Best Vortex scope for elk hunting
Elk hunting requires a scope with the highest power and magnification. This is due to the elk’s size, which makes it the biggest member of the deer family. The animal can quickly detect danger and can return the favor if you go too close.
The vortex brand has some of the best scopes in its lineup with the best power and magnification. Making them one the best to be used in the hunting of elk
This article will help you choose among the wide range of vortex scopes available on the market. It also gives a list of the best vortex scope that you can use for hunting elk.
Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting– Top Picks
| Product | Image | How To Buy |
| Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm scope
|
 |
|
| Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24x50mm First Focal Plane Rifle Scope |  |
|
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes |  |
|
| Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes.
|
 |
|
| Vortex Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope |  |
The detailed reviews…
1. Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm scope
The quality of vortex scopes is usually better than you would expect at any particular price. The Vortex diamondback 16×42 is no exception. This scope is designed to have easy and quick reticle focusing. And this helps the hunter to quickly adjust to a moving target. Which makes it an ideal choice for hunting elk.
It’s built using a light aircraft-grade aluminum material. In addition to its being waterproof and shockproof which makes it a robust alternative for daily outdoor use.
The scope has a good maximum magnification of 16X. This works well with pro hunters paired with the infinity range. The lens uses a low dispersion glass which increases the resolution and color fidelity making sure that you have a clear image which really helps with accuracy
Lastly, you’ll notice that the scope dons a trim mounting profile which is a good thing because it allows for an optimum mounting height. To help with the targeting.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Height: 2 in
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Focus Range: 30 yds to infinity
- Lens Material: XD Glass
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Exit Pupil: 2.63 – 10.5 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 6.1 – 23.8 ft at 100 yds
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Weight: 18 oz
Pros
- Capable of a generous range
- lightweight
- Durable for outdoor use
- Easy-to-use controls
- Slim profile improves ergonomics
Cons
- None to write about
2. Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24x50mm First Focal Plane Rifle Scope
This is an extremely dependable and powerful scope with a wide 50mm lens diameter that allows for more light. To provide you with a crisply clear image of your target for that perfect shot.
The LR in the nomenclature of this scope stands for Long Range. And that’s exactly what it can do with its 24X maximum magnification and infinity shooting range.
For durability, this scope is constructed using aircraft aluminum. It’s waterproof fog proof and shockproof giving you the liberty of using it anywhere. And the exterior of the lens is coated with a proprietary Armortek to defend against dirt and scratches
The Vortex Viper HS LR-6-24x50mm carries a unique feature which is a customizable rotational zero-stop system. This feature makes it difficult to lose your zero by preventing dials below zero. The feature also improves accuracy and makes this scope a perfect alternative for hunting elks.
Specifications
- Lens Diameter:50 mm
- Magnification:6 – 24
- Tube Diameter:30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Eye Relief:4 in
- Dimensions: 15.5 in 4.25 in 2.26 in (L X W X H)
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Exit Pupil:2.1 – 8.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear:5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
- Focus Range:50 yds to infinity
- Lens Material: XD Glass
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
- Weight:21.8 oz
Pros
- A high maximum magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- A generous eye relief
- Easy to target
- Assists the user with the zeroing of targets
Cons
- Large minimal magnification a bad thing for closer targets
3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
This is a popular choice for many elk hunters because it’s available in many configurations. All of which come at an almost similar price. We have 7×32, 9×40,9×50 and 12×44 each suitable for different ranges. The manufacturers have also made it very easy to adjust using the tactile windage and elevation knobs
Another characteristic of this scope is that it has been fitted with generous eye relief. This makes it easier for you to use it with your high-recoil rifles.
The lens is fully coated to make it anti-reflective and give it a high light transmission rate. So that you can use it any time of the day without worrying about the type of weather.
The scope is durable because the manufacturers have made it using just one piece of aluminum tube for rigidity. They have then made sure it’s waterproof fog proof and shockproof.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 12 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Focus Range: 100 yds to infinity
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Field of View, Linear: 8.4 – 24.7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 9 – 4.4 in
- Dimensions: 13.1 in 2.01 in (L x H)
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Weight: 17.2 oz
Pros
- Lightweight favoring accuracy
- Low profile helps with ergonomics
- Good quality lens
- Available with a wide lens for a brighter view
- Friendly price
cons
- lacks a parallax adjustment.
- Doesn’t match other higher trims
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes.
If you want a reliable scope to use when estimating holdover is a concern, or when there is low light during the day. Then this lineup consists of the best alternatives. To make sure that you are satisfied with your hunting. The line-up is made up of 4 alternatives; 5 x 32, 9×40, 10×50, and 12×40 suited for different types of ranges.
