Leupold Mark 5 HD Review | Best In Class!

[@Wyo2Wis]

"Just as good silliness just needs to stop." 👌

[@jarrettm3728]

definitely i would say a 1500$ scope is most certainly competitive with scopes past that i got a 800 n a razor lht n holy fuck their is a difference

[@CorwinBos]

Excellent scope and an honest review Joel. I like the fact you used it hard for a year before reviewing. Definitely gives you a fair viewpoint.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Corwin Bos Thanks!

[@ciwhamc]

I love mine so much. I have the mark 5 HD 5-25 on my 6.5 creedmore and ITS FANTASTIC. Easy hits at 1000 yrds with ease and its so clear.

[@yeartiger8978]

“It’s better than anything cost less than it”, what a good comparison!

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Not really something I said, but thanks for watching anyway.

[@5RWill]

MK5 is actually one of the best lowlight scopes on the market. I loved my 5-25. Only real complaint i have with the leupy is reticle choice and FOV. FOV is small for a 5-25, other than that they're great. Had one when they first came out and it's easily the best sub $2000 optic out there. $2500 or so gives you a little more leeway i think it and the GEN II razor are very comparable. Then there is sample variance as well. Having said that resolution wise my MK5 was impeccable.

[@jarrettm3728]

yep they need to chill with that duplex bullshit and the major upcharge just for a decent reticle or illumination

[@Chit_126]

I prefer my mk5 over my Nx8 and Razor Gen 2. Love it!

[@magnumcipher4971]

I’m so happy to hear someone else say YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. These budget minded optics brands that have sprung up in the last 5 years have most certainly had a positive impact on the industry as a whole, (still a lot of misinformation out there, but I digress). The feature set of budget optics has pushed the real heavy-hitters to step up their games. I’m in the market myself for a high tier 2/tier 1 optic again myself, and the 3.6-18x44 model is very appealing. Thanks for the honest and candid review. 🤘🏼

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

cool. thanks for watching!

[@magnumcipher4971]

@@jacobjohnson6766 indeed I did buy an illuminated model. Brightest 44mm objective I’ve ever looked through. True to zero, (and re-zero), really nice turrets. Good glass but the coatings are what makes Leupold, and I’m not a Leupold fanboy. This one just fit.

[@variableknife4702]

I have Leupold where I feel it helps ensure continuation of my way of life.

[@gunsandammoarmyexpert9189]

in my unit we use barrett m107a1 with Leupold mark 5 5-25x56mm and we do not have any issue, this thing is amazing.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

#micdrop There you go. Thanks for the input.

[@gunsandammoarmyexpert9189]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork you are welcom, we orded 50 new barrett 107a1 with this scope, becouse we do not have any issue with others, this scope tract and hol zero perfect in 50 bmg.

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

I own 2. The 3.6-18 and the 5-25. They both are sweet scopes for the money. They are better in my opinion than my nightforce for less money. The glass is more clear to my eyes and the way that they work is more ergonomic to me as well. I’m selling my last nightforce that’s on my 338 for mark 5 hd in their largest mag range soon. I wouldn’t normally go through with the trouble but my nightforce isn’t a Front focal even though it cost more.

[@martingagnon4547]

I'll take your word for it. No problem!

[@EagleEyeShooting]

From my understanding you can count on 1 hand the total glass manufacturers. What you pay for is post processing and quality control. You do get what you pay for, however Optics are still a tool, and the tool is only as good as it's user. Great review👍

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Thanks for watching!

[@JacksonMalcolm]

This is semi true, glass can still be spec'd to any given price point so the name of the glass Mfg is generally irrelevant. Not to say that you'll get tier one glass from China but just because trijicon and NF use the same glass Mfg in Japan does not mean an accupower = ATACR. And does not mean that schott glass is greater than all else. But like you said, you still get what you pay for! Best place to learn about optics is definatly The DarkLordofOptics

[@johnsimonelli9988]

@@JacksonMalcolm This is true, But cutting out the middle man and the big box store and selling direct to the consumer is the future at a substantial savings.

[@ltnitmare]

subscribed as soon as he said "No your Athlon is not just as good." Truth hurts.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Jimmy D 😂👊

[@nicholaspookia9985]

Honestly the Glass is still not from the USA the Disclaimer on the Value Made in America is only assembled here. Does your scope have a 🇺🇸 Stamp. I heard Leupold was Claiming scope made in America years ago but its stamp was otherwise.. Most scope glass come from other places so the tubes only made here. Basically long story short is they got your money 💰🤑 Fast

[@spencercupit]

Great vids, as always, great information, awesome scope. Looked at yesterday.

