Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review

When hunting in the western states, the terrain is vast, open and hard to reach. Because of this, optics are an extremely important asset. To be more specific, good optics are important. In order to see bighorn sheep up in the deepest cirques behind the highest peaks, or mule deer feeding out of the dark timber across the canyon, a hunter needs an optic that will provide a superior edge to edge clarity, light transmission and resolution to help them claim success in the field. This is where Leupold’s SX-5 Santiam HD Angled spotting scope comes into play. I used this spotting scope through the hunting season this year, putting it through the ultimate tests. In the end, these were my thoughts:

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
The SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm spotting scope is a perfect match for any need. I used mine for hunting, but it can be used for birding, enjoying the scenery, or spying on your hot neighbor… the possibilities are endless thanks to the robust design and clear image.

About the SX-5 Santiam HD

This spotting scope comes in two different varieties; angled and straight. Both optics are the same size, offering magnification in the 27-55x range while utilizing an 80mm lens. Like all of Leupold’s optics, these are guaranteed tough. If for some reason, you have any issues, you can return the optic to the factory in Oregon for repair under warranty. That said, you can see that this optic is built to take a beating. It has a rubberized coating that would absorb shock from a drop and resist wear and tear from riding around on a hunt with you. On top of this, the SX-5 Santiam HD features some advanced coatings that make the lens scratch-resistant and helps transmit the perfect balance of light wavelengths to the eye which provides you with the best image possible.

This optic is fitted with some notable features. For example, the 1/4×28 thread mount makes it compatible with most tripods. The SX-5 Santiam HD also comes with a single focus adjustment ring, making focus adjustments quick and smooth. It has an adjustable eyepiece that makes use with, or without glasses comfortable. And they also have an extendable sunshade on the objective lens, making it easy to get the clearest picture at any time of the day, from any angle.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
Notice the neoprene cover that is included. Also, the adjustable eyepiece and aggressively textured magnification ring.

Angled vs Straight

Because the SX-5 Santiam HD comes in both angled and straight varieties, I guess it makes sense to discuss the differences. Put extremely simply, on an angled spotting scope, the eye is never looking in parallel with the objective lens. In a straight spotting scope, the eye is always in parallel with the objective lens.

This causes a couple of things to happen when in use: many people find locating an object in an angled spotting scope to be difficult, where it is easier for them in a straight spotting scope. However, angled scopes have a couple of benefits: you can scan the hillside while moving the eyepiece minimally (which also makes it a great option for a window mount in a vehicle) and you can hold your head at a comfortable angle while keeping the spotting scope low to the ground for stability. For the new user, straight scopes will remain more intuitive to find objects in, but I promise that you learn how to do the same with an angled scope after a little bit of use.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
The scope body also rotates, allowing you even more angles to look at, without moving your body.

How I used my SX-5 Santiam HD

This hunting season, I carried this spotting scope and a tripod several hundred miles in a backpack while walking and riding on horseback. During this time, I spotted a ton of game, including antelope, deer, elk, bighorn sheep and others. For the most part, I was using the spotting scope in a supplemental fashion, first finding game with my binoculars and then studying it through the higher power SX-5. However, I found the SX-5 to be great for scanning the hillside over great distances and ended up using it to find game without the support of other optics.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
The SX-5 went with me everywhere I went this season, whether it was by horseback or my own two feet.

When combined with a PhoneSkope adapter and my phone camera, I was able to take video and pictures of what I was seeing. This allowed me to expand my use for the spotting scope to solo-spotting long-range shots, both during hunts and while practicing my shooting.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
This is moments before I (left) anchored a bull with a 1007 yard shot with my 338 EDGE. We recorded the whole ordeal through the SX-5, making the shot much easier.

With the ability to record through the scope, I found it extremely valuable to have a clear optic. I was previously using a cheaper optic, and it would yield much worse pictures. Consequently, I just assumed that was the name of the game with digiscoping. Don’t cheat yourself with lesser quality! I’ll throw in a comparison between this old scope and the SX-5 as well as a short video of my dad taking a 191″ muledeer buck at 500 yards with a 6mm Creedmoor pistol (recorded through the SX-5).