This scope has been optimized to acquire targets at close range or dense cover. It’s easy to target using a pop-up dial that you use to adjust windage and elevation. The dial gives you feedback via audible clicks so you can be sure of your adjustment.
Durability on this scope is assured by an aircraft-grade aluminum material that has been used in the construction. The scope is also fog proof, waterproof, and has argon gas purged from the inside to prevent any corrosion in the long run.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1.75 – 5 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 23.1 – 68.3 ft at 100 yds
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 18.29 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 3.7 in
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Length: 10.2 in 3.25 in 1.55 in (L x W x H)
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Focus Range: 100 yds to infinity
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
- Weight: 12.8 oz
Pros
- It has been optimized for use on short ranges
- Lightweight
- Easy to use scope adjustment
- Various options available
- Good lens quality
Cons
- Small maximum magnification (5X)
5. Vortex Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
This lineup consists of three alternatives; 6×24, 8×24, 18×44, and 24×50. The vortex strike has a small low-end (1X) magnification making it easy for the shooter to engage targets standing at close range. The maximum magnification is also sufficient at 8X because it would require someone close to an ace marksman to use anything greater than that.
Adjusting the magnification for the scope has also been made easy with the use of a thread-in throw lever and the magnification indicators are now visible without coming off the scope.
The lens quality is above average and also features an illuminated reticle to assist with targeting in low-light conditions. Durability also is not a question because the scope is shockproof to resist impact. And has been designed for use in fog, snow, and rain.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 8 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 24 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 14.4 – 109 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Length: 10 in 3.38 in 3.75 in (L x W x H)
- Illumination Type: LED
- Illumination Color: Red
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-7
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Quantity: 1
- Weight: 17.6 oz
Pros
- Illuminated reticle great for low light conditions
- Available in various alternative
- Lightweight
- Good quality lens
- Focusing is quick and easy
Cons
- Some alternatives give a higher magnification
Scope Power for Elk Hunting.
We have fixed and variable magnification power types of scope. The scope with variable power is the best for hunting elk. Because it gives the user an option to choose the magnification level. Based on the distance of the elk from the hunter.
The ideal scope magnification power for hunting an elk also depends on the skill of the person hunting. An excessively large maximum magnification isn’t necessary and something closer to 10X is sufficient. This is because you can only use a high magnification if you are a good marksman who can get his target from a distance.
What else you should be looking at is the minimum magnification power. Don’t go for something greater than 3.5X when it comes to the minimum power. This is because the elks may come closer than you expect. And it’s fairly difficult to target with a higher power magnification when the object is close.
Choosing the Best Scope For Elk Hunting
These are some characteristics that one should consider when shopping for a vortex scope for elk hunting.
Magnification-This is the most important feature to look for when purchasing a vortex scope for hunting. Magnification determines how large a target appears through the scope; a higher magnification is best for long-range targets, while a lower magnification is best for close-range targets.
Choose the magnification based on where you plan to hunt. Most plains hunting will necessitate long-range shooting and thus higher magnification. Hunting in a dense forest, on the other hand, necessitates less magnification due to the proximity of the targets.
Lens quality-The quality of the lens is determined by the type of glass used as well as the type and amount of coatings applied to the glass. A glass coating is applied to the lens surface to reduce reflective loss and allow optimal light transmission through the lens. A rifle scope with the best quality lens will provide you with the best vision of your elk when you are hunting.
Durability-Hunting is an outdoor activity that mostly happens in a harsh environment. If a scope is too delicate it can be easily damaged by external elements. Vortex scopes get through this scope by being weatherproof and because they are made from hardy materials that can sustain a reasonable amount of impact.
Weight-Although the term “heavy” is relative, a heavy rifle scope will require a lot of effort to carry around and aim because it weighs down your rifle. Look for a vortex option that feels comfortable for your intended use.
Voltex Scope for Elk Hunting -FAQs
When is the best time for elk hunting?
Elks have a tendency to sleep for the majority of the day. Therefore, getting a catch in the middle of the day is only a matter of chance. Elks are mostly active at dawn and dusk. This happens because elks prefer cold weather for grazing which is found at either end of the day.
What else do I require to hunt elks?
Some states in the United States require that a person who wants to hunt elks should obtain a permit. A small fee is also required when obtaining a permit, but this depends on the region.
CONCLUSION
We trust that this guide will help you in a great way to choose the best vortex scope for elk hunting. When choosing a vortex scope for elk hunting, consider the type of rifle that you are going to use. You can’t have a great scope and use a rifle that doesn’t match the capabilities of your scope. Also, make sure you place your shots well in order to have a perfect and ethical kill.
Related.