Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
One of the best ways to spend your free time is to hit the woods for elk hunting. Compared with other animals, elks are brilliant and quick-acting animals with a great sense of everything. This makes it difficult for them to be easily caught. Successful elk hunting is dependent on a powerful rifle paired with a quality scope. Using a spotting scope for elk hunting makes the whole hunting process easier and provides the hunter with a superior hunting experience. Spotting scopes are excellent for long-range elk hunting under any lighting condition. With a multitude of spotting scopes available in the market today, here is a review of the best spotting scope for elk hunting.
Here is a quick list of our favorites
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
| #1) Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope |  |
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| #2) Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scope |  |
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| #3) Celestron- Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope |  |
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| #4) Tec Tec SPROWILD Spotting Scope |  |
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| #5) CREATIVE XP HD 2021 Spotting Scope |  |
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| #6) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope |  |
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| #7) Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope |  |
Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting Reviews
#1) Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope
For all your elk hunting needs, the Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope got you covered. Featuring a high-quality optical system, this optic features a fully multi-coated lens coating that delivers bright and clear image views even when hunting at dusk or dawn. The variable 20-60x zoom eyepiece brings far away elks closer while making it easy for you to zoom in on them. Compatible with a wide range of tripods, you get to enjoy a snug view of your target from any angle especially when hunting for extensive periods of time making one of the best spotting scope for elk hunting. The retractable sunshade and inside thread help minimize glare when hunting during broad daylight while the unlimited eye relief provides snug target views. For all-weather reliability, this spotting scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. Built from heavy-duty materials, this optic features a sturdy and durable framework with shock-absorbing rubber armor which also provides a secure, non-slip grip. You can trust it to withstand any harsh environments it’s subjected to when hunting. Key Features
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#2) Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scope
Built on a true-strength platform, this Viper HD Spotting Scope from Vortex is all you need to take down that elk at any range. Featuring a HD optical system, this spotting scope delivers excellent long-range target acquisition. Compared with other similar products, this spotting scope delivers superior low light performance, is comfortable to handle, and convenient to use as well. Vortex is a brand well known for quality products and that is why we can confidently say this is one of the best spotting scope for elk hunting. An adjustable eyecup provides a smooth view of the targets with or without eyeglasses while the extendable sunshade shield the optic from disturbing stray light. The XR anti-reflective lens coating enhances light transmission which results in brighter views regardless of the lighting conditions. Furthermore, an Armortek lens coating protects the lens from scratches, oil, dirt, and fingerprints. For all-weather reliability, this optic is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. A shock-absorbing rubber armor enhances durability while also providing a secure, non-slip grip for the user. Key Features
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Related: Best High End Spotting Scope
#3) Celestron- Ultima 80 Angled Spotting Scope
Elk hunting is made easy thanks to this all-around spotting scope that’s compact and convenient to use. Featuring one of the best viewing angles you’ll find in a spotting scope, this optic provides the best views at both close and long range. The multi-layer, anti-reflective lens coating enhances superior light transmission to produce bright and clear target views especially when hunting at dusk or dawn. Moreover, the built-in zoom lens produces outstanding image sharpness from 20x -60x. It also features a zero eyepiece that helps you zero in for detailed views of far ways targets in a matter of seconds. A shock-absorbing armored exterior protects the scope against hard use in the field while also providing the user with an ergonomic, non-slip grip. Weighing about 3.6 pounds, you are assured of convenient portability and ease of use. A good spotting scope makes hunting easy, a great one makes it fun but the best spotting scope for elk hunting makes hunting easy, fun, and most of all it gives you a winning hunting story. Key Features
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#4) Tec Tec SPROWILD Spotting Scope
If you are an elk hunter looking for a great way to improve your hunting experience, get yourself the Tec Tec SPROWILD Spotting Scope. Made for hunting enthusiasts, this spotting scope is incredible especially when it comes to long-range hunting. The versatile 20-60x magnification is ideal for hunting at varying ranges while the 60mm objective lens allows optimum light into the scope. Additionally, the objective lens is fully multi-coated to enhance better light transmission and minimize glare. Built with high-quality materials, this optic is durable and sturdy enough to withstand harsh hunting environments. It’s also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. This optic is tripod adaptable to deliver snug views during extended hunting sessions. It also features a smartphone adapter so you can record all the shots that you make. These top-notch qualities make this spotting scope one of the best spotting scope for elk hunting. Key Features
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#5) CREATIVE XP HD 2021 Spotting Scope
Elk hunting has been made easier thanks to the CREATIVE XP HD 2021 Spotting Scope. Available at a reasonably affordable price, this spotting scope is cheap but worth it. Featuring the latest optic technology, this HD spotting scope instantly pairs with your phone or camera so you can easily capture all the shots that you make. Made of high-quality materials, this optic is highly durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harshest hunting environments. Furthermore, a non-slip rubber armor absorbs any shock while also providing the user with a non-slip grip. As the best spotting scope for elk hunting, this scope comes with fully coated lenses and BAK-4 prism enhance light transmission to deliver bright and clear image views even when hunting under low light conditions. The versatile 20-60x zoom provides crisp images and it’s easy to focus even at the highest zoom range. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, this optic is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof. It also features an adjustable large eye relief that provides a snug view of the game your hunting, with or without eyeglasses. Since it’s undeniably best to use a spotting scope on a tripod, this scope mounts easily on multiple tripods. Key Features
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#6) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope
Another of the best spotting scope for elk hunting. Made with premium materials, the Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope is a high-end spotting scope suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities among them elk hunting. Built to last a lifetime, this spotting scope might be expensive but worth the investment. It delivers superior edge-to-edge image clarity and remarkable color accuracy as well. Featuring advanced XR lens coating, this scope delivers bright and clear image views even under low light conditions. An Armortek lens coating shields the lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil, to provide clear target views. Additionally, the multi-layer prism coating also provides bright and clear target views full of color accuracy. For all-weather performance, this scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. Weighing about 4 pounds, this spotting scope is lightweight and easy to move around with. It also features a multi-position eyecup that accommodates all hunters, with or without eyeglasses. Key Features.