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
This picture was taken with my old, cheaper spotting scope. It does not provide a high-resolution image and there is visible haloing around the edges of objects. This is a big difference when compared to an image through the SX-5. (photo was taken on an overcast day, the range is 1400 yards.)
Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
Now compare that image to this one: both photos were taken at just over 1,000 yard distances. Here, you can see the higher resolution that the SX-5 has to offer. Notice you can count antler tips and see individual branches on the trees. Also, keep in mind that these images are compressed, and less quality than you would see directly through the optic.

While we were in the field hunting all of these elusive animals, we got rained on, snowed on, fogged in and froze up. Sadly, in order to continue the hunt, we had to expose our equipment to these elements too. The SX-5 performed like a champ, never yielding to nature. Day in and day out, I noticed the difference that the superior glass and large objective lens made in the early and late hours of the hunt. I found that I was able to see things with the SX-5 that I know I wouldn’t have been able to make out with other optics.

Power Range

There were occasions where I found myself wishing that I had a 20x base power, but with the clarity and FOV that the SX-5 had to offer, I welcomed the sacrifice. While spotting around 500-1000 yards, I didn’t often raise the power above 30x approximately. To count antler points and maintain a large sight picture on a (typically) moving animal, I found it more valuable to use a lower power. Again, I was able to do this because of the unreal clarity that the SX-5 had to offer.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
This is a bull that I took a picture of using my PhoneSkope adapter and iPhone. The distance was 600 yards and the photo was shot on 27x and then digitally enlarged.

While looking further away in the 1000+ yard range, I then would crank the power up to the highest possible while maintaining a decent FOV around the intended subject. Thanks to the precise adjustments that the focus ring had to offer, I was able to keep an edge to edge clarity on max power at extended ranges. In conclusion, I found the 27-55x power range to be fitting for my uses.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
A small 4 point buck. Shot on 27x at a distance of 900 yards.

Specs And Features

  • 2.9 – 1.5 exit pupil range
  • 16.6 – 19.2 eye relief range
  • 105 linear FOV (ft/1000 yards) on low power
  • 68.7 oz weight
  • 73 linear FOV (ft/1000 yards) on high power
  • 15.7″ length
  • 46.5 – 66.3 twilight factor
  • 2 degrees angular FOV on low power
  • 1.4 degrees angular FOV on high power
  • 11′ close focus distance
  • Lens Coatings:
    • DiamondCoat 2
    • Guard-Ion Lens Coating
  • Protective Soft-Sided case
  • waterproof and fog proof
  • Advanced HD Lens System
  • retractable lens shade
  • twist-up eyecups
  • Tripod ready (1/4×28)
  • $2,339.99 MSRP
Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
The lens shade is shown here in the extended position, blocking unwanted direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been struggling with lower quality spotting scopes for years now just because I wasn’t willing to fill the “Buy once, cry once” mantra. However, after using the Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm spotting scope, I’m never going to be able to go back to fighting with cheaper optics in the field. The added advantage of higher resolution, brighter image, and larger FOV is one that makes the difference between success and unfilled tags. The angled eyepiece version was the way to go for the way I hunt because it makes combing a large area from a single position possible and comfortable. The SX-5 has proven itself to be tough during my hunts with it, and when letting friends borrow this optic, it never once failed to drop their jaw on the ground when they looked through it. By the end of the day, Leupold has won its place at the top of the game with this optic for its clarity and light-gathering abilities among other reasons.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm Angled Spotting Scope Full Review
Don’t spend too long studying game with a crappy spotting scope; sometimes they step out of view in the extra minutes you spend. We didn’t let this 191″ buck getaway once we put the SX-5 on it.

To learn more about Leupold’s SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm spotting scope, click HERE!

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About the author: Riley Baxter is an avid and experienced hunter, shooter, outdoorsman, and he’s worked in the backcountry guiding for an outfitter. He also get’s a lot of enjoyment out of building or customizing his firearms and equipment. Check out Riley’s Instagram @Shooter300

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  • Phillip Harper March 22, 2020, 1:58 am

    I would like to be kept informed about eexcellent condition Tom cats, various calibers, and laws of Texas including how to obtain a concealed weapons permit like Ihold for my recent move from Florida—- permit now expired but still have.

  • Fissel March 3, 2020, 8:01 pm

    Is Leupold still making this stateside? I was saddened to see a new Leupold rangefinder was made in China. At least their scopes are still made here.

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