Today’s article shines a light on the best Vortex scopes for elk hunting. Elk hunts are popular with gun hobbyists that love the thrill that comes with sighting and bringing down these majestic creatures.
Aiming and shooting an elk is not that difficult a task because they like to stay in groups and only in rare cases will you come across a lone elk. However, elks can be quite the elusive animals once they sight intrusion in their habitats.
Seeing an elk before it sees you is one way to increase your chances of bringing it down. The other is having a great scope. A scope helps you keep the distance from the target while still retaining a crisp image and good aim at it.
There is no better way to get hold of an Elk before it sees you than with the best Vortex scopes for Elk hunting. Get a shoddy scope and get yourself skunked in all your elk hunting efforts. So, what makes a great scope for elk hunting?
What Makes a Great Scope for Elk Hunting?
Great scope for elk hunting should be made of durable material with a lens that has terrific light transmission. The scope needs variable magnification to enable shooting at different ranges and changing lighting conditions.
For short-range or daytime hunts, 3-9x 40 will suffice while for the far range it can go up to 6-18×50. A great scope should also be able to weather rain, fog, and shock from recoil.
What is the Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting?
Thorough combing of the market for the best scopes for elk hunting led us to the following Vortex Scopes that exuded great performance and customer satisfaction. Here is a list of the best Vortex scopes for Elk hunting that edged out competition from others in that category.
1) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Diamondback lineup is focused on zeroing in on big games like the elk for shorter ranges of around 1000 yards or less. It has a BDC reticle that matches its magnification setting levels. For easy reticle focus, a fast-focus eyepiece is added to the features.
High-quality glass is used for the lens that is fully multicoated to improve brightness and picture quality. This is good for hunters that like to hunt in low light settings like during dawn or dusk. The scope has a Precision Glider Erector system that allows you to stay on the target as you transition in the zoom settings.
Turrets are also found on the scope to factor in windage and elevation adjustments. The turrets can easily be reset to zero for quick modifications in between shoots. This argon-purged and o-ring seal technology used in manufacture makes the scope fog and waterproof.
Furthermore, the firm finish sees that it can handle shock from recoils without breaking down. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes is a good bargain price-wise and also in terms of quality compared to the Viper HS scopes.
Features
- BDC reticle on the second focal plane to zero in on the target
- Quality lens glass for good light transmission and clarity on shooting points
- Ideal for shooting in low-light settings
- Fast-focus eyepiece to position reticle in comfortable eye position
- Zero-rest turrets for windage and elevation estimation
- Precision Glider Erector System to retain target acquisition as you change magnification
- Argon-purged and O-ring technology is used for protection against fog and water
- Firm finish to deliver reliable performance over a long period
2) Vortex Optics Viper HS Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
For both extreme and close-range hunters, Vortex Optics Viper HS Second Focal Plane Riflescopes are the best scope to go by. Its optics have been designed to suit shooting at elks within short and long distances with the lens crafted from low-dispersion glass for sharp clear imaging.
This top-notch quality lens is XR coated for good resolution along with Armotex coating to keep it protected from scratches and dirt. The scope features a second focal plane that maintains consistency in size whenever you zoom in and out.
It also has a reticle and fast-focus eyepiece to enable snappy shots of any elk in any range. Exposed turrets with zero reset functionality help align the reticle and the sighted elk for a perfect shot.
Firm MOA adjustments are included to give accurate estimations of elevation and windage. Like most Vortex Scopes, the scope has O-ring seal technology and is argon-purged for durable reliable performance.
Features
- Durable scope ideal for long and short-range shooting
- Second focal plane with reticle for consistent image view during change of magnification levels
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick snappy shots
- Firm responsive turrets with zero reset functionality alongside MOA adjustments for accuracy
- Low-dispersion glass is used for the lens and is XR-coated for good image resolution. Armotex coating is also added for protection against scratch and dirt
- Budget-friendly
3) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Choosing between the first and second focal plane scopes will always trickle down to personal preferences. If you choose to go with the latter, Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes guarantee a memorable elk hunting experience.
Like a cherry topping on a chocolate cake, a scope from this Viper line comes with exquisite features that will fit your rifle. These scopes feature magnification suitable for short to medium ranges. Low dispersion, fully multi-coated glass for excellent light transmission has been used to give a crystal-clear view of the elk and its surrounding environment.
In addition to that, scratches, oil, and dirt are prevented by the Armotex coating thereby lengthening the usage span of the scope. With the laser-etched turrets and adjustable parallax you just need to set your turrets, breathe, and fire that shot.
RZR zero stop is incorporated in construction also helps with quick adjustments for elevation. That is, after changing the setting to adjust for elevation and you are done shooting, you turn it down to zero and the scope goes back to the original point where you had sighted it in, and that setting cannot be moved past that.
A good rifle scope should be made from tough material like air-grade aluminum used on these scopes to guarantee a lifetime of reliable performance.
