Today you will find the best spotting scopes for elk hunting. If elk hunting is your favorite pastime activity, you can make it much more enjoyable by investing in a good-quality spotting scope.
The best spotting scopes for elk hunting are much more powerful than binoculars or riflescopes. This makes them the perfect optics for spying elks in any distance. They also offer outstanding magnification capability and great optical clarity in any lighting conditions.
With numerous options on the market, you may find yourself unhinged when choosing the best fit for your hunting needs. If you fall into this category, today’s post will help you find the best spotting scope for your upcoming elk hunting adventure.
What Makes a Great Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting?
For distant targets, no optic can match the performance of a spotting scope. With the right spotting scope, you will be amazed by the difference a spotting scope makes. So, what makes a great elk hunting spotting scope? Several optical and design characteristics set apart the best spotting scopes for elk hunting from the rest.
First up, the zoom lenses. They help change the magnification power of the spotting scope. A great spotting scope allows simple adjustments when switching between magnification powers.
Smooth gliding between magnification powers gives the hunter an advantage as it allows convenient scanning at lower power and a swift shift to a higher power when looking at the details.
The best spotting scopes for elk hunting should have quality glass. HD, fluoride-coated, or ED glass are used in top spotting scopes. Quality glass maintains image clarity and brightness even in low lighting conditions and at high power.
Besides, quality glass a good spotting scope for elk hunting should have a large objective lens to maximize the light gathering capacity. An objective lens with a diameter of 60mm offers the best compromise for elk hunters when it comes to image brightness and weight.
A spotting scope is a huge investment and so it should be ruggedly built to offer reliable performance for a long time. Choosing between straight vs angles is more of a personal preference but straight spotting scopes track games quickly and efficiently as they have a straight line of sight which makes them more suitable for hunting.
8 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
Finding the best model for elk hunting can be overwhelming especially for uninformed buyers. If you are having a hard time trying to decide on which spotting scope to buy, here are some of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting suitable for you. Let’s take a look.
#1) Vortex Optics Diamondback 16-48×65 Spotting Scope
Topping our list of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting is the redesigned Diamondback HD spotting scope that has all the horsepower for one of a kind western hunting experience.
The Diamondback Spotting Scope boasts all the features that elk hunters need to have a successful hunting trip. It offers excellent low-light clarity so you can hunt elks in any lighting conditions. It’s highly accurate and very simple to use as well.
This spotting scope performs exemplary well at both close quarters and long distances. It has several anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces for bright and clear images and a wide field of view for easy target spotting.
For added convenience, you can mount the scope on a tripod and enjoy snug viewing. You can also adjust the viewing angle to the angle that’s most comfortable for you.
Another impressive thing about the spotting scope is that it performs exceptionally well in inclement weather. It’s fully waterproof and fog proof. It also features tough rubber armor that enhances both durability and firm grip in wet and dry conditions.
Above all, it has an adjustable eyecup for snug viewing with or without eyeglasses and a built-in sunshade that reduces glare when hunting during the day.
Features
- Armortek lens coatings
- Durable rubber armor
- Tripod adaptable
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Adjustable eyecup
- Built-in sunshade
- HD optical system
- Multiple anti-reflective lens coatings
- Adjustable viewing angle
#2) Vortex Optics Razor HD 11-33x Spotting Scope
If you are looking for a compact spotting scope that you can pack and carry everywhere you go, you should get the Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around as you look for targets. A superb optical system and robust design make Razor HD one of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting.
Featuring a triplet apochromatic lens, this scope provides clear as crystal views at all magnification settings. The ED glass delivers great resolution and color fidelity, while the XR plus anti-reflective lens coatings yield brilliant images even in low-light settings.
The zoom eyepiece allows for simple magnification adjustments, while the adjustable eyecup folds up and down to accommodate eyeglass wearers and provide comfortable viewing.
With a 6.6 feet-close focus and a variable 11-33x magnification, you can use this scope for both close and long-range shooting. In regards to construction, this product is toughly built to give you many years of field use.
It’s waterproof, fog-proof and has a durable rubber armor that absorbs shock and impacts. Lastly, the exterior lenses have an Armortek coating that offers protection from dirt, dust and scratches.
