Are you searching for the best Vortex scope for Elk hunting? We will review the top picks to ensure you get good value for the money.
Elk hunting is a passion you need to enrich with the best scope. You have landed in the right location, as we have expounded on the best Vortex scopes for elk hunting in this review. There’s also a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Elk hunting requires a quality scope to increase the odds of taking down these fast and intelligent animals. Elks have a dazzling sense of smell and sight and hence are easy to spook. Having the right scope increases your chances of a fruitful hunting experience.
Some Vortex scopes are suitable for elk hunting as they harbor unique quirks to help you make a kill. Keep reading to find out the best models you can pick from.
What Magnification Do You Need for Elk Hunting?
The most common magnification option preferred for elk hunting is 3-9x or 4-12x, as it offers the adaptability to make a kill at various shooting distances. If you are hunting in open areas or when expecting longer shots, a 5-20x or 6-24x, can be advantageous. Remember to consider your preferences, shooting abilities, and specific hunting conditions before deciding on the best magnification that works for you.
8 Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
Here is a breakdown of our top picks that will guarantee a fruitful elk hunting spree;
1) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Our top pick for the best Vortex scopes for elk hunting is the Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope. This scope boasts features to increase your shooting skills when hunting elk dramatically.
First, the Diamondback is built like a tank. This unit is not left behind like other durable Vortex scopes made from rock-solid aluminum. It is subjected to a demanding factory setting under a force of 1000G’s and is purged with argon gas for fog-free performance. O-ring seals make the device waterproof for water tightness.
It is equipped with pop-up dials for seamless and accurate windage and elevation adjustments, producing loud clicks to alert you when you have adjusted. The turrets are capped for protection against harsh elements that cause damage.
The lenses are extensively multi-coated to allow maximum light transmission for top-notch brightness in all light settings. This is essential as most elk hunting is carried out when lighting conditions are poor.
The hard anodized construction prevents corrosion and minimizes glare that may give away your shooting position. This increases your hunting success rate without spooking the prey.
A fast-focus eyepiece is also incorporated into the design and is dedicated to focusing the reticle for easy target acquisition.
Features
- Precision glide erector system
- Precision force spring system
- Fast focus eyepiece
- The outer finish is hard anodized
- Lenses are fully multi-coated
- Single-piece tube
- Capped reset turrets
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Great price for a premium scope
- Hard Anodized finish for reduced glare and durability
- Clear glass
- Fog-proof and waterproof performance
- Rugged and durable design
- Easy to use
- Metal precision turrets make it easy to zero resets after sight-in
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics for optimal light transmission
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm is designed for elk hunters looking for accuracy in a riflescope. Making a hit has never been easier and more accurate. With the 3-9x magnification present, the scope is ideal for close to intermediate distances.
To avoid spooking prey, the scope has a matte anodized construction that minimizes glare-betraying glint while keeping corrosion at bay. The tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability.
It is also waterproof and fog proof to survive tough weather conditions without compromising performance.
In addition, the scope has a crips reticle that allows optimal visibility and facilitates fast target acquisition. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps you make the right windage and holdover corrections boosting your shooting confidence.
A fast-focus eyepiece helps focus the reticle when time and speed are of the essence when taking down the target.
The lenses have unique multi-coatings to amplify light collection resulting in brighter visuals, even in dark situations.
Features
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Made from rigid aluminum
- Performs well in all weather conditions
- Matte anodized exterior
- Second focal plane
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- 50mm objective lens size
Pros
- Unbeatable durability with Aircraft Grade Aluminum Construction
- Easy on your wallet
- Waterproof and fogproof performance
- Remarkable clarity with Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Includes lens covers and lens cloth
- Long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Finger adjustable Capped reset turrets
Cons
- None
3) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope is the first focal plane unit with long-range capabilities to make your elk hunting fantastic. Its hits all the marks when it comes to accuracy, allowing you to make those killer shots.
The scope is designed to survive the austere hunting conditions as it is purged with dry nitrogen gas and sealed with O-ring seals for fog proof and waterproof integrity. It constitutes robust aluminum for longevity. The 34mm tube is shockproof for countering recoil and impact.
The EBR-7C reticle is illuminated to enhance visibility in dark conditions. Lenses are fully multi-coated and have anti-reflective components for prime light transmission leading to high-quality images and impressive low-light performance.
There is a throw lever to facilitate easy magnification transitions. A fast-focus eyepiece helps in reticle focusing essential for rapid target acquisition.
Another scope highlight is the RevStop Zero System, which ensures an easy-to-set and solid return to zero after making adjustments. The mechanism prevents unintended adjustments and delivers fast and precise adjustments.
