When it comes to elk hunting, success often comes down to preparation, and having the right scope can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the best scopes for elk hunting that give hunters the edge in the field, ensuring every shot counts.
Unlike deer hunting, where shorter distances are common, elk hunting often involves taking long-range shots in challenging conditions, such as dense forests, open meadows, or steep mountain ridges. In such environments, choosing the best scope for elk hunting isn’t just about magnification; it’s about clarity, durability, light transmission, and accuracy when it matters most.
What Makes a Scope Suitable for Elk Hunting?
A scope suitable for elk hunting should feature:
1.Broad Magnification Range. A medium to high power magnification enables versatility in both close woods and open-country shots.
2. Objective Lens Size. Furthermore, a 40–50mm is good for optimal light transmission without being too bulky.
3. Low-Light Performance. The best scopes for elk hunting feature high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses for dawn/dusk visibility
4. Durability. It is also important for the scope to be 100% shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to withstand rugged mountain conditions.
5. Generous Eye Relief. A generous 3.5–4 inches of eye relief helps handle recoil and ensure comfort in fast shooting positions.
6. Weight. Last but not least, the scope should be lightweight for easy carrying over long hikes without fatigue.
Best Scopes for Elk Hunting
1. Vortex Viper HD 3-15×44 Rifle Scope
The highlight of this scope is its HD optical system. It delivers sharp, bright, and color-true images, which is especially noticeable in low-light conditions during early morning or late evening hunts.
Furthermore, the 3-15x magnification range provides flexibility, offering wide fields of view at low power for scanning and the precision of higher zoom for long-range shots. The 44mm objective lens strikes a nice balance, allowing in plenty of light without adding unnecessary bulk to the scope.
Moreover, the build quality is solid. It features a 30mm tube that provides both strength and ample room for elevation and windage adjustments.
he turrets are tactile and easy to reset, with precise tracking that holds zero consistently even after repeated recoil. The Armortek coating on the lenses adds durability by protecting against scratches, dirt, and oil, while the O-ring sealed and argon purged optical tube makes it fully waterproof and fog-proof for dependable use in all weather conditions.
From a usability standpoint, the Viper HD shines with its intuitive controls and overall ergonomic design. The side focus parallax adjustment is smooth and responsive, enabling shooters to fine-tune image sharpness without breaking position. The scope also features a second focal plane reticle that maintains a clean and uncluttered view at all magnification levels.
Pros
- Versatile 3-15x magnification range
- High-definition glass with crisp clarity and color accuracy
- XR fully multi-coated lenses for enhanced light transmission
- Durable 30mm tube with reliable adjustments
- Smooth side parallax adjustment for precision shooting
- Excellent balance of performance and value
Cons
- Tight eye box at higher magnifications
2. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is a premium optic that blends versatility, clarity, and durability into one well-rounded package.
Its 3-15x magnification range makes it adaptable for both close to mid-range elk hunting, while the 44mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission without adding unnecessary bulk.
Furthermore, the HD optical system delivers crisp, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for dawn or dusk hunts. The scope also features a ZeroLock CDS (Custom Dial System) that allows shooters to quickly dial in elevation adjustments with absolute confidence that the turret won’t unintentionally rotate off zero.
Regarding durability, the scope is built to handle tough outdoor conditions without compromising performance. It is lightweight yet rugged, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum construction and Leupold’s renowned waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof design.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Top-tier performance with the kind of dependability seasoned hunters expect
- Straightforward usability
- Relatively lightweight construction
Cons
- Expensive for casual buyers
3. Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for elk hunting, the Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope stands out as a premium choice for hunters who demand accuracy and reliability in the field.
It is built with a versatile 4-20x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens that provides a crisp, bright image even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the rugged 30mm tube design ensures durability and dependable tracking, while high-quality glass and advanced coatings enhance clarity and color fidelity for a sharp sight picture.
Reticle-wise, the first focal plane reticle is particularly advantageous for long-range elk hunting, as holdover points remain accurate across the entire zoom range.