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#7) Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope
The last one on our best spotting scope for elk hunting is the Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scope. This is another quality elk hunting spotting scope from the Vortex brand. It features a built-in tripod mount that easily attaches to a wide range of tripods for snug viewing sessions. Built from heavy-duty materials, the Diamondback Spotting Scope is durable and extremely sturdy. Weighing less than 3 pounds, this scope is a heavyweight performer in a lightweight and compact package. Its XR lenses are fully multi-coated to ensure excellent light transmission even when hunting at dusk or dawn. The adjustable eyecup twists up and down to ensure comfortable use while also accommodating those who put on eyeglasses. The zoom eyepiece is powerful while the focus wheel is smooth and easy to focus. Furthermore, this scope features shock-absorbing rubber armor which also provides a secure, non-slip grip. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, this scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. Key Features
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Factors to consider when choosing the best spotting scope for elk hunting
1.Glass Quality
Premium spotting scopes for elk hunting feature fluorite-coated, HD, or ED glass to enhance quick target acquisition. The use of a high-quality optical system enhances light transmission especially when hunting under low light conditions (such as dusk or dawn) and at high magnification. To have the best hunting experience, look for a scope with high-quality, fully coated lenses.
2. Light gathering ability
Like any other scope, the light-gathering ability of a spotting scope for elk hunting is indicated by the size of the objective lens. Spotting scope’s objective lenses vary in size from 50mm to 100mm. In general, large-sized objective lenses produce brighter images, however, they make the optic much heavier and difficult to pack.
3. Eye relief
Eyeglass wearers should pay keen attention to the amount of eye relief offered by the spotting scope. An optic with long eye relief directs the focal point farther behind the eyepiece so sunglass/eyeglass wearers have a complete field of view. Given in mm, the best spotting scope for elk hunting should have at least 12-15mm of eye relief.
4. Portability
Elk hunting requires you to pack all your hunting gear before you head out to hunt. You’ll therefore be required to carry your spotting scope with you for miles and set it multiple times. For this reason, you need a model that’s not only lightweight but also easy to pack. The optic should also be easy to mount and easy to take down as well.
5. Durable construction.
Elk hunting involves movement from one point to the other. You’ll be carrying your spotting scope across miles on uneven surfaces and chances are that it will occasionally be bumped or dropped along the way. This calls for a spotting scope that’s rugged and sturdily made to withstand whatever is thrown at it without sacrificing its performance. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, the optic you choose should be fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof. It should also be recoil resistant and shockproof as well.
FAQs
- Which is better, straight or angled scope?
Angled spotting scopes have the advantages of using a lower tripod height which enhances stability as well as being a much better setup for Digiscoping. On the other hand, straight scopes enhance rapid target acquisition while spotting.
- What size spotting scope do I need for elk hunting?
If you prefer long-range backpacking hunting, look for a spotting scope that’s lightweight yet high quality. For general elk hunting, look for a spotting scope with an objective lens of about 60mm and a 10x-30x variable magnification.
- Is sunshade important for hunting spotting scopes?
Yes, it is. Hunting during the day exposes you to bright and scorching sunlight. A spotting scope with a built sun-shade provides an easy solution in reducing glare. Additionally, if your scope has a retractable sunshade, you won’t have to put on sunglasses when hunting under broad daylight.
Conclusion
Using the best spotting scope for elk hunting will open up a whole new world and make your hunting experience better and worthwhile. With a wide range of spotting scopes available, you get to choose one that suits your needs best. All of the spotting scopes reviewed above are quality and suitable for elk hunting.
See Also: Top 6 Best Nightforce scopes for Elk Hunting
Top 5 Best Scope for Elk Hunting