Having proper hunting gear is vital in making your elk hunting activity a success. Since elk hunting requires you to track them from a distance, you’ll need a good quality optic to bring you closer to them.
One of the best optics you can use is an efficient pair of elk hunting binoculars. The best elk hunting binoculars will help you sight an elk that’s far away smoothly thus making your hunting excursion less strenuous.
Choosing the best elk hunting binoculars is easier said than done. Given the wide variety of binoculars available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best pair for your needs.
If you are looking for the best elk hunting binoculars, we have made things easier for you. In today’s post we highlight the best elk hunting binoculars on the market and the important considerations to keep in mind when stalking for one.
We have made a detailed review of the best binoculars for elk hunting available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
#1) Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars
The 10×42 Vortex Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars make the best binoculars for elk hunting. These premium-quality binoculars are packed with everything an elk hunter will need. They are one of the most lightweight full-size binoculars for easy maneuverability.
These rugged roof prism binoculars are built to handle anything thrown at them. The compact, shock-absorbing rubber-armored coating enhances durability, while the Armortek coating on the exterior lenses ensures that this optic is ready for every hunt. Not to mention that it’s O-ring sealed and argon purged to defy all weather elements and provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The optical performance of these binoculars is pretty impressive. All Viper HD binoculars boast advanced high-density extra-low dispersion glass which delivers outstanding resolution and color fidelity. The lenses have anti-reflective coatings for excellent light transmission from dusk to dawn.
These binoculars are beginner and eye-glass-friendly too. They bring to the table multi-position eyecups which you can customize fit to the most comfortable viewing position with or without your eyeglasses. They are also equipped with a locking right eye diopter which adjusts for focal differences between your eyes.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Waterproof and fogproof
- High-density extra-low dispersion glass
- Enhanced anti-reflective lens coatings
- Dielectric, multi-layer prism coatings
- Compact, rubber-armored chassis
- Adjustable eyecups
- Locking right-eye diopter
- Armortek exterior lens coatings
- Generous 16.5mm eye relief
#2) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular
If you are looking for a budget binocular for elk hunting, the Legend Ultra HD Binocular from Bushnell is your ideal option. This roof prism binocular is made with hunters in mind.
It’s built using the latest waterproof and fog-proof technology so you can use it even in extreme weather conditions. It also features Rain guard HD water-repellent lens coating for clear views in wet weather conditions.
This binocular offers exceptional optical performance. The ED prime glass delivers outstanding resolution and color fidelity, while the ultra-wideband coating maximizes light transmission to provide you with bright and clear images even in low-light situations.
Furthermore, the binocular has a long eye relief which reduces eye fatigue during long hunting sessions and a wide field of view for easy target identification and tracking.
The magnesium chassis enhances durability without adding any unnecessary weight. At only 22.5oz, this binocular is incredibly light and convenient for hunting. It also comes with a neck strap for easy carrying in the field and a soft carrying case for safe and secure storage. Overall, it’s a high-quality binocular available at an affordable price.
Features
- Durable and lightweight magnesium chassis
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective
- Long eye relief
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Ultra-wide field of view
- Locking diopter
- Soft case and neck strap included
- Rainguard HD water-repellent lens coating
- ED prime glass and ultra-wideband lens coating
#3) Leupold BX-1 McKenzie Binocular
The Leupold BX-1 McKenzie is another budget binocular suitable for elk hunting. It features a high 10x magnification suitable for elk hunting in wide, open spaces.
The large 42mm objective lens delivers outstanding light-gathering abilities to provide bright images when hunting at dusk or dawn. The binocular also boasts a Twilight Light Management System which helps you see more in dismal environments.
This binocular is purpose-built to handle the toughest conditions. The rugged construction makes it shockproof and impact-resistant, while the weatherproof design makes it suitable for harsh weather conditions.
For added convenience, the binocular has an open bridge roof prism design which makes it lightweight and easy to carry. The twist-up eyecups make it eyeglass-friendly, while the generous eye relief provides comfortable extended viewing. Above all, this binocular has an extremely smooth focusing system for simple adjustments.
Features
- Generous eye relief
- 100% waterproof, fog-resistant and shockproof
- Open bridge roof prism design
- Twilight Light Management System
- Smooth focusing system
- Twist-up eyecups
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Sturdy and durable aluminum housing
- Superior low-light performance
#4) Vortex Optics Vulture HD Binoculars
Here is another excellent elk hunting binoculars from the Vortex brand. The Vulture HD 8×56 binoculars are renowned for their outstanding low light performance which is a vital feature when hunting at dawn or dusk.
