Long-range elk hunting is a demanding pursuit that tests the skills, patience, and precision of even the most seasoned hunter. A reliable rifle scope makes all the difference in the field, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the best scopes for long range elk hunting available on the market.
Unlike standard optics, scopes designed for long-range elk hunting must deliver exceptional clarity, consistent tracking, reliable turret adjustments, and high magnification, all while withstanding harsh weather and rugged terrain. The scope should also be user-friendly to help you make confident, accurate shots when it matters most.
What Magnification Do You Need?
The recommended magnification for long-range elk hunting is 4-16x, 5-25x, and even 6-24x. Higher magnification is crucial for spotting and accurately aiming at elk from distances of 300 to 800 yards or more. However, balance is key as too much magnification can reduce your field of view and image stability.
Best Scopes for Long Range Elk Hunting
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Riflescopes
The Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Riflescope is the best scope for long range elk hunting. It is designed with advanced features to meet the needs of both precision shooters and tactical users.
With a versatile magnification range of 3x to 18x, the scope offers excellent flexibility for engaging targets at varying distances. The vast zoom range is complemented by a 44mm objective lens that provides a bright and clear sight picture, even in low-light situations.
Furthermore, the first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures accurate holdovers and range estimations at any magnification. The reticle is glass-etched for durability and visibility in different light settings.
Regarding construction, the scope is built on a rugged 34mm tube that allows for ample elevation and windage adjustments. This makes it ideal for long-range shooting and challenging environments. Additionally, the aircraft-grade aluminum body delivers a shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof performance in rough conditions.
Pros
- Glass-etched, illuminated EBR-7C reticle
- Bright and sharp images
- Tactile and responsive turrets
- Solid construction
- User-friendly design
Cons
- Might feel heavy to some users
2. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm is a well-engineered, dependable riflescope that combines advanced features with outstanding optical performance.
The 3-15x magnification range provides a broad field of view at lower settings, ideal for close- to mid-range shots, while the higher power ensures clarity and accuracy for long-distance targeting. Furthermore, the 44mm objective lens, paired with Leupold’s High-Definition (HD) optical system, delivers exceptionally crisp, bright images even in low-light conditions.
The Twilight Max HD Light Management System further enhances visibility during dawn and dusk, extending usable shooting time and increasing target acquisition confidence in challenging lighting environments.
Moreover, the scope is built for tough elk hunting environments. It features a robust 30mm tube that offers generous adjustment travel for windage and elevation. On top of that, the optical tube is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensures it performs reliably in harsh field conditions.
Pros
- Solid and well-engineered
- Outstanding optical performance
- Generous eye relief
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm
Nightforce optics are known for their rugged construction and unparalleled optical performance and the ATACR 5-25x56mm ZeroStop Rifle Scope is no different. It is a high-end precision optic designed for serious long-range hunters.
The scope is built around a rugged 34mm tube that offers exceptional strength and ample internal adjustment range, making it ideal for extreme-distance shooting. Furthermore, the 5-25x magnification range offers excellent versatility, allowing shooters to engage targets from mid- to extreme-long distances with precision.
Optically, the ED glass and fully multi-coated optics deliver outstanding image clarity, vibrant color contrast, and minimal distortion even at maximum magnification. The scope also boasts a large 56mm objective lens to ensure bright images even in low-light conditions.
Other noteworthy features included are a proprietary ZeroStop elevation turret, which allows for a quick and consistent return to zero after dial adjustments and multiple reticle options are optimized for ranging, holdovers, and windage corrections.
Pros
- Durable construction and robust internal mechanics
- Unmatched accuracy
- Capped windage adjustments
- DigIllum digital reticle illumination
Cons
- Heavy at 38oz
4. Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for long range elk hunting, the Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope is a highly capable optic designed for precision shooting and long-range hunting.
The scope features a 30mm tube and a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle that provides ample room for adjustments and delivers consistent sub tensions and accurate holdovers regardless of magnification respectively. On top of that, the 4-20x zoom range makes it incredibly versatile, ideal for mid-range shots and reaching out to distant targets with confidence.
Furthermore, the large 50mm objective lens gathers ample light, providing a bright, sharp image even in low-light conditions. The glass is crisp and clear across the entire magnification range, with excellent edge-to-edge clarity and minimal chromatic aberration.
Construction-wise, the scope is built for durability and rugged field use. Its solid, shockproof construction can handle recoil from powerful calibers. Over and above that, the adjustment turrets are tactile and precise, offering consistent tracking and easy zeroing.
Pros
- Well-calibrated reticle for ballistic calculations
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Reliable mechanics
- Ample eye relief distance across the entire zoom range
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
5. Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the renowned Vortex name, the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm First Focal Plane Rifle Scope delivers premium performance tailored for long-range hunters.
The selling point of this scope is it excels in user experience. The side parallax adjustment is smooth and accurate, enhancing long-distance clarity. Moreover, the illuminated reticle offers better visibility in low-light or shadowed conditions without being overly bright while the magnification range strikes a good balance between close, mid, and long-range versatility.
Regarding construction, the scope is built with a rugged 30mm tube and aircraft-grade aluminum construction. It durable for harsh field use and lightweight for easy carrying in the field.
Furthermore, the HD optical system, combined with XR fully multi-coated lenses, produces razor-sharp images with impressive clarity, contrast, and low-light performance. The scope also boasts a first focal plane reticle that ensures consistent sub-tensions at every magnification level.