Features
- Variable 11-33x magnification
- 6 feet close focus
- Armortek lens coatings
- Durable rubber armor
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Adjustable eyecups
- XR plus anti-reflective lens coatings
- Zoom eyepiece for easy magnification adjustments
- Triplet apochromatic lens and ED glass
- Compact and lightweight design
#3) Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope 30-60x85mm
The Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope has a high 60x magnification suitable for hunting at extremely long ranges. Even with the high magnification, the scope provides a spacious field of view for easy target identification.
It’s compact, lightweight, and convenient for hunting. As one of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 takes you where other scopes haven’t.
This spotting scope provides superior optical performance. The large 85mm objective collects ample light even in dismal environments. This gives you high-quality images that are bright and crisp clear.
Better yet, the external lenses have a special LotuTec coating that sheds dirt and moisture for clear views even when it’s raining. To top it all, this spotting scope is nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging and water-resistant too.
Features
- 30-60 zoom eyepiece
- Compact roof prism design
- 45 degrees viewing angle
- Nitrogen-filled and water-resistant
- Large 85 mm objective lens
- Wide field of view
- Durable and lightweight magnesium body
- Large focusing wheel
- LotuTec lens coating
#4) Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope
Next on our list of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting is the Swarovski ATS 80 20-60x Spotting Scope. Featuring a variable 20-60x magnification, this scope provides great target views at different ranges. It has an amazingly lightweight design for easy portability in the field as you look for elks.
With this spotting scope, you get a large 80mm objective lens that collects ample light for bright image production. It also provides a wide viewing angle that’s important for tracking moving games. The Fluoride-containing HD lenses reduce color fringing and deliver high-contrast images in all lighting conditions.
Moreover, this spotting scope offers an angled-viewing position that reduces fatigue during long glassing sessions. It’s made with high-quality materials to provide long-lasting durability and ensure that it’s strong enough to handle harsh hunting conditions.
Features
- Wide field of view
- 80mm objective lens
- Angled viewing position
- Fluoride-containing HD lenses
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Versatile and variable 20-60x magnification
- Lightweight design
#5) Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm
If you are looking for a quality yet affordable spotting scope for elk hunting, look no further than the Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm. Like any other Leupold optic, the SX-2 Alpine HD features the legendary Leupold ruggedness.
It’s fully waterproof and fog-resistant for all-weather reliability and has durable housing with rubber armor for rugged durability. Featuring an advanced optical system, this scope offers excellent image clarity that most hunters need.
The angled eyepiece can be adjusted to provide different viewing positions and allow you to view targets at an angle without any discomfort. Plus, it’s eyeglass-friendly and tripod-ready to ensure stable image views at high magnification settings.
Features
- HD, calcium fluoride lenses
- Tripod ready
- Over-sized eyepieces
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Angled viewing angles
- Twist-up eyecups
- Durable housing and non-slip rubber armor
- Scratch and smudge-resistant lens coating
#6) BARSKA 30-90×100 WP Gladiator Spotting Scope
If you are looking for a top-tier elk hunting scope that offers amazing value for the price, look no further than the BARSKA 30-90×100 WP Gladiator Spotting Scope. It has a massive 100m objective lens with a variable magnification that spreads from 30x to 90x. This high magnification is ideal for long-range hunting.
The multi-coated optics facilitate maximum light transmission and reduce light loss via reflection. This contributes to a bright and clear viewing experience even in low-light settings. The wide field of view helps you track moving elk with ease for accurate shot placement.
Every hunter will appreciate the durability that this spotting scope offers. It has a durable rubber armor that enhances durability and a waterproof and fog proof body for use in all weather conditions. Lastly, this lightweight spotting scope comes with a built-in extendable sunshade that reduces glare when hunting in broad daylight.
Features
- 30-90x magnification
- 100mm objective lens
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Solid construction with tough rubber armor
- Multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prism
- Tabletop tripod
- Built-in extendable sunshade
#7) Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope
Elk hunting gets better with a high-quality spotting scope such as the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope. Though compact, this spotting scope offers the ultimate optical performance in all-weather conditions. It’s extremely lightweight, easy to use and convenient for hunting.
This Bushnell spotting scope performs incredibly well in inclement weather. It’s 100% waterproof so you can use it even when it’s raining. It also boasts tough rubber armor that provides extra protection from hard impacts and weather elements.