This scope is ideal for shooters with all skill levels and will leave you wondering why you’ve not been using it.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Versatile 5-25x magnification
- Massive 56mm objective lens
- Sealed and purged for weatherproofing
- RevStop Zero Stop mechanism
- EBR-7C reticle
- Throw the lever for easy power changes
- XD lens elements
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Great eye relief at 3.7 inches
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Locking turret design
- Durable Aircraft Grade Aluminum build
- Shockproof Rugged construction
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope
Another perfect bet is the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope. The 44mm objective lens complements the amazing 4-12x magnification equipping you for a successful pursuit.
It is made to withstand the rigors of hunting. The one-piece tube is made from solid aluminum for shockproofing and durability. Even unforgiving weather conditions will not stop the unit from excelling, as it is 100% waterproof and fog proof.
Since this device is a modern riflescope, it features resettable MOA turrets with caps. They are also adjustable with the finger. Besides that, a fast-focusing mechanism helps keep the reticle in sharp focus for quick target acquisition.
You can shoot confidently in low-light settings as the fully multi-coated lenses have high light collection rates resulting in brighter and sharper visuals.
It uses the Dead-Hold BDC second focal plane reticle, which is a preferred choice by many hunters because it effectively corrects the position of the crosshair with windage and holdover concerns in mind.
Features
- Finger-adjustable turrets
- Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed
- Aircraft-grade aluminum structure
- Hard anodized matte finish
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 3.9 to 4.4 inches of eye relief
- Single piece tube
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Hard Anodized finish
- Performs well in all weather
- Crisp reticle
- High-quality Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope
As another scope from the Diamondback line, this scope has all the features elk hunters need for unrivaled performance. The scope is made with versatility, as it is compatible with multiple firearms like muzzleloaders, slug guns, and long-range rifles.
Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm is designed with rugged hunting conditions in mind. Its construction entails aircraft-grade aluminum known for surviving the worst. It is shockproof with a hard anodized construction that increases durability.
It’s low in weight, making it ideal for moving and toting around. Since hunting means exposure to difficult weather circumstances, the scope is fully sealed and purged for water- and fog proof performance. Hunters can find solace in knowing that nothing will knock this scope down.
With the 40mm objective lens, ample light enters the scope leading to crisp images. The lens has extensive multi-coatings that boost your visuals, allowing a perfect shot.
In terms of the reticle, the Diamondback uses a Dead-Hold BDC reticle on the second focal plane and is handy in ranges where holdover estimation is a concern.
The precision glide erector system keeps the components in the zoom lens mechanism working flawlessly.
Features
- Metal-on-metal precision turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Designed for all-weather use
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard anodized exterior
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses for crystal clear and bright images
- Easy to use
- Fog-proof and waterproof performance
- Extremely sharp focus
- Decent turrets
- Hard Anodized finish for durability and reduced glare
- Rugged construction for recoil and impact.
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
6) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Riflescope presents elk hunters with a wide range of features to make their hunting experience successful. You can now take long-range shots without guesswork for more precision and accuracy.
The 4x zoom and sufficient eye relief imply that the scope will adapt to any scenario. The ultra-forgiving eye box combines ample eye relief to help you get to the target quickly and make a kill.
The 30mm one-piece tube is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, as is the norm in Vortex scopes. This makes it rigid and stable for consistent reliability and performance.
Built to withstand the weather adversaries found outdoors, the scope has waterproof and fog-proof features for unwavering performance. It is also shockproof for damage-free performance under severe recoil and impact.
Optical prowess is another reason the Vortex Viper HS cuts this review of the best Vortex scopes for elk hunting. It has XR fully multi-coated lenses with XD lens elements to upsurge light transmission rates, resolution, and contrast leading to top-shelf image quality.
Hunting in the morning or late evening will be a piece of cake as you will get bright and clear images.
Features
- Armortek coated lenses
- XR full multi-coating
- Capped reset turrets
- Side focus parallax knob
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Precision glide erector system
- Ultra-forgiving eye box
Pros
- Easy to see and read reticle
- XR Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Commendable glass clarity
- Adaptable and durable with Aircraft Grade Aluminum Construction
- Turrets produce good clicks
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
7) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Riflescope
Housed in an aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm Riflescope revolutionizes performance. Like its apt name, the scope delivers the sharpest views ever viewed on an optic to transform your hunting session.
This is made possible by the HD optics that deliver high-resolution images and zero chromatic aberration. At the same time, the XR fully multi-coated lenses upsurge light collection power for brighter and clearer image quality.
