Elk hunting is hardly an easy task. Elks are difficult to find in the woods and as the population continues to decrease, they have become even more difficult to hunt. We have put together a comprehensive guide on the best Vortex scope for elk hunting to help you find a model that will guarantee a successful day in the hunting fields.
A good scope is an essential item to have for elk hunting. It will help you find the game with ease at any distance and enhance your odds of making a clean, ethical kill. With so many rifle scopes available on the market today, Vortex scope are hard to beat. They are an excellent choice for all hunters looking to make the most from their shooting expeditions.
The scopes on this list are made with the avid elk hunters in mind. They are extremely versatile and made with the most quality materials to help turn your hunt into a success. In addition, these rifle scopes are easy to use and ideal for hunters of all levels.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting
1)Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
First up is the Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope. This variable powered rifle scope delivers all the power you will need to hunt elks at close and medium ranges. It is built with ease of use in mind for smooth handling in the field.
This rifle scope is built for use in all kinds of weather conditions. It is purged with argon gas and sealed on both ends to provide a lifetime of reliable waterproof and fog proof performance. Additionally, it is constructed of 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum which is durable and rigid enough to take in any abuse.
To complement the robust construction, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses which are responsible for ramping up light transmission and alleviating glare. This results to production of bright, crisp and tack-sharp sight pictures in virtually all lighting environments.
Furthermore, the Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope has 60 MOA adjustment range with 1/4 MOA impact point correction. It also comes with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is put on the second focal plane.
Features
- 4-12x total magnification
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 1-inch body tube
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- 25 MOA adjustment click vale
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- User-friendly
- Low cost
- Excellent clarity and brightness
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- Short eye relief
2)Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm 30mm Rifle Scope
The Viper HS 4-16x44mm 30mm Rifle Scope is a perfect scope for hunters looking to take their hunting skills to the next high level. It employs an advanced optical system and a ton of other features that make it the best Vortex scope for elk hunting.
The scope features a versatile 4-16x magnification built in a second focal plane reticle. The reticle does not change with change in magnification. Other than that, the scope has a generous eye relief to get you on target quickly and accommodate all users, with or without eyeglasses.
Optically, this rifle scope is built with extra-low dispersion glass which guarantees excellent resolution and color accuracy. On top of that, it has XR fully multi-coated lenses that boost light transmission and enhance optical clarity.
Another outstanding thing about the scope is robust construction. It is built on a 30mm one-piece machined aluminum tube for unmatched durability. Also, it comes with fully adjustable windage and elevation settings that guarantee precision shooting in all terrains.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- 4-16x magnification range
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Hard anodized finish
- 30mm body tube
- Capped reset turrets
- Side focus
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Relatively lightweight
- Great low light visibility
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- Parallax setting is not smooth to operate
3)Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Third in our list is Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is an excellent addition for elk hunting and hunting in general. It is built tough, solid and bright to maximize performance in all hunting fields.
The optical performance of this rifle scope is a force to reckon with. Firstly, it has a large 50mm objective lens for low light visibility. Furthermore, it employs multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air to glass surfaces to increase light transmission.
In terms of construction, the scope as a 30mm body tube that guarantees unmatched strength and durability. The tube is made from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum which is hard anodized against scratches and rust.
For all-weather reliability, the Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is built fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof. Over and above that, it features a long eye relief, fast focus eyepiece and an adjustable objective for easy parallax correction and image focusing.
Features
- 6-24x total magnification
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Second focal plane reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Adjustable objective
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great clarity
- Generous eye relief
- Clean and consistent clicks
Cons
- Non illuminated
4)Vortex Viper HD LR 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Vortex Viper HD LR 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is an excellent sighting tool for elk hunting at medium to long ranges in any environment.
The scope excels in low light settings of dawn and dusk. This is made possible by the over-sized 50mm objective lens. Furthermore, it has XD glass that works together with XR fully multi-coated lenses to enhance image brightness and clarity.
Another highlight of the scope is durability. It is built on an ultra-sturdy 30mm mono-piece machined aluminum tube which is robust enough to weather any abuse. The large tube design maximizes rigidity and delivers more room for windage and elevation travel.
Moreover, the scope features exposed tall elevation turret with Customizable Rotation Stop. Combine that with the broad 75 MOA elevation adjustment range and you get a rifle scope that’s perfect for dialing precision long-range shots.
In addition to everything else, the Vortex Viper HD LR 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope is fully shockproof, fog proof and sealed against moisture and dust for all weather use.
Features
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Tactical elevation turret
- Precision-glide erector system
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Single-piece 30mm body tube
- Hard anodized finish
- Side focus
- CRS zero stop
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Solid construction
- Easy to use features
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- Clarity in low light could be better
5)Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Another best Vortex scope for elk hunting in our list is Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope. It is built with advanced technology and an array of premium quality features that make it an excellent tool for hunting.