[@bearhead9633]

The 1st sentence of this video got my like.🙂

[@shadorourke8955]

I own 2, a 3.6-18 and a 5-25. I wish I could afford 6 more of them. I love them!!’

[@Wilfong19]

I have the 5-25 on a 260 and I’m looking at getting the 3.6-18 for an AR10 6.5 CM. Would you suggest sticking with the 5-25 for any reason? Is optical quality any less as you step down to the 3.6-18?

[@shadorourke8955]

@@Wilfong19 optical quality is the same in my eyes. Yes you field of view won’t be the same cause of the smaller it’s a 44 but still a bad ass piece of glass. I run my 3.6-18 on my ar10 308 and love it.

[@jn3750]

Uncle Sam just selected this one for his MK22 sniper rifle. Enough said!

[@derekwhipple8419]

Yeahhh i wouldn't take any quality advice from the US Military lol

[@dangelini1137]

This will make the optic retain its value most likely. You can still see mark 4s (used on Mk11 and Mk12) going for 1500

[@jn3750]

@@derekwhipple8419 He has not made any mistakes with any of the scopes he chose thus far (most Leupolds, SB, US Optics, NF, Premier Heritage, Unertl...). Many of these scopes even cost more now than in their days. A beat up Unertl 10x now cost s 4-5K if you can find it!

[@derekwhipple8419]

@@jn3750 look behind you, the joke just flew past your head.

[@bryanfox2735]

Pr1 MOA retical is da shiiiit!! 🇺🇸💪💯

[@bikramjeetsidhu9749]

I am planning to get a new scope for my rifle and l was devided between leupold, track toric and meavin rs4. Thanks for the review, l will stick with Leupold. I have 5 other leupold scopes.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

I think you will be pleased.

[@bikramjeetsidhu9749]

There is one VX5 HD 7-35X56 available in sfp. I wanted to know if there is a difference in glass quality compared to your scope.

[@MrJuice315]

Prove to me that it’s not as good as my $500 Athlon! Mail me the mk5

[@nicholaspookia9985]

Honestly this guy know his stuff cause the glass is mostly from other Countries. Let's just put into place witch other country has the Best Glass Australia, Asia, China, Germany, Japan 🇯🇵 let me know. Where the best Glass comes from !!!!

[@tylerwiebe2459]

@@nicholaspookia9985 Germany has the best glass.

[@nicholaspookia9985]

@@tylerwiebe2459 American made Scope from this one above

[@bfdadventure]

Great review! I'm completely enamored by Leupold customer service. It's not that I have needed their warranty services either. When you call Leupold somebody answers the phone and they not only speak nerdist scope language but perfect English too. This is coming from a 20+ year Burris fan. I bought a VX5HD 3-15X44 last year and I'm really impressed. The glass is so bright and clear. The tracking is on point. I was spotting for other shooters at 1660 yards and could conduct a shot inventory on all the plates. (I don't shoot to those distances for hunting application) I don't have a mark 5HD, but I am really considering the purchase after my experience with the VX5HD. However, I did set up a rig for a client that involved a Burris XTR III 5-30X56 and wholly schit! HUGE sight picture and glass as good as the VX5HD. Can you do a comparison between the Burris XTR III 5-30X56 and the Leupold Mk 5 5-25X56?

[@F15ElectricEagle]

I have the Burris XTR III 5.5-30x 56mm and Leupold Mk 5HD 7-35x 56mm. The quality of the lens and coating used on the lens in the Leupold are superior to the Burris. Both scopes deliver sharp images of a target, but the color of the target and the brightness of the image from the Leupold is noticeably better than the Burris. The best way I can describe it is looking at an image from a full HD TV (Burris) versus the same image from a 4K TV (Leupold). The area where the Burris beats the Leupold is in the comfort of using the scopes. At maximum and near max setting the eye relief become so short and eye box shrinks so small on the Leupold that the slightest movement can cause you to lose the image of your target.

[@bfdadventure]

@@F15ElectricEagle I like the larger FOV of the Burris XTR III 5.5-30X-56. The Leupold Mark 5 FOV was like a toilet paper tube look.

[@F15ElectricEagle]

@@bfdadventure Yes, I noticed the same thing. When I set both scopes on the same magnification settings, the Burris's FOV especially on higher magnification (20X and above) was larger than the Leupold's.