Features
- Low dispersion fully multi-coated lens for clear sight images
- Works well for short to medium-range yardage
- Scratch-resistant coating
- Has laser-etched turrets alongside adjustable parallax
- RZR zero stop for enhanced elevation adjustments
- Made with tough aircraft-grade aluminum material
- O-ring seal technology and argon purge for weatherproof performance
4) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
First focal planes have gained popularity quickly in the shooting arena and you have a problem using second focal planes you ought to try these out. The first focal plane commonly referred to as FFP is the ideal tool for long ranges such as shots going for 500 yards and beyond.
The advantage with FFPs is that the reticle zooms simultaneously with the area being magnified. This means that the distance between the hash marks remains the same despite the magnification which is why they are the best for elk hunting at long distances.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes give a slew of choices to pick from all offering exemplary performance. These Vortex scopes are built to last with a beautiful matte finish that camouflages your position well because elks are tough and wild, sometimes they do not run instead they might use choose to drive their antlers through you.
They are also rugged in construction to withstand pressure from recoils. For optics, you have a glass-etched reticle held between the layers of glass for protection from damage and an illuminated reticle for clarity in low lighting set up. For quick reticle focus, there is a fast-focus eyepiece included in the construction.
Turret rotations are visible in the radius bar. Exposed turret adjustment knobs are set up with Precision-Force Spring System to allow fast efficient adjusting between shots. Smooth transition between magnification ranges is enabled by the Precision-Glide Erector System.
Features
- Exemplary performance in long-distance ranges
- Matte finish that camouflages the shooter’s position
- Rugged construction to weather recoils and impact
- Illuminated reticle for good shots in low-lighting conditions
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focus
- Precision Force Spring System alongside Precision-Glide Erector System for quick adjustment and smooth transition between magnification levels.
5) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
Next on best Vortex scopes for Elk hunting, we have the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes that are largely categorized into three styles: Dead-Hold BDC, V-Plex, and V-Brite Illuminated.
The difference in these scopes is the reticle. Dead-Hold BDC is good for holdover corrections. Scopes with V-Plex have more of an all-purpose reticle that can be used in different hunting scenarios.
V-Brite Illuminated uses the V-Plex style along with battery-powered electronics to give the user clear visuals in low-light settings through the illuminated reticle.
In all three, eye relief is generously catered for so no scope bites for you, the lenses on each scope are fully multi-coated with the anti-glare property because we know well how reflection can ruin a perfect shot.
Capped zero-reset turrets coupled with MOA clicks are available for adjustments on windage and elevation. For accurate reticle positioning, the scopes have a fast-focus eyepiece. Being second focal plane scopes, images remain the same even when magnification is varied.
Features
- Provides great eye relief
- Has three different reticle styles: Dead-Hold BDC, V-Plex, and V-Brite Illuminated
- Capped zero-reset turrets with MOA clicks for windage and elevation corrections
- Anti-reflective fully-multi-coated lens
- SFP Vortex Scopes excellent for both short and long distances
- Features O-ring sealing and nitrogen purge to keep off destruction by moist weather conditions
6) Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Vortex Optics has some amazing reticles such as those found in these scope series. With Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes you come across three reticle options: JM-1 MOA, VMR-2 MOA, and VMR-2 RAD that feature an illuminated center dot to precisely tell where shots will land.
The JM-1 reticle of 1-6x magnification and 24 mm lens diameter supports accurate shots for up to 600 yards, VMR-2 MOA uses MOA based sub tension lines where holdover and windage correction is needed while the VMR-2 RAD utilizes the MRAD based sub tension lines to the range, holdover and make adjustments on elevation.
Besides the reticle, these scopes boast strength and durability from their air-grade aluminum construction. The anodized finish is not only beautiful but is instrumental in keeping distractive glare from the hunter and camouflaging their position.
A closer look at the internal specs and you find a Friction Reduction System that is steel pads on floats on the steel surfaces to protect from wearing out every time the parts come in contact.
Secondly, the scopes have an Erector Tube System with springs that should be able to withstand pressure and is also well polished to aid in estimating elevation and windage correction.
Low-dispersion-coated glass is used for lens construction for sharp images. With the fast focus, eyepiece reticle focusing is quick and easy. These 30mm piece tubes guarantee unmatched performance and are another set of best Vortex scopes for elk hunting.
Features
- HD picture quality
- Different reticle options are available
- Strong and durable 30mm scopes with an anodized finish for enhanced strength, antireflection and camouflaging
- Friction Reduction System for long-lasting internal steel surfaces
- Erector Tube System with perfect polishing to help with correction in elevation and windage
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
7) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25×56 First Focal Plane Riflescope
To wrap up our best Vortex Scopes for Elk hunting list are the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25×56 First Focal Plane Riflescopes. This option is for the marksman who has assessed the environment and position of elks and concluded that high magnification is what they will need to achieve a clean shot.
The magnification range in these scopes is generously provided in addition to the wide lens that has an anti-reflective coating on all air to glass surfaces. XD optical system ensures fine visuals even in all light setups. An illuminated reticle is thrown in to make hunting in low light a worthwhile experience.
To keep the chosen turret setting in place the scopes have tactical turret locking to prevent accidental changes. They also engage the RevStop Zero System which provides a super-fast return to zero after turret adjustments. Parallax adjustments make a great difference when hunting and you will find this provision on one side of these scopes.