An outstanding feature of this rifle scope is solid construction. It is built into a 34mm tube which provides room for turret travel while guaranteeing unmatched durability. On top of that, the scope has an aircraft grade aluminum body that is fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof for all-weather use.
With a generous eye relief of 3.5”, the scope is usable with or without eyeglasses. It is also equipped with an adjustable parallax from 15 yards to infinity and a RevStop Zero System for fast, simple and reliable return to zero.
In addition to everything else, the Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope features an EBR-7C front focal plane reticle which provides accurate holds across the 5-25x magnification. A magnification throw lever is also included to enable smooth magnification.
Features
- Aircraft grade aluminum
- Front focal plane reticle
- 5-25x total magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 34mm single-piece main tube
- Adjustable parallax
- Glass-etched reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Built-in throw lever
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Excellent tracking
- Easy to dial in and zero
- Great optics clarity
Cons
- Non illuminated
6)Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Riflescope
When it comes to versatility and functionality, the Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Riflescope is hard to beat. It is built with a variable 3-18x magnification power and an intuitive and user-friendly design to accommodate hunters of all levels.
The scope is made on a 34mm body tube which guarantees great strength and rigidity. It is crafted with aircraft quality aluminum which is durable but lightweight. Furthermore, the optical tube is protected from moisture, dust, fog and other elements for reliable performance in all kinds of weather conditions.
Not only is the build quality of this rifle scope outstanding, but also its optical performance. It features a large 44mm objective lens which optimizes performance in low light. Additionally, the scope is built with fully multi-coated lenses to ensure high levels of light transmission.
Features
- 3-18x magnification power
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 34mm main tube
- First focal plane reticle
- Adjustable parallax
- HD lens elements
- Armortek lens coating
Pros
- Superb low light visibility
- Sufficient eye relief
- Crisp clear optics
- Ease of use
Cons
- Heavy
7)Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
Lastly in our list of the best Vortex scope for elk hunting is Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope. It is a long-range rifle scope that excels in all kinds of weather and lighting conditions.
The broad 5-25x magnification power is built in a front focal plane reticle. Across the entire zoom range, the reticle stays true so you can gain unmatched tactical edge in the field. Furthermore, it is illuminated to be visible in low light environments.
In terms of construction, the scope is built to last. It has an ultra-sturdy body which is hard anodized against scratches and corrosion. Additionally, the entire body is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to outlast elements and withstand whatever punishment you throw at it.
For added convenience, the scope features a fast focus eyepiece that allows quick and simple reticle focusing. It also comes with a radius bar for easy magnification adjustment and a precision glide erector system that ensure accurate tracking and repeatability.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 5-25x total magnification
- Precision-force spring system
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Hard anodized finish
- 30m single-piece tube
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Superior optics quality
- Easy to make adjustments
Cons
- Poor eye relief
- Gigantic and bulky
Also Read,
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-hunting-recurve-bow-for-beginners/
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-fishing-coolers-with-rod-holders/
Why Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
Vortex is a household name in the field of optics. Investing in the best vortex scope for elk hunting comes with a lot of benefits which include:
- All-weather Reliability. Vortex scopes are built waterproof, fog proof and dustproof to outlast elements and be operable in all kinds of weather conditions
- Durable Construction. The quality and durable construction of Vortex scopes makes them ideal for use even in the most unforgiving conditions
- All Vortex scopes are made with versatility in mind so you are able to make the most out of your scope
Criteria for Choosing the Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting
The following are the most important factors you should consider when looking to buy a Vortex scope for elk hunting.
Magnification Range
This is the first and most important factor to take into consideration. You need to have a rifle scope with ample range for your rifle and bullet type. With ample magnification, you will also have the flexibility to take shots at varying ranges in different hunting environments.
Picture Quality
The next thing to consider is the picture quality the scope yields. Irrespective of the lighting condition you will be hunting in, go for a scope that is made with high transmission optics. A good scope for elk hunting should also have premium lens coatings to enhance light transmission.
Weight
Weight in the best Vortex scope for elk hunting varies from one rifle scope to the other. On average, you should get a model with not more than 2 pounds. The more lightweight a scope is, the easier it will be to carry around and the simpler it will be to shoot.
Eye Relief
Another thing to consider is eye relief. Try and look for a rifle scope that has a long eye relief of at least 3.5”. With sufficient eye relief, you will have an easy time taking shots from any angle. Ample eye relief also makes a rifle scope eyeglass friendly.
Final Thoughts
You need to have a quality scope to hit shots when out in the field hunting elks. Each rifle scope we have mentioned above is a representation of the quality features Vortex optics are known for. Hopefully, this guide has steered you in the correct direction and you are now able to find the best scope for your hunting needs.