Moreover, adjustments are tactile and precise, with exposed turrets that allow for quick, repeatable corrections in the field. The scope is also built to last and it maintains zero exceptionally well, even after heavy recoil or rough handling.
Pros
- Advanced features suited for long-range hunters
- User-friendly design
- Exceptional image quality
- Robust durability and mechanical precision
- Generous eye relief even at high magnification levels
Cons
- Non-illuminated
4. Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope
The aptly-named Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Rifle Scope delivers sharp views in different hunting environments paired with helpful features that will boost your precision on the hunting grounds.
Its selling point is solid construction. The robust 30mm tube is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, providing both strength and shock resistance. Additionally, the hard-anodized finish protects against scratches and wear in demanding environments, while the locking elevation turret with a zero stop feature allows for precise and repeatable adjustments.
At just over 19 ounces, it’s one of the lightest premium hunting scopes in its class. This makes it ideal for long treks through rugged terrain without weighing down your rifle.
Furthermore, the HD optical system delivers razor-sharp clarity and impressive low-light performance, ensuring crisp visuals at dawn or dusk when game is most active. The scope also features a second focal plane reticle that remains consistent in size across the magnification range, which many hunters appreciate for fast and intuitive aiming.
Pros
- Versatile magnification range from 3x to 15x
- Lightweight portability
- High-end glass elements
- Dependable turret design
Cons
- Expensive for the budget-conscious buyers
5. Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm 30 mm
The Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm delivers a strong balance of clarity, durability, and performance, making it a smart investment for hunters looking to take their experience a notch higher.
Its magnification range from 3x to 15x makes it highly adaptable, whether you’re scanning for game in dense cover or dialing in for a precise shot across open terrain. Furthermore, the large 50mm objective lens makes the zoom range useful at every setting with bright and clear even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
With the first focal plane reticle, holdovers and trajectory corrections remain accurate at any magnification, giving hunters confidence in both close- and long-range engagements.
Moreover, the scope’s build quality is rugged, featuring a 30mm tube for added durability and adjustment range, while its matte finish reduces glare in the field.
Beyond its optics, the Burris Veracity offers thoughtful features tailored to practical shooting needs. The side focus/parallax adjustment provides sharp image clarity across varying distances, and the precision adjustment knobs track reliably for repeatable accuracy.
Over and above that, the scope features a generous eye relief and forgiving eye box that maintains comfort during extended sessions and heavy-recoiling rifles.
Pros
- Wide 3-15x magnification range for versatility
- Large 50mm objective lens for excellent low-light performance
- Durable 30mm tube construction suited for harsh environments
- Crisp, clear glass quality with excellent edge-to-edge clarity
- Smooth, precise turrets with repeatable tracking
Cons
-
Slightly heavier compared to some competitors in its class
6. Trijicon Credo HX CRHX1542
The Trijicon Credo HX CRHX1542 2.5-15x42mm rifle scope is a versatile optic built for hunters. It strikes a solid balance of power, clarity, and dependability, making it a standout choice for anyone seeking a scope that can truly do it all.
With its 2.5-15x magnification range, it is effective for close to mid-range tracking as well as long-range engagements. Furthermore, the 42mm objective lens provides a bright, crisp sight picture, even in low light, and the fully multi-coated glass delivers sharp clarity with true-to-life color contrast.
Reticle-wise, the second focal plane design ensures that your reticle remains the same size across all magnification levels, making it easier to maintain consistent aiming points at higher zoom settings. Besides, the 30mm tube construction offers ample room for adjustment while keeping the build strong, stable, and capable of withstanding recoil from heavier calibers.
The scope also boasts a rugged build quality and tactile adjustment turrets with a smooth turn that makes zeroing hassle-free and reliable.