[@johntownley9885]

I will be buying one of these next. Have you ever checked out the Sig Tango6 5-30x56? I’m currently running one and yes it’s slightly less money but is a tank in my opinion, would love your thoughts. Thanks for the great content

[@joejeans7913]

subbed "yes Im going to buy it"! Ill be able to pass it down to for generations to come. LIFETIME WARRANTY!

[@Doellimann]

1:14 he totally right! I’ve invested 350€ in a new Fortmeier bi-pod, it’s just worth it and increased my precision considerably I’ve thought about something like a Harris-clone because at the time i was building a budget precision rifle based on a K31 but somewhere in the progress it escalated a bit... Now it’s a bedded stock k31 system in a modified original stock with a bolted on rail underneath, QD-loops, a custom made Optics rail and an old Zeiss 3-9x scope.

[@jonasklinkhammer7395]

Fortmeier doesn't even sell them in the US. You can tell them about it, but no one there knows what they're missing I have one and absolutely love it. Most stable while flexible bipod I know

[@j.n.8745]

Thanks for your review. I’m leaning towards purchasing the Mark5 HD 3.6 -18 x 44 with Tremor3. What are thoughts about having a illuminated reticle or non illuminated ? I will be putting this scope on my 16” Rec 10 .308 rifle. Also, what factors determine the height of your scope ? Thanks

[@gerard0l6569]

Good review. I've "seen" alot of bad press about Leupold lately in the gun forums, but the Mk5 has had good reviews. I would like to see a comparsion between the Mk5 and the new Bushnell XRS3

[@johnsimonelli9988]

I agree, I think what is happening in the market place is smaller and consumer direct is the future. NO more middle man or big box stores that no nothing about the product!!

[@jeremygordon4179]

I've come close to getting one a few times,having trouble with my final decision the nightforce atackr is pretty sweet too.

[@jarrettm3728]

i like the mk better cause of locking turrets

[@dsltruck2500]

@@jarrettm3728 yep I liked that too

[@Cristopher1976]

I dont know that I will ever be able to get something that nice but Joel pick on someone else's optics for a change haha. Good video buddy

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Cris Cummings Thanks. Sometimes a pot has to be stirred. 😏

[@Cristopher1976]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork all of the budget optics are catching up in a lot of ways but they will never be what the top tier optics are. It's silly for anyone to think they will. They are good enough for a lot of us but again as you mentioned they arent the same.

[@joedavis5694]

Get the best you can afford and learn to use it well.

[@tchili8080]

Fast question. What muzzle break?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Area419 Hellfire

[@ajgraf122]

Joel, thanks for the review. How does this compare to the Vortex razor gen ii 4.5-27x56, and the Nightforce Atacr 5-25x56? Buying something in this range in the next 2 days. Already have one Razor.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

AJ Graf between all three, i would personally choose AtacR. I own all three and feel like it’s the one I can trust the most.

[@mattyz28kbrracing80]

Thanks a lot Joel. I just bought a Mk5 HD. Do you have a couch rental service?

[@NoOne-ki3bm]

Thank you for this great review.

[@balazra]

I use a Athlon talos 4-16x44 mildot on a .223 and it’s great does the job when hunting. I use a leupold 3.5-18x44 mark 5 on my .223 comp rifle. I wouldn’t use the Athlon in comps. I use a Athlon 6-20x56 on my other hunting rifle. Does the job. I use a leupold 7-35x56 or the 5-25x56 mark 5 on my comp rifles depending on the comp. I also use a leupold v3 6.5-20x44 on my .22lr comp and a 3-9x44 on my hunting 22lr.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

cool. Thanks for watching.

[@danielmatthews3420]

Thanks, I would love to have one!

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

you bet. thanks for watching.

[@jaymills1994]

Thank you for your good information. Please understand there’s people who shoot for fun and there’s people that shoot for a living with that said, this scope can only be compared to other scopes in the $ 3,800.00 to $ 4,900.00 range. From a professional eye the HD mark 5 3.6 x 18 is the best tactical scope for the price range of under $ 4,900.00, that has been tried tested proven by professional operators..

[@arttrumbo9496]

A lot of "professional operators" actually steer clear of the Mark 5, despite the fact that it is standard issue in their units. They have had a lot of issues with water and humidity getting inside the scope making it unusable. Unless Leupold has changed how they produce the Mark 5 and fixes those issues, I would go with another model or another manufacturer.

