence.

Crystal-Clear Optics: 36mm Objective Lens

Complementing the magnification, the 36mm objective lens strikes an optimal balance between light-gathering capability and a compact, low-profile design. While larger objectives might gather marginally more light, the 36mm design keeps the overall scope size and weight down, which is a significant advantage when traversing rugged terrain or carrying your rifle for extended periods. Despite its moderate size, Leupold's advanced optical coatings and premium glass ensure exceptional light transmission, delivering a bright, clear, and high-contrast image even in challenging low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk when game is most active. You'll experience edge-to-edge clarity, enabling precise target identification and reduced eye strain during prolonged glassing sessions.

Revolutionary Custom Dial System (CDS-ZL): Simplify Your Shot

One of the standout features of the Leupold VX-3HD is its Custom Dial System (CDS) with ZeroLock (ZL) technology. This innovation fundamentally changes how hunters and shooters manage elevation adjustments for varying distances.

• Custom Dial System (CDS): Instead of calculating complex bullet drop compensations (BDC) or relying on generic holdover points, the CDS allows you to order a custom laser-etched dial from Leupold, calibrated precisely to your rifle's specific ballistic data (caliber, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and environmental factors). Once installed, you simply range your target and turn the CDS dial to the corresponding yardage. This eliminates the guesswork, making long-range shots as intuitive as close-range ones, significantly increasing the probability of an accurate and ethical shot. It's designed for rapid, confident adjustments in dynamic hunting situations.
• ZeroLock (ZL) Dial: The ZeroLock feature ensures that your zero holds steadfastly, preventing accidental dial rotation when moving through brush or during transport. Once your scope is zeroed, the elevation dial locks securely in place. To make an adjustment, a simple press of a button unlocks the dial, allowing you to turn it to your desired range. Releasing the button relocks the dial, providing absolute peace of mind that your setting will remain consistent. This combination of speed, precision, and security is invaluable in the field.

Robust 1-Inch Main Tube and Construction

The VX-3HD utilizes a durable 1-inch (25.4mm) main tube, crafted from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. This choice of material and tube diameter offers several advantages:

• Lightweight Durability: The aluminum construction provides exceptional strength without excessive weight, contributing to the scope's overall svelte 11.80 oz (334.5g) profile. This is crucial for hunters who trek long distances.
• Widespread Compatibility: The 1-inch tube diameter is a long-standing industry standard, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of mounting rings and bases readily available at DEGuns and other reputable retailers. This makes finding the right mounting solution straightforward and economical.
• Streamlined Profile: A 1-inch tube generally allows for a lower mounting profile on the rifle, which can improve ergonomics and aesthetics.

Leupold's legendary commitment to durability extends to its construction processes. The VX-3HD is rigorously tested to withstand extreme temperatures, impacts, and recoil. It is 100% waterproof and fog proof, thanks to Leupold's proprietary argon/krypton gas blend purging. This ensures that internal fogging is eliminated, and the scope remains operational in the harshest weather conditions, from torrential rain to freezing blizzards.

Intuitive Duplex Reticle: Speed and Simplicity

The classic Duplex reticle is a hallmark of the Leupold VX-3HD. Renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness, the Duplex reticle features thick outer posts that quickly draw your eye to the thinner center crosshairs, providing a clear and uncluttered aiming point. This design excels in fast-paced scenarios where quick target acquisition is paramount, making it an excellent choice for hunting deer, elk, or predators. Being a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle, its size remains constant relative to your eye as you change magnification. This means the subtensions (the distance between the lines) change relative to the target at different magnifications. For the Duplex, this is less critical as it's primarily used for aiming, not ranging, but it means your zero will remain consistent regardless of magnification setting.

Precise Adjustment System: .25 MOA Clicks

The scope features tactile and audible .25 MOA (Minutes of Angle) click adjustments for both windage and elevation. Each click represents 1/4 inch of movement at 100 yards, providing fine-tuning capability for precise zeroing and corrections. With 70 MOA of both windage and elevation adjustment range, the Leupold VX-3HD offers ample travel to accommodate a wide variety of cartridges and shooting distances. The precise, repeatable clicks ensure that your adjustments are accurate and predictable, giving you the confidence to dial in your shots with exceptional precision. The side parallax adjustment set at 150 yards ensures clarity at various distances.

