Toughness, durability and consistent performance is what you get from a Leupold scope. As one of the leading brands in the world of optics, Leupold continues to meet and surpass the needs of avid hunters by providing an array of quality optics. In this post, we will focus on the very best Leupold scope for coyote hunting available out there.
Coyotes are nocturnal creatures that are incredibly thrilling to hunt. However, they are extremely wary and therefore hard to take down. You will need a quality scope that enables you to track them down from a distance without spooking them away. A scope is also important as it helps one make an ethical kill.
Why Leupold Scopes for Coyote Hunting?
Leupold is a household name in the field of optics. Since its inception over a decade ago, it has been making world-class optics that have revolutionized the hunting field. This brand understands that every hunt is different, so equipping yourself with the right model will turn your hunting trip into a success.
Here are the benefits that come with investing in the best Leupold scope for coyote hunting?
- Outstanding low light performance. Almost all Leupold scopes use a unique Twilight Light Management System that limits glare and light loss to maximize optical performance in low light environments
- Rugged and All-weather construction. All Leupold scopes are impact tested and verified to be shockproof and resistant to recoil. On top of that, the scopes are fully waterproof and fog proof
- When it comes to versatility, Leupold rifle scopes are hard to beat. As such, you will be able to use one scope for shooting in the range or hunting other kind of game not just coyotes
Best Leupold Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Technological advancements give us a long list of options when looking for the best scopes for coyote hunting. Here is a roundup of the very best models from the highly respected Leupold name.
Without any further delays. let’s jump right in.
1)Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is by far the best Leupold scope for coyote hunting. It is optimized for low light use and loaded with every feature you will need to better your performance in the hunting ground.
A defining feature of this rifle scope is ruggedized design. It is built with high-quality materials that guarantee reliable performance for many years. In addition to that, the scope has scratch resistant lenses for added protection during use.
Weighing a mere 14.6oz, the scope is ultra-light and portable. Over and above that, it features a long eye relief to ensure ease of use even with eyeglasses on. You will also be impressed by the custom dial system that laser-etched your scope’s elevation dial to match not just your load, but also the velocity and hunting conditions you will be hunting in.
In addition to everything else, the VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is 100% waterproof, dust proof and fog proof for all weather use.
Features
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 1-inch main tube
- 1/4 MOA finger click
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Sufficient eye relief
- Lightweight
- Easy to mount and use
- High build quality
Cons
- Non illuminated
2)Leupold Mark 3HD 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold Mark 3HD 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is designed to maximize your precision and performance during any hunting activity. It is reliable, repeatable and ideal for use in any lighting and weather condition.
Featuring Leupold Elite Optical System with HD lenses, the scope provides bright and high- resolution views of targets without any distortion. Furthermore, the scope has multiple reticle options for you to choose from.
In terms of construction, Leupold built this scope to last. It has a lightweight but rugged body made from 6061-T6 aluminum. On top of that, the entire tube is 100% waterproof, fog proof and shock proof for maximum performance in the field.
What’s more is the scope has an ergonomic power selector for ease of magnification adjustment. It also brings to the table a generous eye relief to aid in rapid target acquisition while optimizing glassing comfort.
Features
- 3-9x total magnification
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Made of 6061-T6 aluminum
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Ergonomic power selector
- Scratch resistant lenses
Pros
- Excellent glass
- Generous eye relief
- Excellent craftmanship
Cons
- Small windage and elevation adjustment range
3)Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope
Third on our list of the best Leupold scope for coyote hunting is the VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope. Designed with an incredibly large field of view for your hunting needs, this optic will help you acquire targets easily and land long range shots with pin-point accuracy.
This rifle scope has been made with ease of use in mind. It boasts a two-tun CDS zerolock 2 dial adjustment system to help you place accurate shots at all ranges without worrying about holdovers. Besides, the scope has a long eye relief and generous eye box which provides incredible head latitude.
When it comes to construction, this unit is designed with a twin bias spring that exerts up to 30% more holding force on the erector. As a result, it makes the scope shockproof and rigid enough to handle fierce recoil with ease. Besides that, it boasts a 30mm body tube made from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum.
To add on protection during use, the scope boasts a Guard-ion rain shedding coating that extremely durable and scratch resistant. Over and above that, this rifle scope is filled with argon/krypton gas blend to drive out internal moisture and enhance thermal stability.
Features
- Twin bias erector system
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum housing
- Twin bias erector system
- Second focal plane reticle
- Guard-ion rain shedding coating
Pros
- Spacious field of view
- Ease of use
- Lightweight
- Sufficient eye relief
Cons
- Pricey
4)Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
The VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope is another premium quality optic that is built with avid hunters in mind. If you want to take your coyote hunting a notch higher, this scope is your ideal option.
It is built with a variable 2-12x magnification power and a 42mm objective lens that goes the extra mile to make the entire zoom range useful. The wide field of view from the large objective lens aids in rapid target acquisition and with the built-in ambidextrous throw lever, it becomes an easy thing to change the magnification during use.