These 34mm scopes are nitrogen purged with an O-ring seal for resistance against destruction by water and fog. Aircraft-grade aluminum is not one that easily breaks on impact or recoil and as such has been used in the manufacture of these scopes so you are sure what you have is strong enough to handle even the power of rifles.
Features
- Fits the long-range shooter perfectly
- XD Optical System for good resolution and sharp visuals in all lighting conditions
- Tactical turret locking with the incorporation of RevStop Zero System
- Side focus/ parallax adjustment to lock in target for accurate shots
- Manufactured with shockproof air-grade aluminum
- Nitrogen purged with O-ring seal tech to deliver fog and waterproof performance
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Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide
Choosing the Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting
Not all riflescopes are created equal and what works for your neighbor might not deliver results for you. When looking for the best Vortex scope for hunting, there are key considerations to keep in mind as they will help you tell apart a great elk hunting scope from an ordinary riflescope. Let’s take a look:
Visibility
How do you bring down those powerful antlers without clear visuals on the elk? A good Vortex Scope should give you clear optics on exactly where you are aiming before shooting.
Variable magnification and reasonable lens size should feature prominently in the scope along with reticles and adjustments for wind or elevation if you are to get anything out of your hunting escapade.
Focal Plane
It is important to consider whether the Vortex scope has a reticle in the first or second focal plane. A reticle on the first focal plane will change image size as you change the magnification setting. This way what you get is an accurate estimate of hold-over points for elevation and windage in all magnification settings.
Second focal plane reticles do not change the size of the image and remain accurate only on one magnification setting. This will require you to do the estimations for the hold-over points. Whatever your choice, with hunting prowess on your part, any of these options should deliver a good experience.
Hunting Range
Depending on the range you are targeting, the choice of scope will vary. Some people choose a long-range other a short one. Scopes are designed to suit any of these needs so you will be spoilt for choice in any direction you choose to follow.
Durability
Sturdy material that can withstand the tough shooting that comes with traversing landscapes during elk hunts is what you are looking for in a Vortex Scope. Using a weak scope on large caliber shooting will have it shatter into pieces before you are even done hunting.
Indestructible by rain, fog, and water is a characteristic you will find in some of the best scopes. It is therefore advisable to choose one building that is built to last otherwise you will keep purchasing after every hunt.
Additional Features
Scopes have complementary features that enhance the hunting process, for instance, some have scope rings for mounting up on your firearm. It is good to enquire whether the scope you are purchasing comes with additional features and be sure they fit your preferences.
What Magnification Do You Need for Elk Hunting?
Magnification in elk hunts is reliant on the conditions under which you will be hunting. If you are doing close ranges or daylight shots, 3-9x 40 magnification is enough. This is the most common magnification range and is usually considered best for elk hunting.
You need not much magnification because the elk are large. However, if you are doing areas where shots in 100 or 200 yards are not achievable, you may have to use the 6-18×50 for clearer images on target.
Why Choose Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting?
Quality-Vortex Scopes are designed with dense optical glass, durable air-grade aluminum, multi-coated lenses for glare reduction, and O-ring seals for a waterproof scope. They are continuously coming up with great innovations to better the hunting process.
Prices-Scopes from Vortex optics range from fairly priced to expensive. So, whether you are working with a budget or looking to splurge on their accessories, be sure quality remains uncompromised.
Vortex VIP Warranty- Vortex gives a lifetime unlimited warranty for every purchase. Provided damage is not deliberate, you will get the scope repaired or replaced when repairing is not a feasible idea.
See Also
Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting FAQs
Q: What Size Scope is Best for Elk Hunting?
A: Riflescope size specification carries two numbers: one that identifies the magnification and the other the lens diameter size. While it is true that having too much magnification while hunting elks may cause image distortion, in some instances it is a necessary evil especially in longer ranges or when using a powerful rifle.
A good scope size should be one with specifications that match what you need. Many shooters settle for scope sizes of between 3-6x magnification and 40-50 mm lens size which is what is usually required during the elk hunting season mainly because they will be around 100-200 yards out.
Q: Are Vortex Scopes Worth the Money?
A: Vortex Optics is one of the best-performing companies when it comes to the production of top-tier equipment for outdoor recreational activities that include bird watching, hunting, and other sighting accessories. Law enforcement has also benefited from some of the products.
Vortex engineers combine innovations to produce quality scopes that help users get good visuals that tell apart the target and the environment. The scopes are easy to use and maintain.
They come with a lifetime warranty for repair and replacement in case of damage. Not forgetting also their exemplary customer service so, yes, definitely worth the money.
Read: Best Rifle Bipod
Conclusion
Vortex has over the years become synonymous with superior quality and if you are going to chuck off a few bucks for a scope for elk hunting at least let it be one from their catalog. Choosing their scopes means choosing an almost flawless shooting experience and honestly, clean shots on targets are the pride of any hunter.
They are a tried and proven brand with great reviews from other users so why not join the winning team this hunting season and enjoy taking down these majestic monarchs?