As mentioned earlier, the scope is built to last. Besides being made from quality aluminum, it has Armortek-treated lenses to counter scratches and dirt. It is a performer in all weather owing to its waterproofing and fog proofing.
In addition, the elevation turret has a locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments. The windage turret is capped for damage protection. The turrets provide easy-to-read, fast, and accurate adjustments for utmost precision and accuracy.
The RevStop system provides a hard return to the original zero after making turret adjustments.
Features
- XR Plus glass
- Armortek coating on the lens
- Capped windage and locking elevation turrets
- RevStop Zero system
- Matte anodized construction
- 30mm tube diameter
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Solid and positive clicks
- A-grade glass
- Adequate eye relief
- Long-lasting design
Cons
- None
8) Vortex Diamondback 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The last unit on our list of the best Vortex scopes for elk hunting is Vortex Diamondback 6-24x50mm Riflescope. The striking 6-24x magnification helps you tackle elk at various changes.
A cherry on top when it comes to the magnification setting of this scope is the precision glide erector system that ensures seamless power changes even in harsh conditions. This helps you focus on making a kill without fretting about the device’s performance.
When you look at the design of this scope, you will find that it has exposed tactical turrets that are handy in long-range precision. The turrets provide fast and accurate adjustments. A fast-focus eyepiece helps in reticle focusing, making target acquisition easy.
Durability is another key element that makes the scope a perfect companion for elk hunting. It comprises aircraft-quality aluminum formation with a hard anodized finish. It is built into a 30mm shockproof tube that is waterproof and fog proof for all-weather functionality.
The extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses deliver clear, sharp images across all lighting conditions. The first focal plane reticle with glass-etching is a plus in accuracy, durability, and reliability, making the Diamondback 6-24x50mm an all-around scope that will do the job accordingly.
Features
- Exposed tactical turrets
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Precision glide erector system
- Parallax knob for parallax corrections
- First focal plane glass-etched reticle
Pros
- Fine focus
- Loud, audible clicks
- Crystal clear glass
- Rugged design
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
See Also
How To Choose The Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting
Elk hunting requires a good Vortex scope to be successful. Here are some considerations before buying one:
Optical Quality
The best Vortex scopes for elk hunting should deliver excellent clarity and visual accuracy. Mediocre lenses make it difficult to see elk. Therefore, look for fully multi-coated lenses that boost light transmission resulting in brighter and clearer pictures.
The glass should be of high quality and have HD or XD elements.
Magnification
Ensure you know the magnification level that will work for you when buying a Vortex scope for elk hunting. A 3-18x is ideal for covering all sorts of ranges and bases. 3-9x or 4-12x are common elk hunting options that perform well without breaking the bank.
Durability
Your scope should be built to withstand harsh hunting conditions without breakage or failure. Look for aircraft-grade aluminum-made units, as the material is robust and lightweight.
Hunting also means exposure to unforgiving weather conditions, so the scope needs waterproofing and fog proofing for relentless performance.
Weight
You will be moving around with your scope as you look for prey. The last thing you want is a device that will add extra bulk, slowing down performance. Choose a low-in-weight setup for a comfortable and fatigue-free hunting experience.
Turrets
The turrets should have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments. It is best to have capped turrets to prevent anything from touching the interior. They should provide a solid return to zero as well.
See Also
Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting FAQs
1) Are Vortex scopes worth it?
Yes absolutely. Vortex created top-of-the-line optics whose price, durability, optical quality, turrets, and overall performance are unrivaled. Having an ideal Vortex scope will make your elk hunting trip unforgettable.
2) What is the best rifle shot for elk?
Like other game, elk have heart and lungs as the most crucial parts. A proper shot through the heart or lungs will provide the quickest kill, making it the most humane for the animal. The organs provide the best opportunity for firearm and archery hunters to make a kill.
3) How far can a 3-9x scope see?
A 3-9x scope with decent turrets and optical finesse can shoot out to 1000 yards without hassle. Remember that many layers are tied to the ideal magnification, such as the shooting condition, distance of the target, and individual needs.
4) What is the best scope for elk hunting?
For serious hunters, I recommend the Burris Veracity PH 4-20×50. This scope not only has the best optics, but it also has a Programmable Elevation Knob, which is a unique feature that allows the shooter to easily and precisely dial in elevation. I’d go with the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42mm for the Vortex brand.
Final Thoughts
That is a wrap-up of this best Vortex scope for elk hunting review. You are sure to get a fruitful experience by choosing any of the scopes highlighted here. Happy hunting, Happy Shooting!
See Also