Elk hunting is a true test of skill, patience, and gear. Whether you’re climbing the Rockies, glassing open sage, or still-hunting thick timber, your scope can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a painful near miss. Elk are tough, wary, and often appear right at the edge of daylight. That’s why you need a rifle scope that’s rugged, clear, and built for real-world elk country. This guide covers the best elk hunting scopes for every budget and style—from backcountry solo hunts to long-range glassing on open hillsides.
Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
- Best 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 pushes your optics harder than most game. Here’s what matters most:
- Magnification: 3-15x or 4-16x is ideal for most elk terrain—wide field of view for thick woods, plenty of zoom for open-country shots.
- Light Transmission: Fully multi-coated lenses, HD or extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, and large objectives (at least 40mm) are crucial for low-light shooting.
- Reticle: BDC, MOA/Mil hash, or illuminated center reticles are best. They help with fast holdovers, wind, and low-light aiming. FFP is great for dialing shots at multiple zoom settings.
- Durability: Elk hunting is tough on gear—your scope must be shockproof, waterproof, fogproof, and able to hold zero after days of hiking and real magnum recoil.
- Eye Relief: 3.5″ or more is best for magnum elk calibers—especially from field positions.
- Turrets: Capped turrets are fine for most hunting; exposed, zero-stop turrets are perfect if you regularly dial for range in open country.
- Weight: Lighter is better for mountain or backcountry hunts. Balance power with portability.
- Warranty: Trust brands with lifetime, no-questions warranties—accidents do happen on hard hunts!
Top Scopes for Elk Hunting
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Why it’s best all-around: This scope is a legend among elk guides for a reason. With Leupold’s Twilight Max HD system, you get the best low-light clarity available—critical for the first and last minutes of legal shooting. The CDS-ZL2 elevation dial lets you set your ballistics and make fast, tool-free adjustments for long shots. The reticle is simple and fast, and the whole scope weighs just over 19 oz—perfect for hard mountain hunts.
- 3-15x magnification covers timber to open ridges
- 44mm objective for maximum brightness
- CDS-ZL2 custom turret for quick elevation adjustments
- Available with illuminated Firedot reticle
- Legendary durability, waterproof and fogproof
Pros:
- Top low-light performance for dawn and dusk
- Lightweight for its power—easy to carry in the mountains
- Excellent eye relief and user-friendly controls
Cons:
- Premium price, but a true “buy once, cry once” optic
- CDS turret requires ordering your custom dial from Leupold (included in price)
Final Verdict: The best single scope for any serious elk hunter who wants to cover timber, edges, and open basins—year after year.
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
Why it’s the long-range leader: Elk don’t always come close, especially in big country. The Viper PST Gen II brings first focal plane accuracy, a crisp illuminated EBR-2D reticle, and precise tactical turrets—all at a manageable weight. The glass is sharp, and the reticle lets you make fast, accurate wind and elevation holds at any zoom.
- 3-15x zoom for everything from brush to canyons
- First focal plane illuminated EBR-2D reticle
- Zero stop tactical turrets for fast, repeatable adjustments
- Rugged build—rated for .300 Win Mag and more
- Lifetime VIP warranty
Pros:
- Superb for dialing shots in open country or on guided hunts
- Great low-light clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness
- Perfect balance of long-range and general hunting features
Cons:
- Heavier than classic “woods” scopes
- More features than needed for thick timber or short-range hunts
Final Verdict: If you hunt open ridges, sage flats, or want to maximize your elk rifle’s range, this is a go-to scope that will perform season after season.
Burris Signature HD 3-15×44
Why it’s the best value: Burris Signature HD scopes are built for real hunters who want clarity, reliability, and features without a premium price tag. The 3-15×44 model gives you the power for any shot, a side focus for precise parallax, and options for Ballistic E3 or Plex reticles. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and can take a beating in the field—perfect for the mountains or as a tough backup on any elk trip.
- 3-15x magnification, all the power you’ll need
- 44mm objective, HD glass for low-light performance
- Side focus and zero stop elevation turret
- Ballistic E3 reticle with holdovers, or classic Plex
- Burris Forever Warranty
Pros:
- Superb clarity and repeatability for the price
- Easy to use, simple reticle options
- Durable and proven on magnum calibers
Cons:
- No illumination (unless you upgrade models)
- Not quite as bright as top-end glass, but excellent value
Final Verdict: For hunters who want a no-nonsense, dependable elk scope without breaking the bank, this is a hard one to beat.
Other Notable Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP: Big field of view, excellent reticle, great value for open country elk.
- Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44: Premium glass, super lightweight—ideal for mountain hunters who want the best.
- Bushnell Elite 4500 2.5-10×40: Ultra-reliable, bright, and lightweight—perfect for hunters on foot or horseback.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Reticle | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 | 3-15x | 44mm | Duplex/Firedot | All-around elk, low-light | $1,100-$1,400 |
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II FFP | 3-15x | 44mm | EBR-2D FFP, illuminated | Long range, open country | $850-$950 |
| Burris Signature HD | 3-15x | 44mm | Ballistic E3/Plex | Value, mountain use | $450-$550 |
| Primary Arms GLx FFP | 4-16x | 50mm | ACSS FFP | Open country, budget | $550-$600 |
| Swarovski Z5 | 3.5-18x | 44mm | Plex/BRX | Premium, lightweight | $1,400-$1,700 |
| Bushnell Elite 4500 | 2.5-10x | 40mm | Multi-X | Lightweight, reliability | $250-$350 |
FAQ: Elk Hunting Scopes
What magnification is best for elk hunting?
3-15x or 4-16x is the sweet spot for most elk terrain. You get a wide field of view for close shots and enough zoom for 400+ yard shots across open ground.
Is an illuminated reticle necessary?
Not necessary, but extremely useful in low light or when aiming at dark hides in heavy timber. Many top elk scopes offer illumination as an option.
Do I need a custom dial or ballistic turret?
They make long shots faster and more reliable, especially in open country where quick elevation changes are needed. Leupold’s CDS and Vortex’s tactical turrets are both excellent.
Will these scopes hold zero on a .300 Win Mag or .338?
Absolutely. All models listed are proven on heavy magnums and are built to handle the recoil of serious elk rifles.
Are lightweight scopes really better for mountain hunts?
Yes—every ounce counts when climbing at altitude. All the scopes above balance power and weight for practical backcountry use.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for elk hunting is the one that lets you see clearly, aim quickly, and shoot confidently—whether you’re in the timber or glassing open basins. The Leupold VX-5HD remains the gold standard for all-around elk country. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is perfect for hunters pushing the limits of range, while the Burris Signature HD brings you dependable performance at a great value. Mount your scope well, practice with your elk load at real distances, and you’ll be ready for the shot of a lifetime when your bull steps into view.