[@Tradmark454]

I shoot w a few operators and they all love it. Thats how i got turned on to these scopes. Btw compare the warranty with a nightforce and the decision is clear. I even had a buddy beat his up in an atv wreck. He sent it certified to leupold and he actually recieved a new one before his send in was recieved by leupold. Ive had mine in the desert, the mountains, alaska and africa. Has never missed a beat. Now i have 5 of them.

[@stevejeffries5843]

I bought a 5HD 3.5-15x56 in 2023 and I am out shooting almost every night. Overall I like the scope but have to say I am disappointed with the anti fog qualities. I find the ocular lens fogs up as soon as I put my eye near to it when the temperature is below 10 degrees celsius. 😊

[@photoefex]

Simlar to the last question. Is there a downside to getting the 7-35x56 version for PRS shooting? The cost is almost the same.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

No downside in my opinion. Thanks for watching.

[@TimKollat]

I cant make decision for one of these 3 going on a 308 Springfield Waypoint (will be used for a 50/50 hunting/target rifle) Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22x50

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Tough choice. I think I personally would choose the NF or Mk5 but it would simply come down to reticle and features.

[@AdamScepaniak]

Those scopes look awesome, but they're a bit out of touch for my price-point because I don't have many long-range opportunities. Good review!

[@RRMIAMI]

Mark 5HD 7-35x56 M5C3 FFP TMR or this on 338 Lapua?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Either, but if you’re trying to shoot a mile or further, you might want the extra magnification.

[@nebraskaman8247]

Do you think I would have issues seeing the reticle if I got the mark 5hd non illuminated? It will be used for long range hunting, and some closer shots possibly.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Any low-light hunting and you’ll wish you had the illumination. In my experience.

[@MaineOutdoorsChannel]

awesome review

[@apachejim13]

If you’re in the military or have a veteran ID you can join their VIP program. It’ll save you 40-50% on all their items.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Good info for those folks. Thanks. Wish I got that deal. Ex-law enforcement doesn't count I'm afraid.

[@zl1booker]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork yes it does

[@steverando4154]

40-50%?

[@richpryor9650]

Does the NF and Mark 5 have the same optical quality at this price? Also, I've noticed that a few small distributors have been getting pissed at Leopold for some reason, what's the deal with that?

[@Kindlepreneur]

Great review!

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Thank you sir.

[@sagespinner9526]

How’s this compare to a Nightforce ATACR 5-25?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Very similar in terms of glass, but I have my suspicions that the internals of the NF might be slightly superior. That's completely a guess though. I have not confirmed by actually seeing the insides.

[@Bigfish1day]

Have you used it for close shots? Would love to use this for NRL22, but the minimum parallax is 50 yds, will that be a factor? Some of the shorts are as close as 15 yds.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Yeah that will matter. It’s not the best choice for close 22LR shots, but It’s still do-able and is obviously a great scope otherwise.

[@CP-ct5op]

Nice review! Which reticle do you think is better for PRS? H59 or CCH? Tremor 3 is way too busy for me.

[@vgl217]

If you can handle the h59, you'll be just fine with a T3. The T3 is an h59 with some wind dots

[@manuvirk4814]

I am saving to buy another Leupold for my precision rifle. I love the scope and most of my rifles including my .22 has a Leupold. My question is my dealer has two that are in my range. One is the VX5HD 7-35X56 with an SFP Impact 14 reticle and other is VX5HD 5-25X56 with a FFP CCH reticle. The problem is I like the magnification of one and the reticle of the other. Which one would you suggest.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Wait for the right one to come along. Never settle. The downsides will become a splinter in your mind and eventually you’ll just sell it and buy the one you wanted initially.

[@ronsmith9251]

I'm trying to decide between the MK5 3-18 or the Razor HD II 3-18

[@rman713]

I agree that “just as good” gets annoying. But the law of diminishing returns is real, I think. And technology continues to get better for cheaper, so sometimes newer cheaper things can compete with older more expensive things. That’s my 2 cents

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Yep. Agree.

[@diamondcuttermedia]

I’m deciding between this scope and the vortex razor 4.5-27x56. Does the leupold hold an edge over the vortex?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Diamond Cutter Media the only thing that isn’t subjective is the glass clarity and brightness. It’s better on the Mk5. I think everything else is similar or just opinion.

[@tylerfarley545]

I picked the razor because I liked the retical better. People say the mk5s class is clear but I couldn't tell when I was looking through them.

[@russelllieser4226]

Looking for a good scope for a 300 win mag hunting in West for Elk. Want leupold.

