Buying a spotting scopes for elk hunting but don’t know where to start? You have come to the right place. In this buying guide, we are going to walk you through the best spotting scopes for elk hunting and help you find the right model for your needs.
Elk hunting is a thrilling hunting expedition but it is no mean feat. It involves movement from one location to the other looking for the wary game. Elk hunting also calls for prior hunting practice if you want to make your hunting trip more successful.
One of the most indispensable items you require for your elk hunting trip is a spotting scope. Spotting scopes usually have a higher magnification than rifle scopes and binoculars. As such, they know as the top of the range type of optic for hunting this type of game.
A quality spotting scope made with hunting in mind will bring you closer to the elks in any environment, provide a clear point of aim and amplify your odds of taking an ethical shot. We have put together a selection of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting that are available on the market. We will also guide you on how to choose the right model for your individual hunting needs.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
1)Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
Vortex Optics Viper HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope is a high-end spotter that is built with multifunctionality in mind. It boasts an array of premium quality features that make it one of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting.
This optic is made ready for outdoor use. It boasts a tough and rigid construction to endure rough use. In addition to the quality construction, the spotting scope is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof. It also features a scratch proof Armortek coating for additional protection in the field.
Another highlight of this spotting scope is optical clarity. Made with high grade optical glass, it yields bright and high-resolution image views in all environments. Moreover, the lenses are fully multi-coated to limit glare and boost transmission of light in low light.
This angled body spotting scope also brings to the table multiple convenience features from adjustable eyecup to helical focus to built-in sunshade that is responsible for protecting the objective lens from elements and scratches while limiting stray light.
Features
- Dielectric lens coating
- HD lens elements
- Armortek lens coating
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Angled body design
- Adjustable eyecup
- Built-in sunshade
- Porro prism optical path
- Helical focus
- 20-60x zoom power
Pros
- Rugged and well built
- Great visibility
- Easy to use
- Unbeatable warranty
Cons
- Not very clear at high zoom settings
2)Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 20-60×85 Spotting Scope
Coming in second is Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide 20-60×85 Spotting Scope. Getting this spotting scope for your hunting expeditions will maximize your efficiency on the ground and ensure that you don’t leave anything undiscovered.
It boasts a powerful 20-60x adjustable magnification power to help you take down targets in any distance. This zoom range is useful at every setting thanks to the large 85mm objective. It enhances low light performance and collects more light inside the optics.
Furthermore, the spotting scope has a Twilight Max HD Light Management System that promises the brightest views even at extended ranges. This system complements the Guard-Ion rain shedding coating and makes the scope ideal for use in all lighting conditions.
For added convenience, the spotting scope has an ultra-smooth focus for precise image focusing. It is also built with a twist-up eyecup to deliver fatigue-free viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Guard-ion rain shedding coating
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Angled body design
- 20-60x zoom range
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Ultra-smooth focus system
Pros
- Ruggedized construction
- Good eye relief
- Bright and clear
Cons
- Heavy
3)Athlon Optics Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope
Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope is without a double on of the most cost-effective spotting scopes for elk hunting. It features a broad 20-60x magnification power built in an 85mm objective lens.
The selling point of this angled spotting scope is optical performance. It provides a bright and clear view of targets even in the low light hunting environments. This is made possible by the wide band fully multi-coated optics and the premium BaK4 prism optical path.
Furthermore, this spotting scope is built to last. It features a robust chassis made from 6061 aluminum. The quality construction coupled with the all-weather integrity make this spotting scope usable season after season.
Moreover, Athlon designed this Argos 20-60x85mm HD Spotting Scope with a rotating ring that you use to change the scope viewing positions into different angles. This way, you are able to get the most comfortable and convenient observation position.
Features
- Waterproof and weather resistant
- Angled eyepiece
- 20-60x total magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Rotating ring
- Phase-coated BaK4 prisms
- Non-reflective matte finish
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Easy to use
- Sturdy and robust construction
- Excellent resolution
Cons
- Narrow field of view at high zoom settings
4)Hawke Sports Optics Nature Trek 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope
As one of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting, the Nature Trek 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope excels in all hunting environments. It is tripod ready for easy mounting on a tripod and built with ease of use in mind.
This spotting scope is built with an angled eyepiece design. This guarantees unmatched comfort during the lengthy hunting sessions. On top of that, it is built with durable materials to prevent fatigue, wear and tear.
Not only is the spotting scope durable, but also operable in all weather conditions. It has dependable waterproof and fog proof protection to outlast elements. Even better, the chassis is rubber armored to provide additional shield from elements.
With all these features plus the fully multi-coated optics, this spotting scope offers the best performance and great value for money.
Features
- BaK4 prisms
- 20-60x adjustable zoom
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Angled eyepiece
- Stay on lens covers
- Fold down eyecup
- Matte finish
Pros
- Crisp clear optics
- Sturdy and reliable construction
- Affordable
- Long eye relief
- Relatively lightweight
5)Vanguard Endeavor 20-60x82mm HD 82A Spotting Scope
Vanguard Endeavor 20-60x82mm is another angled spotting scope that is outstanding both in performance and value. It harbors an array of features that are make it ideal for elk hunting.