All the air-to-glass lens surfaces are fully multi-coated to provide brilliant images. The prism is also coated to provide bright, clear, and color-accurate images even in low-light conditions.
Another good thing about these binoculars is their durable construction. They are made with high-quality materials to ensure that you get many years of field use.
The rubber armor provides durable external protection and a comfortable, non-slip grip in wet environments. Besides, the Vulture HD is fully waterproof and argon purged to prevent internal lens fogging.
You’ll also like how lightweight and portable these binoculars are. Weighing just 1.1kg, you’ll have a comfortable time carrying them as you track down your targets. You can also mount them on a tripod and enjoy a snug, hands-free viewing.
Features
- Tripod adaptable
- Superior low-light performance
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Proprietary Armortek lens coating
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- High-Density ED glass
- Compact roof prism design
- Wide field of view: 328feet @ 1000 yards
- 8-feet close focus
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Lightweight design
#5) Carson 3D Series High Definition Waterproof Binoculars
Carson is well-known for its high-quality optics and the 3D binoculars are no exception. These full-size binoculars combine HD optical coating technology and ED glass to give you the best quality images.
The lenses are also fully multi-coated to increase light transmission and provide bright and clear images even in low light conditions. The unbeatable resolution and image clarity cements the bino’s name among the best elk hunting binoculars.
The 10x magnification brings you closer to your targets, while the wide field of view helps you track them down with ease. Thanks to the heavy-duty construction, these binoculars are durable and shockproof.
The rubber armor coating enhances durability and gives you a secure, non-slip grip in all weather conditions. This optic is also waterproof and fog proof so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged by weather elements.
Moreover, these binoculars are usable with eyeglasses. The twist-down eyecups combined with the extra-long eye relief make them suitable for all users, with or without eyeglasses. Lastly, the binoculars are incredibly light and easy to maneuver in the field.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Extra-long 16mm eye relief
- BaK-4 prisms
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Rubberized armored textured coating
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Tripod mountable
- Dielectric coated prisms
- 10x magnification power and 42mm objective lens
#6) Nikon 16003 Prostaff 7S 10×42 Inches All-Terrain Binoculars
The Nikon Prostaff 7S 10×42 is your ideal binoculars for hunting elk in different terrains. It has a sleek green color which camouflages your hunting position. It also features a rubber-armored coating to handle harsh outdoor conditions.
Its tough construction and quality optical system earn it a spot among the best elk hunting binoculars. It also provides a comfortable, non-slip grip in wet weather conditions.
When hunting elk in either open fields or thick bushes, color and clarity are very important. The Prostaff 7S 10×42 brings you incredible color and clarity thanks to the phase correction coated roof prisms. The lenses are also fully multi-coated to increase light transmission for bright and clear images.
These all-terrain binoculars are also fully waterproof and fogproof. They are nitrogen-filled to prevent internal lens fogging and O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dirt, dust and moisture.
The turn-and-slide rubber eyecups let users tailor their eye relief for a comfortable fit. This provides a wide field of view and reduces eye fatigue during long periods of use. Overall, this is a high-quality binocular suitable for multiple outdoor activities, not just elk hunting.
Features
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- Waterproof and fog-free
- High-reflection mirror-coated prisms
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Phase correction coated prisms
- Ergonomic, rubber-armored body
- Long 15.5mm eye relief
- Real tree Xtra green camo color
- Wide field of view
#7) VANGUARD Endeavor ED 10×42 Binocular
The VANGUARD Endeavor ED 10×42 Binocular is a top-notch binocular and ranks highly among the best elk hunting binoculars. This bine is renowned for its outstanding optical performance. This makes it a favorite among most hunters who prefer to hunt elks early in the morning or when the sunsets.
It’s equipped with extra-low dispersion glass and advanced multi-guard lens coatings which increase light transmission for bright and vivid images. These binoculars also boast phase-coated BAK4 roof prisms which enhance resolution and edge-to-edge clarity.
Featuring an ergonomic, open-bridge design these binoculars are lightweight and comfortable to hold and carry. The binoculars are useable with your eyeglasses/sunglasses on.