[@Ryder276]

6:15 --is what i'v been wanting to hear from ALL scopes..

[@clydesostand2189]

Sold

[@Buddha23Fett]

I’ve had the 3.6-18 since August waiting on a SIG Cross to go on.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Nice, that'll be a sweet setup.

[@jaredanderson2009]

Slick looking scope for sure!

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

#fistbump

[@lobsterlipps]

The 3.6x18 or the nighrforce 4-16 atacrF1 the nightforce is about $300.00 more. This is for a Sig 716g2 DMR

[@arttrumbo9496]

I'd go with the nightforce.

[@ChrisJones-fm6wp]

I'd be interested to see your thoughts on the razor 6-24 amg compared to this.

[@mogsniper94]

So would I i got an AMG. Would be nice to know.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

I'll see what I can do guys. Maybe Vortex will send me one for review.

[@Ace-wu4zm]

Do you think the 5-25 is enough magnification for long range precision shooting?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Yes. Plenty. Most PRS competitors use around 15-20x power during competitions. Occasionally using more during zeroing. A common beginner mistake is to zoom in too much. Doing that hinders your field of view and your ability to spot bullet trace among other things.

[@Ace-wu4zm]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork than you

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

@@Ace-wu4zm you're welcome

[@davideustache4119]

Leupold VX 5 HD 7×35×56 w/35mm main tube. Weatherby Mk V 9 lug w/#3 contour. Leupold does not mfg extra high or (super high) DD matte rings. (ONLY HIGH) NOT a fan of picatinny!! Can you influence Leupold to machine me a set of EXTRA HIGH 35mm (Matte) DD rings 🤔. Thank you for your videos...

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Thanks for watching.

[@charlesludwig9173]

What makes any scope good is a reticle which can delivers a sight picture the shooter can recognize as being consistent. This fact is so fundamental yet today it is obscured by an avalanche of uninformed option leaders here on KZbin.

[@rhinogames9856]

I’m Between this and the NX8 Currently have the VX6HD

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Both great choices in my opinion.

[@joejeans7913]

I just watched this entire video and at the end you say you're going to sell it, eventually, FOR SALE YET?, can I save some $ ?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

I actually do have a mark5 5-25x for sale

[@m07c]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork still for sale?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

@@m07c negative

[@Bellicose0311]

I agree you get what you pay for but if you want to get into that argument then the guy who says that about his $3000 scope will say it’s “basically” as good as a Schmidt and bender or that for the German glass you’re just paying for the name. Or a different guy will say some MDT or something is as good as an AI. All in all get what you can afford. I have an AI with an atacr. Best set up in my opinion. But I also have a bergara in a magpul chassis with a leupold for hunting and an m110 with an Athlon. I love them all. Obviously I notice a difference between my Athlon and my leupold and definitely through my Athlon. But they all track, they all have great clarity, they all serve their purpose. The scope doesn’t make you more accurate. It just allows you to see better than your eye. If you can’t hit a target at 1000 meters with an Athlon you won’t be able to hit that same target with a leupold or a NF or a Schmidt and bender. Just my two cents.

[@larrymayfield2142]

What are your thoughts on Illumination vs non-illumination?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Get it if there’s even a remote chance you might shoot in low light or fading light settings. You won’t regret it.

[@nicholaspookia9985]

how would you compare the Burris xtr iii 5.5-30-56mm to this scope ? both brands made in the USA !!!!

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

The glass is significantly clearer at distance and brighter at all magnification ranges with the Leupold over and above the Burris. Not that the burris is a terrible scope, but as a photographer who knows good glass...I would choose the Leupold over the burris for that reason alone.

[@bowtiedooley]

Would you choose the 5-25 or 7-35 for a dual purpose PRS/ELR gun?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

bowtiedooley if money isn’t an issue, I’d go 7-35x You can do everything with that.

[@bowtiedooley]

Precision Rifle Network thanks man! What class would you say it’s as good or better than? Optics in the $3k and under or $2500 and under? I was already sold on the 7-35 before your video but I’m curious what price range you’d cap it at

[@BMXrider915]

I wish this was a 30mm scope just for ring selection I want this scope really bad but with the ruger I have they don’t make rings in 35mm yet.

[@mtnhunter5578]

Hey Joel I'm trying to decide between the Leupold Mark 5 3-18x44 and the NF NX8 2.5-20x50 for my long range hunting rig built on a Gunwerks Clymr stock. They are both close in power range, price, quality, weight, FOV is quite of a bit better on the NF but I wanted to ask you're opinion? Haven't had a chance to look through either yet and I know you run a 5-25 and love it so I just wanted to see what you're thoughts were....thanks.