Pros
- Outstanding optical performance
- Intuitive controls
- Field-ready reliability
- Illuminated reticle
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Big budget for beginners and budget-conscious buyers
6. TRYBE Optics 6-24x50mm HIPO Rifle Scope
For avid hunters looking to take their long-range hunting skills to the next level, the TRYBE Optics 6-24x50mm HIPO offers a dependable, high-quality optical experience at a competitive price point.
This high-performance optic features a versatile magnification range from 6x to 24x. It provides excellent clarity and sharpness across all zoom levels thanks to the 50mm objective lens. Furthermore, the 30mm tube construction enhances durability while offering a wider range of elevation and windage adjustments.
To complement the versatile zoom range, the turrets are tactile and responsive, allowing shooters to make precise corrections on the fly. Furthermore, the parallax adjustment further enhances accuracy by fine-tuning focus at varying distances.
Well, that’s not all. The scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to ensure reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Moreover, the multi-coated lenses resist glare and scratching, delivering consistent image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Pros
- Finely-etched reticle
- Lightweight yet rugged construction
- Generous eye relief
- Fully fog-proof, waterproof and recoil-proof
Cons
- Non-illuminated
7. Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen II 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
Affordable, solid, and reliable are seldom associated with long range elk hunting. The Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen II 2-12x42mm rifle scope is the exception. It is versatile and well-engineered optic designed for hunters who demand precision and adaptability in the field.
The 2-12x magnification range strikes a perfect balance between close-quarter target acquisition and long-range engagements. Besides, the 30mm tube enhances light transmission, contributing to a crisp, bright sight picture even in low-light conditions.
Regarding optics, the advanced optical system is paired with a fully multi-coated lens that delivers excellent clarity and color fidelity. The scope also brings to the table an etched glass reticle that provides durability and precise aiming points that remain sharp and visible under recoil.
Durability is another standout feature that makes it one of the best scopes for long range elk hunting. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is rugged and shock-resistant, with a waterproof and fog-proof construction that stands up to harsh weather and tough environments.
Above all, the exposed, locking turrets are tactile and precise, offering reliable tracking and easy zeroing adjustments in the field.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings to suit different conditions
- Solid build quality
- Great value for its price
- Clear glass and distinctive clicks
- Long, eyeglass-friendly eye relief
Cons
- Image quality degrades at high magnification in low light
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scopes for Long Range Elk Hunting
Here are the key factors you should take when selecting a scope for long range elk hunting:
Magnification Power
For long-range elk hunting, a scope with appropriate magnification is essential. Too much magnification will narrow your field of view, while too little high might not provide the detail needed for accurate long-range shots. You’ll typically find elk in expansive, open terrain, so a variable zoom scope, such as 4-16x or 6-24x, is ideal.
Objective Lens Size
The size of the objective lens affects how much light the scope gathers, impacting image brightness and clarity. Opt for larger lenses, 42mm and above as they perform better in low-light conditions common during dawn and dusk when elk are most active. However, the bigger the lenses are the more weight they add and the higher mounting the require which may affect your shooting posture.
Reticle Type and Illumination
A clear, precise reticle is vital for long-range accuracy. Many hunters prefer reticles with holdover points or ballistic drop compensators (BDC) to account for bullet drop at extended ranges. Mil-dot or MOA reticles are also popular choices for experienced shooters.
Regarding illumination, an illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light situations, though it should be subtle enough not to obscure your target.
Turret Adjustments and Tracking Accuracy
Turrets allow you to adjust for windage and elevation. For long-range elk hunting, you’ll want exposed, easy-to-adjust turrets with reliable tracking and tactile feedback. Zero-reset or zero-stop features further help you return to your baseline settings quickly. The best scopes for long range elk hunting should also have high-quality turrets to ensure your adjustments are accurate and repeatable.
Durability and Build Quality
Elk hunting often involves rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. The best scopes for long range elk hunting are built to withstand harsh conditions, including moisture, dust, and shock from recoil or accidental drops. Additionally, look for scopes that are fog-proof, waterproof, and constructed from high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum.
Lens Coating and Optical Clarity
Superior lens coatings are vital for reducing glare and enhance light transmission and image sharpness. The best scopes for long range elk hunting have multi-coated or fully multi-coated optics that offer better clarity, contrast, and edge-to-edge sharpness.
Weight and Size Considerations
While long-range scopes tend to be larger and heavier, it’s important to strike a balance between performance and portability. Avoid a bulky scope that affects mobility, especially during long hikes or in steep terrain. Instead, choose a scope that offers robust features without being overly cumbersome to enhance your overall hunting experience and reduce fatigue during extended outings.
FAQs-Best Scopes for Long Range Elk Hunting
- What magnification is best for long-range elk hunting?
A scope with variable magnification in the range of 4-16x, 5-25x, or 6-24x is ideal. This magnification power allows you to zoom in on distant targets while still offering a wide field of view at lower settings.
- Should I choose a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope?
For long-range accuracy, FFP scopes are generally better. They keep the reticle scale consistent at all magnifications, making range estimation and holdovers more reliable.
- What kind of turret system should I look for?
For long-range elk hunting scopes, you look for exposed tactical turrets with zero-stop functionality and audible, tactile clicks. These features allow precise elevation and windage adjustments, which are critical for hitting distant targets.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best scope for long-range elk hunting can make all the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful harvest. The right optic should give you the clarity, precision, and durability needed to confidently take shots at extended distances in different terrains.
Whether you’re navigating open plains or mountainous regions, we hope this buying guide has steered you in the right direction.