Elk hunting pushes your gear to the absolute limit. Whether you’re deep in the timber, glassing wide-open basins, or covering miles in the backcountry, your rifle scope needs to deliver clear images, withstand real recoil, and give you confidence in every lighting condition. Elk are tough, wary, and often appear at dawn or dusk, when light is low and shots can be challenging. If you want to fill your tag with confidence, here’s your complete guide to the best rifle scopes for elk hunting in 2025.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
- Best for Long Range: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
- Best Value: Burris Signature HD 3-15×44
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Elk Hunting Scope?
Elk hunting is a demanding pursuit, and your optic should match that challenge. Here are the most important things to consider:
- Magnification: 3-15x or 4-16x is ideal for elk country. This range offers a wide field of view for thick timber and enough zoom for open ridges and basins.
- Glass & Light Transmission: Choose scopes with fully multi-coated or HD/ED glass. You need every bit of light at dawn, dusk, or in dark timber.
- Reticle: Simple duplex, BDC, MOA/Mil hash, or illuminated reticles work well. FFP (first focal plane) is great if you regularly dial or use holdovers at different magnifications.
- Durability: Make sure your scope is shockproof, waterproof, fogproof, and holds zero after a day in the saddle or a rough hike. Elk rifles kick hard—your optic must handle real recoil.
- Turrets: Capped turrets are best for most hunting; exposed, zero-stop turrets are perfect for dialing elevation in open country.
- Eye Relief: Look for scopes with at least 3.5″ of eye relief—especially for magnum calibers like .300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem Mag.
- Weight: If you’re a mountain hunter or cover big miles, every ounce matters. Balance power with portability.
- Warranty: Pick brands with strong, no-fault lifetime warranties. Elk hunting is tough on gear!
Top Rifle Scopes for Elk Hunting
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Why it’s best overall: The VX-5HD is one of the most trusted elk scopes on the market. Leupold’s Twilight Max HD system brings out color and detail in the dimmest conditions—perfect for glassing at dawn or dusk. The CDS-ZL2 dial lets you set your ballistics for fast, toolless elevation adjustments out to 500+ yards. This scope is lightweight, rugged, and proven on everything from .270 to .338 magnums. Optional Firedot reticle gives a glowing aiming point in tough conditions.
- 3-15x zoom covers dark timber and open slopes
- 44mm HD objective lens for low-light performance
- Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2 (CDS-ZL2)
- Available with illuminated Firedot reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Lifetime guarantee
Pros:
- Outstanding clarity and brightness in low light
- Lightweight for its power—under 20 oz
- Easy to use and fast on follow-up shots
Cons:
- Premium price, but built for a lifetime of elk hunts
- CDS dial requires submitting ballistics to Leupold for custom turret (included)
Final Verdict: A top-tier elk scope that does it all—perfect for the Western hunter who faces every terrain and lighting challenge.
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
Why it’s best for long range: If you hunt open country or want to take ethical shots at extended range, the Viper PST Gen II delivers precision and flexibility. The EBR-2D illuminated reticle in the first focal plane lets you hold for drop and wind at any zoom. Zero-stop tactical turrets are easy to dial for exact distance. Glass is sharp and bright, and the scope is tough enough for any magnum elk rifle.
- 3-15x first focal plane zoom
- 44mm objective, illuminated EBR-2D reticle
- Zero stop tactical turrets
- 30mm main tube for more adjustment range
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Lifetime VIP warranty
Pros:
- Perfect for dialing distance and wind in open country
- Clear, reliable glass for any shot
- Excellent features for the price
Cons:
- Heavier than ultra-light hunting scopes
- More features than necessary for close-range timber hunts
Final Verdict: The best option for long-range elk hunters or anyone who wants to maximize their rifle’s effective distance.
Burris Signature HD 3-15×44
Why it’s the best value: The Burris Signature HD offers high-end features without the high-end price tag. You get crisp HD glass, a ballistic E3 reticle for fast holdovers, and rugged construction that’s proven on magnum rifles. Side parallax adjustment and zero stop elevation dial add precision, while the scope remains light enough for all-day mountain hunts.
- 3-15x zoom for all elk hunting terrain
- 44mm HD objective lens
- Ballistic E3 or Plex reticle
- Side parallax and zero stop elevation
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Burris Forever Warranty
Pros:
- Great clarity and real-world durability
- Excellent value for a fully featured elk scope
- Trusted on Western hunts and big calibers
Cons:
- No illumination (unless you upgrade to higher models)
- Not quite as bright in low light as Leupold or Vortex
Final Verdict: The go-to elk scope for hunters who want proven performance and reliability without breaking the bank.
Other Notable Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP: Affordable, advanced ACSS reticle, great for open country.
- Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44: The top choice for ultralight mountain hunters who want unmatched clarity.
- Bushnell Elite 4500 2.5-10×40: Reliable, bright, and budget-friendly for those who want a simple, tough scope.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Reticle | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 | 3-15x | 44mm | Duplex/Firedot | All-around, low light | $1,100-$1,400 |
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II FFP | 3-15x | 44mm | EBR-2D, illuminated | Long range, open country | $850-$950 |
| Burris Signature HD | 3-15x | 44mm | Ballistic E3/Plex | Value, general hunting | $450-$550 |
| Primary Arms GLx FFP | 4-16x | 50mm | ACSS FFP | Open country, budget | $550-$600 |
| Swarovski Z5 | 3.5-18x | 44mm | Plex/BRX | Ultralight, premium | $1,400-$1,700 |
| Bushnell Elite 4500 | 2.5-10x | 40mm | Multi-X | Budget, reliability | $250-$350 |
FAQ: Rifle Scopes for Elk Hunting
What magnification is best for elk hunting?
3-15x or 4-16x is ideal. This gives you enough zoom for open ridges and basins, but still a wide field of view for timber or close shots.
Should I choose an illuminated reticle?
Illuminated reticles help a lot in low light or dark timber, especially when elk step out at dawn or dusk. Not essential, but a real bonus.
Do I need a custom dial or ballistic turret?
Not for every hunt, but if you hunt open country or regularly shoot past 300 yards, a custom dial or tactical turret is a major advantage for quick, precise elevation adjustments.
Are these scopes rated for magnum recoil?
Yes—all scopes above are proven on magnum elk cartridges (.300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, .338 Win Mag) and are built to handle tough field conditions.
What about weight for mountain hunting?
Lighter is always better for mountain and backcountry hunts. All the top picks above offer a balance of power and portability for hard hunts at altitude.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best rifle scope for elk hunting is the one that gives you confidence in every shot—whether you’re in dark timber or scanning open hillsides. The Leupold VX-5HD is a proven all-around champion, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II brings long-range features for open country, and the Burris Signature HD gives excellent performance at a fair price. Mount your new scope well, practice with your elk load, and you’ll be ready for any bull that steps out this season.