Looking for the best Vortex spotting scope for elk hunting? You have come to the right place. A spotting scope is an indispensable tool for elk hunting and narrowing down your options to a Vortex model is a great place to start.
Hunting elk is hardly a walk in the park. It requires one to have the right hunting gear in order to have a rewarding expedition. This is where spotting scopes come in handy. A good spotting scope is essential in securing a clean kill, even in the most taxing conditions.
In a world where the field of optics continues to advance day in day out, the market is now flooded with spotting scopes from a wide variety of brands. In this article, our focus will be on the best spotting scopes for elk hunting from Vortex. We have also put together a comprehensive buyers guide with all the information you require to make the right purchase.
What Makes a Great Spotting Scope for Elk Hunting?
There are several attributes that make a spotting scope great for elk hunting. They include:
Sturdy Construction
A great spotting scope for elk hunting should have a sturdy, rigid and durable construction to withstand the impact and rough handling of hunting.
Weatherproof Design
Furthermore, the scope should have dependable protection from elements such as moisture, mist and fog for operability in all weather conditions.
Low Light Visibility
It is essential for the best Vortex spotting scope for elk hunting to have the optical features that enhance visibility in low light environments of dawn and dusk.
Lightweight Design
A good spotting scope for elk hunting should also have a lightweight and portable design as hunting involves movement from one location to the other.
Best Vortex Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
1)Vortex Viper HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope
The Viper HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope is by far the best Vortex spotting scope for elk hunting. It is a perfect companion for hunting game in any distance and on virtually all lighting and weather conditions.
This spotting scope has impressive optical performance. This is made possible by the large 85mm aperture and the HD lens elements. Furthermore, it is built with fully multi-coated lenses that guarantee high levels of light transmission and optical clarity.
For all-weather use, the spotting scope is fully waterproof, fog proof and dustproof. The exterior lenses have an Armortek coating which provides added protection from scratches. On top of that, the spotting scope comes with a built-in sunshade which not only limits glare, but also protects the objective lens from elements.
To top it all off, the scope has a helical focus which is smooth to operate and adjustable eyecups that make it eyeglass friendly.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Armortek lens coating
- Twist-up eyecup
- Built-in sunshade
- Porro prism optical path
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Angled body design
- HD lens elements
- 20-60x total magnification
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Bright and clear optics
- Smooth focus system
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Heavy
2)Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Spotting Scope
The Razor HD 22-48×65 Spotting Scope is a multi-functional spotting scope that is perfect for hunting. It has an angled eyepiece design and a variable 22x to 48x magnification power which is ideal for hunting game across vast ranges.
This spotting scope has set higher standards for optical performance. It utilized premium HD glass lenses which are precision-ground to ensure that you get true-to-life views of targets. Over and above that, the optics feature XR plus fully multi-coatings that enhance light transmission.
In terms of construction, this sighting tool is designed with durability in mind. It has an ultra-sturdy body crafted from high-strength aluminum. The robust construction coupled with the waterproof and fog proof protection make the spotting scope ideal for use even in the less forgiving weather conditions.
The other essential features the spotting scope is equipped with are adjustable eyecup, built-in sunshade and rotating tripod mount.
Features
- Twist-up eyecup
- Built-in sunshade
- Rotating tripod ring
- XR plus fully multi-coated lenses
- Angled body design
- Armortek protective lens coating
- ED glass elements
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Helical focus
- Variable 22-48x magnification power
Pros
- Well built to last long
- Great clarity
- Ease of use
- Large field of view
Cons
- Narrow exit pupil diameter
3)Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope
Elk hunting demands a premium quality optic like the Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope. It will give you the clarity you require to see the elks in any lighting condition and pick a tine out of dense cover.
The selling point of this spotting scope is rugged construction. It is built with the most hard-wearing materials to stand up to whatever abuse comes its way. On top of that, it has a rubber armor which provides a secure, anti-slip grip and durable external protection as well.
Optically, the spotting scope has a large 85mm objective lens to ramp up low light performance. The lenses are fully multi-coated to ensure high levels of light transfer and to prevent internal loss of light through reflection.
Moreover, this spotting scope has a built-in sunshade that is responsible for preventing glare. It also boasts an Armortek coating that shields the exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt.
Features
- 20-60x magnification range
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Built-in sunshade
- Rubber armored body
- Shockproof construction
- Angled body design
- Helical focus wheel
Pros
- Excellent low light performance
- High build quality
- Easy to focus
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Heavy
4)Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope
Fourth in our list of the best Vortex spotting scope for elk hunting is Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope. If portability is what you are after, this spotting scopes suits you. It is lightweight, portable and very easy to use.
The spotting scope delivers true light transfer, best-in-class glare reduction in harsh light and clarity you require when hunting in low light settings. This is made possible by the HD lens elements and the XR plus fully multi-coated lenses.
Vortex optics are known for their outstanding durability and this spotting scope is not any different. It is made with a strong and durable housing which is able to withstand repetitive use and rough handling.