Pros
- Balanced size and weight for its magnification range
- Easy to mount without adding excessive bulk to your rifle setup
- Built to last
- Exceptional image sharpness with edge-to-edge clarity
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Tight eye relief at highest zoom settings
7. NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm Rifle Scope
As our last recommendation for the best scopes for elk hunting, the NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm Rifle Scope impresses with its balance of rugged durability, precise performance, and clear glass quality.
The magnification range of 4-14x provides versatile use, whether you’re taking mid-range shots in dense terrain or stretching out further in open country. Furthermore, the scope’s construction feels solid, with a reputation for shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof reliability that can withstand demanding field use.
Optically, the large 50mm objective lens gathers ample light, producing sharp, bright images even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. Its first focal plane reticle is another standout feature that maintains accurate holdovers and ranging values at any magnification.
In terms of usability, the SHV series is designed to bring NightForce’s premium optics performance to a more accessible price range, and this model certainly delivers on that promise. The turrets track consistently and provide tactile, repeatable adjustments, while the side parallax control ensures accuracy at varying distances.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- High-end optical performance
- User-friendly functionality
- Tactile, repeatable adjustments
- Illuminated reticle with 12 brightness settings for illuminations
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scopes for Elk Hunting
When choosing the best scope for elk hunting, take into consideration these key factors:
Magnification Power
One of the first factors to consider is magnification. Elk are often found in wide-open terrains such as mountains, valleys, and forests, which means you need a scope that offers versatile magnification. A variable range, such as 3-9x or 4-16x, provides both close-range clarity and long-range precision, ensuring you’re ready for different hunting situations.
Objective Lens Size
Another important factor is the objective lens size. A larger objective lens, such as 40mm or 50mm, allows more light to enter the scope, which improves brightness and clarity, especially during low-light conditions like dawn or dusk when elk are most active. However, it’s also important to balance size with weight, as an overly bulky lens may affect portability in rugged terrains.
Glass Quality
The quality of glass and lens coatings also plays a vital role in elk hunting. The best scopes for elk hunting feature high-definition or fully multi-coated lenses that offer superior clarity, brightness, and color accuracy. Quality lens coatings also minimizes glare and enhances image sharpness, giving hunters an advantage in difficult lighting environments.
Durability
Another critical factor is durability. Elk hunting often takes place in challenging conditions such as harsh weather, rough terrains, and long treks. A good scope should be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to withstand unpredictable outdoor environments. Rugged construction further ensures your scope remains reliable throughout the hunting season.
Reticle Type
Furthermore, reticle type is equally important. For elk hunting, many hunters prefer a simple duplex reticle for quick target acquisition, while others opt for BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or mil-dot reticles for accurate long-range shooting. The right reticle should align with your shooting style and the distances you plan to hunt.
Eye Relief
The scope’s eye relief should not be overlooked, especially when using powerful rifles. Adequate eye relief prevents scope bite from recoil, ensuring comfort and safety. The best scopes for elk hunting should have at least 3.5 inches of eye relief.
Weight and Portability
Finally, weight and portability are significant considerations. Elk hunting often involves hiking through mountainous or forested regions, so a lightweight scope reduces fatigue and makes your rifle easier to carry. While you want advanced features, it’s important to strike a balance between performance and mobility.
FAQs
- Do I need a scope with illuminated reticles for elk hunting?
Illuminated reticles are not mandatory, but they can be very helpful during low-light conditions of early morning or late evening when elk are most active.
- Is a lightweight scope important for elk hunting?
Yes. Elk hunts often involve long hikes in rugged terrain, so a lightweight but durable scope reduces fatigue while still delivering performance.
- Should I choose a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope?
It depends on your preferences. FFP scopes are better if you plan on long-range shooting where accurate holdovers matter. On the other hand, SFP scopes are more common and usually more affordable, great for typical elk hunting ranges under 500 yards.
Final Words
Choosing the best scopes for elk hunting comes down to balancing clarity, durability, and practicality. The right scope should enhance your shooting confidence, perform well in changing light conditions, and remain reliable in rugged environments. Hopefully, this buying guide has steered you in the right direction.