They have three-stage twist-out eyecups that help you tailor them to the most comfortable viewing position. More importantly. these binoculars bring to the table a wide viewing angle which helps you track moving elks smoothly.
Like any other binoculars on this list, the Endeavor ED is fully waterproof and fogproof. They are O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to take on harsh weather conditions. They also come with a locking diopter and a lifetime warranty so you can rest assured of their quality.
Features
- Premium ED glass
- High-quality BAK4 roof prisms
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Locking diopter
- MultiGuard coatings
- Lifetime warranty
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Wide field of view
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Three-stage twist-out eyecups
See Also
- Best Hunting Binoculars
- Long-range Binoculars
- Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
- Riflescopes for Elk Hunting
Best Elk Hunting Binoculars Buying Guide & FAQs
How to Choose the Best Elk Hunting Binoculars
Whether you are buying your first elk hunting binoculars or looking for an upgrade, here is how to choose the best elk hunting binoculars.
Magnification
Magnification is always a priority when choosing any pair of elk hunting binoculars. Since most elks are found in vast areas, it can be harder to spot them with your naked eyes. Plus, they are highly sensitive to noise, so you’ll want to track them down from a distance.
A good quality pair of binoculars with about 10x magnification will help you hunt down elks at both medium and long ranges. Magnification will also help improve your accuracy by bringing the target closer to your eyes.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is a key factor you should consider especially if you wear eyeglasses. However, if you don’t put on eyeglasses, you shouldn’t worry too much about eye relief. Eye relief is the maximum distance between your eyes and the binocular eyepiece. Go for binoculars that have adjustable eyecups as they provide customized eye relief.
Field of View
Binoculars with a wide field of view make elk hunting less strenuous. This is particularly the case if you are hunting elks in wide spaces at long distances. Elks are always on the move as they search for food, so you’ll need a pair that helps you keep track of them as they move.
Durability
It’s hard to come by binoculars that don’t have rubber armor. The majority of elk hunting binoculars have rubber armoring which enhances durability by withstanding shock, impacts, and falls.
These armoring also shed off weather elements and provide an easy-to-hold, anti-slip grip in wet weather conditions. Other than the body quality, the binoculars should be weatherproof. Try to look for binoculars that are fully waterproof and fog proof, as they provide all-weather reliability.
Image Quality
Image quality is the other important part of binoculars for elk hunting. You’ll want your binoculars to provide bright and clear images even in low light conditions. So, make sure that the binoculars you are eyeing offer superior optical performance.
Go for binoculars whose lenses are fully multi-coated or multi-coated with anti-reflective coatings. The binoculars should also come with ED glass which delivers razor-sharp and clear images even in dismal conditions.
Prism Design
Binoculars are majorly categorized as either Porro prisms or roof prisms. In most cases, Porro prisms are heavier than roof prisms. For elk hunting, you should go for the roof prisms as they are lightweight.
Weight
Last but not least is weight. If your elk hunting involves moving from one point to the other, you should consider getting the lightest pair possible. Heavy binoculars are cumbersome to carry and use.
Generally, the type and amount of glass used and the size of the objective lens play a huge role in how heavy the binoculars weigh. So, make sure that you check how heavy the binoculars weigh and see if you’ll have an easy time carrying them around.
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Best Elk Hunting Binoculars FAQs
Q: What’s a Good Binocular Magnification for Elk Hunting?
It depends on various factors such as the hunting environment and your hunting skills. But the most common magnification for elk hunting is 10x. The 10x magnification is suitable for hunting in open spaces where most elks live. Good quality 10x binoculars also provide a wide field of view and enough brightness to see the targets clearly at dawn or dusk.
Q: What Do Numbers on Binoculars Stand for?
Model numbers on binoculars represent the magnification strength and the size of the objective lens measured in mm. For example, in a 10×42 model, 10 is the magnification and 42 is the diameter of the objective lens.
Q: What are the Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting?
The best elk hunting binoculars are those that meet your hunting needs. Also, the binoculars should offer quality images regardless of the lighting conditions. They should be easy to carry in the field and fully waterproof and fogproof for all-weather reliability.
Conclusion
Choosing a quality and efficient pair of binoculars is important for your next hunting expedition. The right binoculars will make your hunting excursion better, enjoyable and worthwhile. Use our buying guide above and choose a pair that will help increase your odds of success this hunting season.