[@TimKollat]

Im in exact same boat, which one dod you decide on?

[@mtnhunter5578]

@@TimKollat NF for the reliability, FOV, illumination and better reticle options.

[@TimKollat]

@@mtnhunter5578 thanks for reply. I like both these scopes so much I can’t decide. Think I’ll just pick a reticle I like best and go with it

[@mtnhunter5578]

@@TimKollat I would also take a hard look at the Bushnell DMR 3, turrets and reticle are the best I've ever used.

[@TimKollat]

@@mtnhunter5578 that scope at 35oz is a little too heavy for what Im looking for. Trying to keep it as much under 30oz as I can

[@baraj062]

I'm looking at amazon from Turkey, there are few types of leupold riflescopes

[@Steve-dx5jq]

Just ordered the Mark 5HD in 7-35x56 version. A little problem with a 20MOA base for the 35mm tube. Any Ideas ? Thanks

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Steve Damalas what’s the problem?

[@Steve-dx5jq]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork Did a little digging and found a Leupold base with a 20 MOA cant. So I'm good to go, Using it on a Tiika Tac 1a bolt.. Thanks for the reply...Keep them Videos coming .

[@dahut3614]

But wait, there's a 7-35, now. You want it, I know you do.

[@borkwoof696]

Would you say that these are in the same league as ZCO?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

No. The features are similar, but the ZCO glass is clearly better in my opinion.

[@borkwoof696]

Precision Rifle Network thanks for the quick reply!

[@Wilfong19]

Can anyone comment on optical quality between the 3-18 and the 5-25. I’ve heard the smaller sized bell reduces quality slightly..

[@rogerpemberton79]

I don't have a $500 Athlon but I do have several examples of Athlon rifle scopes. They include the Ares ETR 4.5-30X56 MIL, Ares BTR 4.5-27X50 Gen 1 MIL, and a now discontinued Midas TAC 1-6X24 MOA. Are any of them just as good as the Leupold Mk5 HD? I can't say at this time. However as long as FedEx does their job I'll know by sometime 9/30/2020. I have the Mk5 HD 5-25X56 H59 reticle on the way as I type this. Do I expect equal to and in many cases much more than my Athlon Ares ETR? For the price of the MK5 you can bet a pound of flesh that I do. Will the Mk5 live up to my expectations? That remains to be seen. Leupold has a spotty track record in my experience. For hunting scopes I had better experiences with Nikon Monarchs than I have Leupolds. Paying more for a name says nothing to overall and consistent quality of a given product.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

The Conservative Social Regressive I don’t disagree with you on the Leupold optics. The mark 5 is the the scope that brought me back into their fold. I’ve owned three of them now, and don’t have anything bad to say for the price. I’ve heard of some people having tracking issues, but mine have all tracked perfectly.

[@rogerpemberton79]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork the tracking is my biggest concern for the money. My Athlon Ares ETR tracks perfectly and returns to zero with no issues. For the extra $1,400 that the MK5 HD cost me I expect it to track the same. The other features like dial revolution indicators, capped windage knob, and such I can take or leave. My Ares ETR has a very positive easy to adjust zero stop, a very usable Christmas tree illuminated reticle, a locking windage knob, nice glass for the money, and backed by a no BS lifetime transferable warranty. I still have to buy one more scope and I'm undecided on another ETR or the flagship model Cronus BTR from Athlon. Both scope are punching considerably above their weight (cost) for features and quality.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

The Conservative Social Regressive cool. Hope whichever you choose serves you well for years to come. 👍

[@rogerpemberton79]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork I now have two Leupold Mk5 HD 5-25X56 with the H59 reticle. Comparing them to my Athlon Optics Ares ETR and BTR both MIL/MIL I can't say I would take one over the other. The Ares BTR doesn't have the positive tactile click adjustments but I knew that when I bought it. Otherwise there's not much that the Leupold offers above the Athlon's I own. The rotation indicators on the Leupold I could live without to be honest. I've never got lost on my scopes without the indicators.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

@@rogerpemberton79 I could be mistaken, but I think the main difference is found in the internals. How many years of use will you get out of one vs. the other? It's often the unseen stuff that matters most. The quality control. I'm honestly biased against Athlon though...I've just had several bad experiences and there's no way in hell they'll ever get my business.