With a zoom magnification of up to 60x, you can use the spotting scope to spot targets at any range. The fully multi-coated optics increase light transmission for bright, clear and color-accurate views from dusk to dawn. Overall, this is an excellent all-weather spotting scope for elk hunting and other outdoor applications.
Features
- Porro prism design
- All-weather construction
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- High-quality waterproof hard-side case
- Durable rubber armor
- Fully multi-coated optics
- High 60x magnification
#8) Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
The Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope has a 45-degree viewing angle. This provides comfortable viewing during extended glassing sessions. It boasts HD glass that provides better light transmission for brighter and sharp images.
This spotting scope provides ample magnification power for long-range hunting and a wide field of view for smooth target identification. The lightweight composite chassis is covered by rubber armor that protects it from shock, impacts and bumps.
Better yet, this scope is fully waterproof and nitrogen-filled to provide better thermal stability which prevents internal lens fogging. If you wear eyeglasses/sunglasses when hunting, this spotting scope suits you.
It has decent eye relief for comfortable viewing even with your eyeglasses on. The built-in extendable sunshade reduces flare and reflection to provide better image clarity. To top it all, you can easily mount the spotting scope on any tripod for a snug, long-range observation.
Features
- Hard-wearing rubber armor
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Extendable sunshade
- Tripod mountable
- Lightweight but durable composite chassis
- Phase-coated Porro prism
- 45-degree viewing angle
Related Posts
- Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
- Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting
- Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best Riflescopes for Elk Hunting
Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
Straight vs Angled
Spotting scopes are available in two main types: straight and angled. Each type has its pro and cons.
Straight spotting scopes are renowned for their versatility. They are great for sighting on the go and you don’t have to mount them on a tripod for effective target acquisition. Their main drawback is that they are quite uncomfortable to use at viewing targets at an angle.
Angled spotting scopes are the best for viewing targets uphill. They also offer Digiscoping capabilities that are not found in the straight spotting scope and are more comfortable to use during extended glassing sessions. Their drawback is that they are much better to use with a tripod.
Magnification
Spotting scopes have a higher magnification power than binoculars. In most cases, spotting scopes have a variable zoom that varies from one model to the other.
When it comes to elk hunting and hunting in general, you are less likely to need more than 60x magnification. Anything above that might be overkill and the atmosphere will also limit how far you can see.
Objective Lens
The other important factor you should consider is the size of the objective lens. Generally, the bigger the objective lens, the more powerful the scope will be. Spotting scopes with bigger lenses from 60mm to 100mm will gather ample light when hunting in low light conditions. They also provide a large field of view for smooth target spotting.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the other important factor to consider when shopping for the best spotting scope for elk hunting. This is particularly important if you wear glasses.
The last thing you would want is a spotting scope that offers a small eye relief that you have to remove your glasses whenever you want to look through them.
Go for a model that offers at least 15mm eye relief if you don’t wear glasses and above 17mm if you put on eyeglasses.
Weatherproof
When you are out in the field looking for the game, weather conditions can change abruptly. So, make sure that you get a spotting scope that’s fully waterproof and fog proof. The scope should also have rubber armor that shields it from weather elements and gives you a firm grip even in wet conditions.
Weight
If you intend to take your spotting scope on long hikes and hunts, you must pay attention to the weight. You’ll want a scope that has a manageable weight, so you’ll have an easy time carrying it around. However, if you plan to hunt at a stationary point, you don’t have to worry a lot about the weight.
Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting FAQs
Q: How Far Can You See with a Spotting Scope?
It depends on the quality of the optics that the scope has, its magnification power and the weather conditions. Spotting scopes with higher magnification will provide clear views of targets that are as far as 1000 yards.
Q: What Do Numbers Mean on a Spotting Scope?
When you look at spotting scopes, you’ll realize that each model has a set of numbers in its name. For instance, it could read 20-60×60. The first two numbers show that it has a variable magnification that you can zoom from 20x to 60x. The other number represents the diameter of the objective lens.
Q: How Much Spotting Scope Magnification Do I Need for Elk Hunting?
A spotting scope with a variable zoom of 20x to 60x will be sufficient for elk hunting in different environments. The scope should have an objective lens of 60 to 80mm to collect ample light in low-light conditions.
Conclusion
With so many spotting scopes available on the market, knowing what features you need in a spotting scope will help make your selection process simpler. Use our guide and reviews above and choose a model that works best for your hunting needs, hunting habits and budget as well.