Why Choose the Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL for Your Next Adventure?

When considering an optic for serious hunting or precision shooting, the Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL offers compelling advantages that position it as a premier choice.

• Unwavering Confidence in the Field: The combination of Leupold's legendary ruggedness, the secure ZeroLock dial, and the precise CDS system instills unparalleled confidence. You know your scope will perform when it matters most, regardless of weather conditions or the distance to your target. This leads to more ethical, one-shot kills.
• Adaptability for Diverse Scenarios: Whether you're navigating dense woodlands where quick, close shots are common, or glassing open fields for a distant trophy, the 2.5-8x magnification range and wide field of view adapt seamlessly. It’s truly a "go-anywhere, shoot-anything" optic for the average hunter.
• Superior Optical Performance: Leupold's commitment to optical excellence means you're investing in a scope that delivers bright, crisp, and true-to-life images. This superior clarity enhances target identification, extends your shooting window during low-light conditions, and reduces eye fatigue during long days in the field.
• Simplified Ballistics with CDS: The Custom Dial System is a game-changer for anyone who wants to quickly and accurately account for bullet drop without complex calculations or relying solely on reticle holdovers. It streamlines the shooting process, allowing you to focus on the target, not the math.
• Investment in Legendary Durability: Leupold scopes are renowned for their ability to withstand the harshest abuse. The VX-3HD is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, backed by decades of experience building optics that endure. This means your investment will last for generations, performing reliably year after year.
• Designed for the Hunter: Every feature, from the lightweight design to the simple Duplex reticle and the intuitive CDS-ZL, is thoughtfully integrated with the practical needs of hunters in mind. It's not just a collection of features; it's a cohesive system designed to make you a more effective and successful hunter.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Scope?

The Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL 2.5-8x36mm is an ideal optic for:

• Deer Hunters: Its magnification range, low-light performance, and quick Duplex reticle are perfectly suited for hunting whitetails, mule deer, and other similar game in varying terrains, from thick woods to open agricultural fields.
• Elk and Medium Game Hunters: For hunters pursuing elk in timber or at moderate distances, the 2.5-8x offers enough power for precise shot placement while maintaining a wide field of view for tracking.
• Predator Hunters: The ability to quickly acquire and engage fast-moving coyotes or foxes at various ranges makes this scope highly effective for predator control.
• General Purpose Rifle Owners: If you own a rifle for diverse shooting activities, including hunting and range practice, and need a reliable, versatile scope that won't weigh you down, this model is an excellent choice.
• Hunters Prioritizing Lightweight Gear: At just 11.80 ounces, it's remarkably light, making it perfect for backcountry hunts or any situation where minimizing rifle weight is crucial.
• Shooters Seeking Simplified Ballistic Solutions: Those who want the precision of dialing for elevation without the complexity of traditional turrets will greatly appreciate the CDS-ZL system.

When you're asking, "What is the best rifle scope for versatile hunting?" or "How can I improve my accuracy at varying distances?", the Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL is a prime candidate for consideration. It addresses common challenges faced by hunters and shooters by combining optical excellence with innovative, user-friendly features.

Experience the Leupold difference firsthand. The Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL Matte Black 2.5-8x36mm 1" Tube Duplex Reticle (UPC: 030317028541, MPN: 180616) is available at DEGuns, your trusted source for premium outdoor and shooting equipment. Elevate your shooting confidence and precision with this exceptional optic.

Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL 2.5-8x36mm Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	VX-3HD
MPN	180616
UPC	030317028541
Magnification	2.5-8x
Objective Size	36mm
Tube Diameter	1"
Reticle Type	Duplex
Focal Plane	Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Material	Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
Finish	Matte Black
Field of View	37.50 - 13.70 ft @ 100 yds
Adjustment	.25 MOA Click
Windage Adj.	70 MOA
Elevation Adj.	70 MOA
Length	11.40"
Parallax Adj.	150 yds
Weight	11.80 oz
Exit Pupil	4.40 - 3.60mm
Features	CDS-ZL, ZeroLock Dial, Lockable Eyepiece
SKU	131095