[@MaineOutdoorsChannel]

Can you provide some info on that rifle and stock?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Defiance action. Bartlein barrel, 6.5CM. McMillan stock. Trigger Tech Diamond trigger. Atlas bipod.

[@MaineOutdoorsChannel]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork what would such a build cost less the scope? also what kind of rings are you using. I really enjoy and appreciate your channel.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

@@MaineOutdoorsChannel the rings are American Rifle Company. A build like this, if everything were new, would be around sixtyfive hundred.

[@tomspeed2000]

There is any information about lenses? Are they made from china? Or perhaps japan? I believe The best scope lenses are belong to the Germany who IOR used those lenses but recently they begin using japan and china made lenses..

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

I’m not sure. My guess is Japan.

[@Nightfieldzop]

Looks like a nice scope! Never seen those rings either. Awesome.

[@jeffryglasgow1662]

Those rings are made by American Rifle Company.

[@Wyo2Wis]

I have ARC M10 rings on my Valdada Recon G2 (40mm) and on my Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 (30mm). I am very pleased.

[@tonysoprano7777]

@@Wyo2Wis How do you like yourValdada G2

[@Wyo2Wis]

Excellent tracking and clarity. Very robust. Great reticle, not too complicated but with lots of information for hold overs and hold offs. Easily set zero stop (mandatory IMHO). I do not use the illumination. Mine came from Bear Basin Optics. It came with American Rifle Company 40mm rings. I have Tenebraex lens covers that came from Valdada directly. I recommend it without hesitation.

[@tonysoprano7777]

@@Wyo2Wis Thanks new to scopes it’s between this one or Leupoldl Mark5 HD 5-25x56. Would appreciate any help.

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

I am sure a $500 athlon is not as good but both my March X's are a lot better but then again they cost $3800.00 a piece. I do however like the Leupold Mark 5. You get what you pay for

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Agree. Buy once, cry once.

[@aaronwalser438]

I really want one...just need to save the money!

[@texture6]

You mean the Horus Vision Reticle. The Horus Vision Hawk scope with H25 Reticle $500. Get some!

[@bd7104]

How would you compare this to the nightforce atacr since they fall in similar price ranges

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Atacr all the way, if you can afford the price increase.

[@bd7104]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork I figure if you've gone that far what's 300 extra bucks lol

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

@@bd7104 lol yep

[@amdenis]

I just sent back a$1,900 Athlon Cronus (after much petitioning from people I know), which I couldn’t stand to use because the exit pupil sucked at 1/2 mag+, poor contrast, lack of edge to edge clarity and highly variable turret tightness. At $250 I would have said it was good, but not at $1,000 and DEFINITELY NOT at close to $2,000. I am spoiled by German, Austrian and related glass and engineering, but we depend on S&B and Leopold in the services fir a reason. Even the one HD2 Vortex is a lot better, and that is not my first choice either.

[@thollingsworth4910]

I'll gladly buy that scope from you when you're done with it

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Sold about a month ago. Sorry.

[@thollingsworth4910]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork no problem, keep up the good work with the videos.

[@DACFalloutRanger]

People have a hard time discerning between "just as good" and "good enough"

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

true

[@alexs1972]

MY BARSKA 4X28 IS JUST AS GOOD

[@aarondhermanson]

How do you like the MDT XRS? I just got one for my Remington 700.

[@nicholaspookia9985]

Mdt is Great is wouldn't say weight saving or innovative to the point of better then anything else... I'd get a Manner stock

[@jeremygordon4179]

My vortex crossfire is just as good though! 😜🤷‍♂️

[@micahswandive]

what height of rings did you have to run on this setup?

[@p47rr]

High.

[@nebakanezer47]

But what about my $500 leupold mark 3 hd?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

If it works and you like it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@kirkmartin2223]

I agree that a $500 Athlon is not as nice as a $1000 Leopold. But there is definitely something called law of diminishing return. I do not agree that more expensive equals nicer and to say such is "just silliness". Because it costs more doesn't mean that it is better. That mentality is what drives companies to come out with a $900 bipod or $150 magazines. Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Kirk Martin first, the Mark 5 costs between $2500-$3000. Second, I agree with you... you may not be willing to pay that price, so for you it’s not worth it. Myself and a whole bunch of other professional shooters think it’s worth every penny. Now, to be fair - do you need a $3000 optic to get impacts in competition out to standard distances like 1000 yards? No. No you don’t “need” it, but it sure is nice to be able to accurately see and identify what you’re shooting at as well as spot misses and impacts.

