Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 SF CDS-ZL

• 4.5-14x magnification range: This zoom span covers the practical middle ground for hunting rifles, giving a wide enough view for shorter shots while still providing the precision needed for careful placement at longer distances.
• Side Focus adjustment: Parallax can be tuned from the shooting position, which helps keep the reticle and target on the same focal plane for more confident aiming as distance increases.
• CDS-ZL locking elevation dial: The Custom Dial System with ZeroLock is built for fast elevation changes without losing a hard return to zero, making it useful for hunters who want a simple dial-up solution in the field.
• Elite Optical System: The VX-3HD series is built around improved low-light transmission, glare control, and image clarity, which helps when game is most active at first and last light.
• Lightweight, durable 30 mm build: At 453.59 g and with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, this riflescope stays manageable on a hunting rifle while standing up to hard outdoor use.

About the Leupold VX-3HD Series

Leupold VX-3HD is a hunting-focused riflescope series introduced in 2020 as part of the company’s VX line. It sits in the range as a practical step toward more advanced optical performance while keeping the handling and weight that many hunters prefer on general-purpose sporting rifles. A defining feature of the series is Leupold’s Elite Optical System, which is designed to improve dawn-to-dusk transmission, reduce glare in difficult light, and maintain the contrast needed to pick out detail against dark timber, open fields, or broken terrain.

The series uses a 3:1 zoom ratio and includes an integrated throw lever, giving shooters a straightforward way to move between lower and higher magnification in changing conditions. VX-3HD models are offered in several magnification ranges, objective sizes, and reticle configurations, including illuminated FireDot options as well as Wind-Plex and Boone & Crockett variants. Across the line, Leupold equips the series with a CDS ZeroLock elevation dial, reflecting its emphasis on practical field dialing rather than purely target-style adjustment. The result is a family of riflescopes aimed at hunters who want low-light capability, dependable mechanics, and a clean, usable feature set for stalking, stand hunting, and longer shots across open ground.

About the Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 SF CDS-ZL

The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 SF CDS-ZL is configured for hunters who need one riflescope to cover mixed distances without adding unnecessary bulk. Its 4.5-14x magnification range is well suited to stalking, high-seat hunting, and open-country shooting, where a lower setting helps with target acquisition and the upper end gives the precision needed for smaller aiming points or more deliberate shots. The 40.00 mm objective keeps the scope trim and easy to mount while still supporting useful brightness in the low-light conditions where the VX-3HD line is intended to work.

This model stands out within the 4.5-14x40 format by combining Side Focus with Leupold’s CDS-ZL system. Side parallax adjustment is especially useful once distances begin to stretch, because it helps sharpen the image and reduce aiming error without forcing the shooter out of position. The locking tactical-style elevation turret adds practical dialing capability for varied shot distances, while the Zero Stop function makes it easier to return to the original zero after adjustment. With 75.00 MOA of elevation and windage travel, the scope offers enough adjustment range for a wide variety of hunting rifle setups.

The reticle sits in the second focal plane, so its apparent size remains constant throughout the zoom range. In practice, that gives a familiar sight picture at every magnification and keeps the reticle easy to see against complex backgrounds. A 30 mm tube, nitrogen filling, and waterproof, fogproof, shockproof construction round out a design that favors dependable field use over unnecessary complexity.

About Leupold

Leupold & Volpel was founded in 1907 in Portland, Oregon, by Fred Leupold and Adam Volpel. The company later introduced its first riflescope, the Plainsman, in 1947, establishing the product category that remains central to the brand today. Leupold also introduced the Duplex reticle in 1962, a design that became widely recognized for combining a fast outer aiming structure with a finer central aiming point.

Today, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon and remains family-owned. Its core expertise is sport optics for hunting, shooting, and outdoor use, with product lines that include VX-series hunting riflescopes, Mark-series tactical riflescopes, red dot sights, binoculars, spotting scopes, rangefinders, and thermal optics. That background is directly relevant to the VX-3HD line, which reflects Leupold’s long focus on lightweight riflescopes built for practical field use.

Main Features

• Magnification: 4.50 x - 14.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 40.00 mm
• Field of view: 3.80 m/100m - 1.40 m/100m
• Eye relief: 4.40 mm - 3.60 mm
• Tube diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle position: 2. focal plane - SFP
• Illumination: No
• Turret type: Tactical - Lockable
• Turret locking: Yes
• Zero Stop: Yes
• Turret turns: MT - Multi Turn
• Turret rotation direction: CW
• Elevation adjustment range: 21.80 mrad / 75.00 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 21.80 mrad / 75.00 MOA
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Length: 322.32 mm
• Weight: 453.59 g
• Housing fill: Nitrogen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Color: Black
• Made in: USA

Warranty

This riflescope is covered by a 10-year warranty.