The spotting scope is 100% waterproof and fog proof. This guarantees reliable and uninterrupted performance even in adverse and unforgiving environments. Other than that, this optic is built with a lightweight magnesium chassis that is unbeatable when it comes to quality.
When it comes to the optical features, this spotting scope boasts ED glass elements, BaK4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics. These three features work together to optimize image brightness, sharpness and detail from sunrise till sunset.
Moreover, the scope is built with a tripod mounting foot that is compatible with a wide range of tripods. It also brings to the table dual focus controls and built-in sunshield.
Features
- Extra-low dispersion glass elements
- Magnesium chassis
- Superior lens coatings
- Angled eyepiece design
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Interchangeable eyepiece mount
- Coarse and fine focus controls
- 20-60x adjustable magnification
Pros
- Excellent craftmanship
- Good value for the price
- Bright and clear optics
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor visibility at high zoom settings
6)Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope
Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope is your go to spotting scope if you want to take your hunting to the next big level. It has an angled body design and a ton of other great features suitable for hunting.
This spotting scope has an advanced 30-60x wide angle zoom eyepiece that gives hunters the flexibility to pursue and acquire game at any range. It maintains a relatively large field of view at any zoom for precision shooting. Besides, the spotting scope comes with a smooth body focus wheel to help you pinpoint details of targets with ease.
Another thing that makes it one of the best spotting scopes for elk hunting is construction quality. The spotting scope has an ultra-durable magnesium housing which provides maximum ruggedness with minimum weight.
Furthermore, it is fully waterproof and weather resistant to be ready for whatever Mother Nature will have ready for your hunt. The Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 Spotting Scope is also designed with a wide 60 MOA windage adjustment range for use in different terrains.
Features
- Broad 30-60x magnification range
- Waterproof construction
- Angled eyepiece design
- 60 MOA windage adjustment
- Rugged magnesium housing
- Smooth body focus wheel
- Premium HD lens system
Pros
- Tough and robust construction
- Versatile
- Smooth focusing system
- Clear and quality glass
Cons
- Expensive but worth it
7)Pentax PF-80ED-A Spotting Scope
Our last spotting scope recommendation for elk hunting is Pentax PF-80ED-A Spotting Scope. This spotting scope is an excellent sighting tool for hunters who like to take on challenging tasks.
It is built compact and lightweight for portability convenience. And though compact, it does not cut any corners on quality or durability. It is built tough with a hard-wearing magnesium alloy body that is rugged enough to take in any abuse.
To complement the ruggedized design, this spotting scope comes with an integrated lens hood that shields excessive while protecting the objective lens from snow, sand, dust and other debris. Furthermore, this optic is crafted with ED glass elements which provide sharp, vivid and color accurate images.
Features
- Angled eyepiece
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Heavy-duty magnesium housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Wide angle eyepiece
- Integrated lens hood
Pros
- Versatile
- Excellent build quality
- Crisp clear glass
- Ease of use
Cons
- Loose lens cover
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Spotting Scopes vs Rifle Scopes for Elk Hunting
The most popular sighting tools for elk hunting are spotting scopes and rifle scope. The most significant difference between the two is magnification power.
With a magnification power as high as 60x, spotting scopes are much more powerful compared to rifle scopes. The zoom range is also broader in spotting scopes so you will have the flexibility to go hunting in different environments and acquire targets easily at extended ranges.
Furthermore, spotting scopes have a larger lens size. This enhances optical performance in low light environments and other settings where it would be impractical to use a rifle scope.
Criteria for Choosing a Spotting Scope for Elk Hunting
Type of Glass
The first feature to consider is type of glass the spotting scope uses. The best spotting scopes for elk hunting use top-tier glass elements. This includes fluorite glass, extra-low dispersion glass and high-density glass.
Lens Coatings
The next thing to take into consideration is lens coatings. Like all optics, spotting scopes have lens coatings to enhance transmission of light. We recommend that you settle for a model that employs multiple layers of anti-reflective lens coatings on their lenses.
Durability
The durability of a spotting scope plays a big role to determine how reliable its will be. Go for a unit that is crafted with hard-wearing materials like magnesium alloy or aerospace grade aluminum.
A spotting scope that is built with high-end materials will give you many years of service by withstanding fatigue and wear. The best spotting scopes for elk hunting should also be waterproof, fog proof and shock resistant for use even in the most unforgiving environments.
Eye Relief
Don’t forget to check the eye relief the spotting scope has. This is the distance your eye has to be from the eyepiece and still have a full field of view. Whether you put on eye glasses or not, get a spotting scope that has a long eye relief of above 15mm. It will be comfortable to use without any eyestrain or eye fatigue.
Body Design
There are two body designs in spotting scopes, angled and straight. The best spotting scopes for elk hunting have an angled eyepiece. This type of eyepiece design reduces neck and eye fatigue during prolonged hunting sessions. It also makes it easy for one to pursue targets at an uphill or downhill angle as you can easily rotate it into different viewing angles.
Final Words
The market of optics is diverse and so are spotting scopes. All the spotting scopes we have listed above are advanced pieces of optical equipment optimized for hunting. They are also built durable and easy to use. So, look at what each spotting scope brings to the table and settle for the unit that suits you best.