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Kirk Martin the problem lies in this: most people who use the “just as good” line or the “mine X is good enough” excuse, usually are the same people who have never used a high end optic.

[@kirkmartin2223]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork oh i agree 110% with your statement. And yes its very very difficult to make consistent impacts at 700 yards with a $500-$1000 athlon much less at a thousand. I'm sure my comment came out wrong and was not directed at the mark5 but more towards the opening statement of the video. I have an old bomb proof mark4 and from everything I've seen the mark5 is a big improvement over the mark4. That $2500-$3000 price point in optics is probably more competitive than $1-$2500 price point. Which makes manufacturers compete for market share by developing more "bang for your buck". I work with "Athlon guys" and when they looked through my Valdada they were like......"oh ok so thats what good glass looks like" lol. I personally would not put an Athlon on a rifle platform that would shoot less than 1.5moa. Its like putting Walmart tires on a Lamborghini. My comment about diminishing return was more about bank for your buck. Is a $2000 scope twice as good as a $1000 scope? And i think that is where the Athlon "X" guys are coming from. Love the videos and keep them coming

[@Nightmarehc130]

Kirk Martin i run the Vortex AMG, MK5, TRACT, ARKEN, Bushnell and Athlon....every single one I have put on my high dollar rifles and they ALL bang a 12 inch gong all day long at 1000 yards....you can tell the difference at low light...but the quality now a days is so far advanced vs 20 years ago...I love the Athlon reticals the best...Vortex next....the one I like the least is the MK5....

[@kirkmartin2223]

@@Nightmarehc130 yes sir all good choices. I'm ready for the 34mm tract to come out myself. I have an Athlon on a 17hmr and its a nice scope. But it is not a mk4 "i can't speak for the mk5" or Valdada and it shouldn't be because its literally a 10th the cost. The market is full of excellent quality scopes like you mentioned. All of which "Can" do the same things. If a $1000 optic can do the job then a $2000 should do it twice as better'er....right?? Lol Some people are ok with paying $500 for a scope that does 75% of what a $1000 scope does

[@tiputipu777]

From todays market if you pick leupold as a tactical scope, you obviously dont know what you are doing. And saying the more expensive one is always nicer and better is also false. Kahles is notoriously over priced. And the snb 5-25 pm2 as well. A minox zp5 5-25 beats the pm2 in every aspect for about 200-700€ less depending on what pm2 features you get.

[@tylerfarley545]

How high of rings did you use?

[@tylerfarley545]

I'm looking at the same rings

[@henwexchen]

Where do i get the Split rings?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

American Rifle Company

[@toeten81]

Hey Joel, when you’re ready to sell it I’ll gladly take it off your hands 👍🏼

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Ha dang. You’re about two weeks too late.

[@toeten81]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork dang!

[@fhadfhad7152]

Mark5 vs nf atacr. Who is better

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

fhad fhad ATACR in my opinion.

[@fhadfhad7152]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork Thank you, but I prefer the Mark5 because the weight is less and the design is better

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

fhad fhad lol why ask for my advice in the first place then? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@fhadfhad7152]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork I want to know the answers between these two scopes

[@Wilksy01]

Your thumb bends back strangly far 👍

[@alexs1972]

My Barska 4x20 I bought from Big5 is just as good as my much more expensive hammer

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

😂 love it

[@DrDoobs420]

My wallet hates that I have such good taste in rifles and optics...

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

yep, same.

[@glefos3917]

Vortex razor hd gen2 or leupold mk5?

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Mark 5. I actually almost added that comparison in the video. I cut it out at the last minute. They are very close. I think the Leupold looks brighter at all mag ranges than the Vortex. I personally like the large locking button on the Leupold. It really comes down to personal preference. I also own two Razors, and they are good to go as well.

[@glefos3917]

Thanks. Good stuff! 👍

[@nilescoyote4829]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork thanks for adding that, I was going to ask the same... so instead, how about the ATACR

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

Niles Coyote I also have an AtacR. I’d take the Atacr over the Mark5. Mainly because of track record. Nightforce is basically bombproof. I think the contrast and lack of chromatic aberration makes the NF a bit more attractive. You get a tiny amount of CA on the edges in the Mark5. Atleast in the one I have. That being said, I still think the mark5 is brighter. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@nilescoyote4829]

@@PrecisionRifleNetwork thanks for yet another great review video and feedback in the comments.