Furthermore, the spotting scope is purged with argon gas and O-ring sealed to work even in harsh weather conditions. It also features adjustable eyecups for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- APO system
- Porro prism optical path
- Waterproof and argon purged
- HD lens system
- Dual focus
- Adjustable eyecup
- Straight body design
- Non-reflective matte finish
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Clear optics
- Packable and portable
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- The eyecup could be better
5)Vortex Viper HD 15-45×65 Spotting Scope
Our fifth spotting scope recommendation for elk hunting is Vortex Viper HD 15-45×65 Spotting Scope. This is a top-tier spotting scope without the high-end price tag. It harbors an array of incredible features that every hunter requires to make their hunting expeditions more rewarding.
With the variable 15-45x magnification power, this spotting scope will bring you close to the faraway targets and do so with outstanding clarity, resolution and color accuracy. The superb optical performance is thanks to the premium optical components and the XR anti-reflective lens coatings.
Construction-wise, the Vortex Viper HD 15-45×65 Spotting Scope is built with durability in mind. It is crafted with high-quality materials and rubber armored to enhance both durability and grip during use.
Furthermore, the spotting scope is O-ring sealed to lock out moisture and dirt, and purged with argon gas to prevent fog build up internally. Other than that, it has a smooth helical focus for ultra-sharp viewing, and multi-position eyecup which makes it eyeglass-friendly.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- HD optical system
- 15-45x total magnification
- Armortek lens coating
- Smooth helical focus
- Multi-position eyecup
- XR anti-reflective lens coatings
- Rotatable locking collar
- Angled body
Pros
- Relatively lightweight
- Great optics quality
- Well made to last long
Cons
- Poorly designed focusing ring
Also Read,
Why a Spotting Scope for Elk Hunting
Few types of optics can match the performance of spotting scopes when it comes to elk hunting. Here are the benefits that come with investing in the right spotting scope for elk hunting.
- Easy Target Identification. The broad zoom power found in spotting scope makes it easy for one to find and acquire elks no matter the distance
- Low Light Visibility. Spotting scopes have better low light performance compared to binoculars, rifle scopes and monocular
- Precision Shooting. Having a spotting scope as your sighting tool will boost your odds of placing accurate shots and going back home with some meat
- The best Vortex spotting scopes for elk hunting are ideal for other outdoor applications, not just elk hunting
How to Choose a Spotting Scope for Elk Hunting
Whether you are looking to buy a spotting scope for the first time or looking for an upgrade, consider the following factors before settling on any specific product.
Optics
This is the first and most important thing to take into consideration. A quality spotting scope for elk hunting should have the best optics you can afford. With premium-quality optics, the spotting scope will maximize image clarity, detail and color for accurate target identification and precision shooting.
Durability
The next thing to take into consideration is the build quality of the spotting scope. Like any other optic, the build quality of a spotting scope is directly proportional to the quality of construction and type of materials used.
For the best Vortex spotting scope for elk hunting, look for a model that is built with top-grade materials such as aircraft quality aluminum. On top of that, the scope should be impact resistant and shockproof.
Field of View
Field of view is a measure of the area a spotting scope provides at a go. It is inversely proportional to magnification power and varies in size from one spotting scope to the other. A tip is to get a product with a large field of view as it is essential for quick scanning and easy monitoring of the mobile game.
Weatherproof Construction
You will want a spotting scope that is made for use in all weather conditions. The optical tube should be sealed with high-quality sealing technology to prevent entry of moisture, dust and debris.
On top of that, the spotting scope should be filled with a dry inert gas like argon or nitrogen. This is important as it drives out internal moisture and prevents build up of fog in cold and rain.
Eye Relief
Another important factor to consider is eye relief which is a measure of how far your eye has to be from the spotting scope during use. The eye relief in spotting scopes is measured in mm and we recommend that you get a model with at least 15mm if you don’t wear spectacles and over 18mm if you wear eye glasses. With a sufficient eye relief, the spotting scope will be comfortable on the eye even during long hunting sessions.
FAQs
- Do I need a spotting scope for elk hunting?
Yes. A spotting scope is an invaluable sighting tool if you take elk hunting seriously. It will not just get you closer to the elks in their habitats, but also go a long way in making your hunting expedition more competitive.
- Which is better for elk hunting, straight or angled spotting scope?
Choosing between an angled and straight spotting scope for elk hunting is largely a matter of individual preference. The main benefit of straight spotting scope is that they are simple to use even for hunting beginners. On the other hand, angled spotting scopes are comfortable on both the neck and eyes during lengthy hunting sessions.
Final Words
Hopefully, this article has given you some insights into the best Vortex spotting scope for elk hunting. Vortex spotting scopes are cost-effective, easy to use and ideal for use in virtually all hunting and weather conditions. Look at the attributes that make a spotting scope the right purchase and pick the model that will revolutionize the way you hunt elks this season.