This rifle scope is built for use in any environment. It is sealed against moisture and dust for use even in rainy environments. Furthermore, the optical tube is Argon/Krypton purged to keep the optics fog-free. The scope also has a rain shedding coating that provides additional shield from water, dirt and fingerprints.
Another remarkable facet of this rifle scope is low light visibility. It boasts Twilight Max Light Management System that allows you to see more detail in low light. The scope also boasts an illuminated reticle which provides a more precise point of aim in dismal environments.
Features
- Twin bias spring erector system
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- Water, fog and shock proof construction
- 2-12x variable magnification
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- CDS-ZL2 elevation adjustment
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Fiber optics illumination
- Good eye relief
- Lightweight but durable and well-built
- Excellent low light performance
Cons
- Costly
5)Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope
Since coyotes are nocturnal, it is best to hunt them at dawn or late in the evening when the sun is settings. For such lighting conditions, you will need an optic like the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm that is optimized for low light use.
The stunning low light visibility can be attributed to the large 50mm objective lens that draws in large volume of light inside the tube. On top of that, this rifle scope is built with Leupold Elite Optical System which delivers phenomenal dusk-to-dawn light transmission.
Complementing the superb low light performance is a ruggedized housing that is virtually indestructible. This way, you can be confident that the scope will weather whatever abuse you throw at it. Besides, the entire housing is waterproof, fog proof and shock proof to offer reliable performance in all environments.
The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm is also the best lightweight and low-profile hunting scope in its class. This makes it easy to carry around as you look for game. It is also designed with CDS ZeroLock dial to prevent accidental adjustment in the middle of use.
Features
- 1-inch body tube
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- DiamondCoat 2 optical coating
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Second focal plane reticle
- Zero lock dial
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Custom dial system
Pros
- Outstanding visibility in low light
- Good magnification range
- Easy to use
- Lightweight with a low-profile design
Cons
- Non illuminated
6)Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Lastly on our list of the best Leupold scope for coyote hunting is the VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm. The scope delivers legendary Leupold performance and reliability in a variable 4-12x magnification range that is perfect for medium to long range use.
This lightweight rifle scope is ruggedized to be field worthy. It is sturdy enough to take in the beating and last long. Furthermore, it is 100% waterproof, fog proof and guaranteed to get the job done every time.
Crafted around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, the VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm delivers exceptional light transmission from sunrise till sunset. It also offers the best-in-class glare reduction in hard light to maximize user comfort.
The other outstanding features this optic boasts include scratch resistant lenses. Zero Stop system and a custom dial system.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Zero stop system
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Advanced optical system
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Twilight Light Management System
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- Ample eye relief
- Lightweight and durable
- Great value for money
Cons
- Non illuminated
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Factors to Consider when Choosing a Scope for Coyote Hunting
Low Light Visibility
This is the first thing that you need to pay attention to when shopping for the best Leupold scope for coyote hunting. The best time to hunting coyotes is early in the morning when the sun is rising and late in the evening when the sun is going to sleep.
For such lighting conditions, you need a scope that amplifies light transmission to provide bright and rich in detail image views. And that is only achievable by a scope that has a large objective lens and quality lens coatings.
Construction
The second thing to consider is construction quality. Coyote hunting and hunting in general is quite rough. As you move around looking for the coyotes, the scope will be predisposed to scratches, bangs and even accidental drops.
If you are using a cheaply built scope, it will only last for a few excursions then you will be back in the market to look for a replacement. To avoid that, try and look for a unit that is optimized for durability. The housing should be ruggedized to take in the beating and be ready for whatever nature will have in store for your hunt.
Weight
Weight is the other important thing to consider. The more lightweight a coyote hunting scope is the better. You will find it easy to maneuver around with together with your hunting rifle. Lightweight scopes also have the added benefit of being accurate and easy to shoot with as they hardly interfere with the balance of the firearm or come in your way of shooting.
Eye Relief
Often overlooked, eye relief play a big role when hunting. If you are buying a scope for the very first time, eye relief refers to how far your eye has to be from the eyepiece of the scope during use. Because hunting coyotes require you to react quickly after spotting the game, you will need a scope that has a generous eye relief of 3.5” and beyond.
FAQs
- Is illuminated optics required for coyote hunting?
An illuminated scope is not compulsory for coyote hunting, but it will be highly useful in low light environments that these creatures are mainly active.
- What do numbers in a scope represent?
The magnification power and size of the objective lens respectively. So, in a 3-9x40mm rifle scope for example, the first set of numbers which is 3-9x represents the magnification power and 40mm is the diameter size of the objective lens.
Final Thoughts
The key to a successful coyote hunt is having the right gear at hand. All the scope we have mentioned above come from the same manufacturer but the characteristics differ from one product to the other. Factor in your hunting habits and needs, then use this buyer’s guide to find a scope that will make your next hunting trip more competitive.