Moose are the true giants of North America, and hunting them is a serious adventure. Whether you’re in thick timber or glassing open tundra, a good scope helps you spot, track, and ethically harvest one of the continent’s toughest game animals. But moose hunting is demanding—your scope needs to be clear, tough, and reliable in any weather. This guide covers the best scopes for moose hunting, tips on choosing the right one, and answers the most common moose hunter questions.
Quick Picks
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 — Best Overall
- Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44 BT — Best Premium Glass
- Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 — Best for Heavy Timber
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Moose Hunting Scope?
Moose hunting combines up-close action in the woods with long shots across beaver ponds or tundra. Here’s what to look for in a scope:
- Magnification: 2.5-10x, 3-15x, or 3.5-18x is ideal. Lower power is fast for close shots; higher zoom helps in the open.
- Objective Lens: 40–50mm brings in more light for dawn, dusk, and gloomy weather.
- Reticle: Bold duplex or simple BDC—fast to see, easy to use with gloves. Illumination helps in deep timber.
- Turrets: Capped or custom dials (CDS, ballistic turrets) for fast adjustments, especially if you hunt open country.
- Glass Quality: HD/ED glass, fully multi-coated—makes a real difference in the worst light and weather.
- Durability: 100% waterproof, shockproof, fogproof. Moose country means rain, snow, bumps, and brush.
- Weight: Under 21 oz for mountain or long hikes. Slightly heavier is fine for stand hunting.
- Warranty: Only trust brands with proven, hassle-free warranties for real hunting use.
Detailed Reviews — Best Moose Hunting Scopes
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Who it’s for: Moose hunters who want one scope for close timber and open country—lightweight, bright, and ready for any shot.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-15x zoom covers every scenario
- 44mm objective with Twilight Max HD system
- CDS-ZL2 dial for quick, precise adjustments
- ZeroLock and side parallax
- Just 19 oz—great for all-day carry
- Pros:
- Outstanding low-light performance
- Crystal-clear glass, true in any weather
- Lifetime Leupold warranty
- Cons:
- Premium price
- Illuminated reticle extra
- Final Verdict: The VX-5HD is perfect for the serious moose hunter—one of the brightest, most dependable scopes in North America. See the latest price:
See Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Price
Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44 BT
Who it’s for: Hunters who want the ultimate in clarity, low-light performance, and lightweight glass—ideal for moose across big country or open muskeg.
- Key Benefits:
- 3.5-18x zoom for any terrain
- 44mm Swarovski HD lens for unbeatable image
- Ballistic Turret (BT) for distance adjustments
- Ultra-light (just 15.9 oz)
- Pros:
- Legendary glass for dawn and dusk
- Handles any weather
- Extremely lightweight for mountain rifles
- Cons:
- Premium price range
- No illuminated reticle
- Final Verdict: The Z5 BT is a “once in a lifetime” moose scope for hunters who want the very best. See today’s deal:
See Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44 Price
Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44
Who it’s for: Moose hunters in thick cover who want a bright, fast, and reliable scope that won’t break the bank—or their back.
- Key Benefits:
- 2.5-10x zoom for quick, close shots
- 44mm objective for solid low-light clarity
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle for simple holdovers
- Lightweight and weatherproof
- Lifetime Vortex VIP warranty
- Pros:
- Easy to use, fast target acquisition
- Holds zero on heavy calibers
- Excellent value for the quality
- Cons:
- No exposed or custom turret
- No illumination
- Final Verdict: The Viper HS is a great pick for classic moose hunting—quick, clear, and tough for the bush. See price below:
See Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 Price
Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12×44
Who it’s for: Hunters who want top-tier German glass, proven field reliability, and a scope that handles any weather or heavy recoil.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-12x magnification—ideal for close to mid-range
- 44mm LotuTec lens for water, dirt, and snow
- Z-Plex reticle for fast, simple aiming
- Solid build, handles big calibers easily
- Pros:
- Crystal-clear in the worst weather
- Bold, easy-to-see reticle
- Proven in Alaskan and Canadian hunts
- Cons:
- Heavier than ultralight mountain scopes
- No illumination
- Final Verdict: The Conquest V4 is a favorite among guides and outfitters—reliable, bright, and ready for any moose adventure. See current price:
See Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12×44 Price
Burris Veracity 3-15×50 FFP
Who it’s for: Moose hunters who want max light, a big field of view, and FFP holdover reticle for long shots in the open or edge of timber.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-15x magnification, huge 50mm objective
- Ballistic E1 FFP reticle for distance and wind holds
- Zero Stop, side parallax, waterproof and fogproof
- Burris Forever Warranty
- Pros:
- Great in tough light and bad weather
- Ready for any magnum or big bore
- Easy, fast adjustments
- Cons:
- Heavier at 25 oz
- No illumination
- Final Verdict: The Veracity is a workhorse for big game—trusted on moose, elk, and bear in wild country. Click for today’s price:
See Burris Veracity 3-15×50 Price
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Weight | Reticle | Special Feature | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-5HD | 3-15x | 44mm | 19 oz | CDS Duplex | CDS-ZL2 Dial | Check Price |
| Swarovski Z5 BT | 3.5-18x | 44mm | 15.9 oz | BRH | Ballistic Turret, Ultra-Light | Check Price |
| Vortex Viper HS | 2.5-10x | 44mm | 16.5 oz | Dead-Hold BDC | Rugged, Affordable | Check Price |
| Zeiss Conquest V4 | 3-12x | 44mm | 21 oz | Z-Plex | LotuTec Lens Coating | Check Price |
| Burris Veracity | 3-15x | 50mm | 25 oz | Ballistic E1 FFP | Zero Stop, Big Lens | Check Price |
FAQ — Scopes for Moose Hunting
What’s the best magnification for moose hunting?
3-15x or 2.5-10x covers thick brush and open tundra. You rarely need more than 15x for ethical, confident shots.
Is an illuminated reticle important?
It’s helpful in dark timber or heavy brush, but not required for most legal shooting hours. Bold duplex reticles work great for moose.
Will these scopes hold up to heavy recoil?
Absolutely. Every scope listed is designed for magnum and big bore rifles, from .30-06 to .338, .375, and beyond.
Are these scopes weatherproof for tough conditions?
Yes. Every model here is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—built for northern climates and rough handling.
What’s the best lightweight scope for moose hunting?
The Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44 is ultra-light and clear, perfect for long hikes or mountain hunts. Leupold VX-5HD is another great light option.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Moose hunting is a true test of gear, skill, and grit. These scopes are trusted by experienced hunters, outfitters, and guides across North America. Click any link to check today’s prices, see more reviews, and make sure you’re ready for your next big hunt—wherever moose roam.