Elk hunting is as much about finding game as it is about making the shot. When you’re glassing vast basins, timber edges, or far-off ridgelines, the right spotting scope makes all the difference. It lets you spot elk miles away, judge bulls without spooking them, and plan smarter stalks. The best spotting scopes for elk hunting combine crisp, bright glass, rugged field durability, and a packable design for days in the high country. Here’s your essential guide to the top spotting scopes for elk hunting this season—built for hunters who live for the mountains and the thrill of the search.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Angled
- Best Value: Athlon Ares G2 UHD 15-45×65
- Best Ultralight: Leupold Gold Ring 15-30×50 Compact
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Spotting Scope for Elk Hunting
Elk country is big, rugged, and often remote. The ideal elk spotting scope strikes a balance between power, clarity, weight, and durability:
- Magnification: 15-45x and 20-60x are ideal for elk hunting. 15-45x is lighter and easier to pack, while 20-60x gives you the reach to judge antlers at extreme distance.
- Objective Lens Size: 60-65mm objectives offer the best mix of brightness and packability. Larger 80-85mm scopes are brighter but add serious weight to your pack.
- Glass Quality: HD, ED, or UHD glass is a must for spotting detail at first and last light—critical for elk. Top-end coatings boost brightness and reduce glare.
- Weight & Size: Ounces matter in the backcountry. If you backpack hunt, consider a compact or mid-size model. For truck or ATV hunting, go as big as you want.
- Angled vs. Straight: Angled scopes are better for long glassing sessions and sharing with hunting buddies. Straight scopes are quicker for quick target acquisition, especially from a prone position or truck window.
- Focus Mechanism: Dual-focus or fine-focus knobs let you dial in clarity for picking out antler tips in dark timber or bright open slopes.
- Durability: Elk hunts are rough—your scope should be fully waterproof, fogproof, and built for real field abuse.
- Warranty: Only trust companies that back their scopes with a lifetime guarantee. Elk country is tough on optics!
Top Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Angled
Why it’s best overall: The Vortex Razor HD 65mm is a Western hunter’s dream. With brilliant low-light performance, a super sharp image at all zoom levels, and a smooth dual focus system, it excels in open country and rugged backcountry. At just 3.5 lbs, it’s light enough for mountain hunts but still powerful enough for serious judging at 1,500+ yards. The armored body and VIP warranty give peace of mind when you’re far from the truck.
- 22-48x magnification for flexible glassing
- 65mm HD objective for bright, crisp images
- Angled eyepiece—comfortable for hours on the tripod
- ArmorTek coating resists scratches, oil, and dirt
- Rugged, waterproof, fogproof build
- VIP Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
- Elite image clarity from edge to edge
- Outstanding low-light performance for dawn and dusk
- Durable and proven by Western guides
Cons:
- Premium price (but worth it if you hunt elk regularly)
- Heavier than compact models (but lighter than 80mm class)
Final Verdict: If you want to glass more elk and judge them from afar, this is the scope that does it all season after season.
Athlon Ares G2 UHD 15-45×65
Why it’s the best value: The Athlon Ares G2 UHD brings premium features to a more affordable price. The UHD glass is clear and bright, color rendition is excellent, and the dual focus knob makes fine-tuning easy. At just over 4 lbs, it’s rugged and well-balanced for mountain hunts and harsh field use.
- 15-45x zoom for scanning wide ridges or zooming in on antlers
- 65mm UHD lens for crisp detail in all lighting
- Angled eyepiece and rotating collar for easy use on uneven ground
- Argon purged for fogproof clarity at all altitudes
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Bright, sharp image—especially at this price
- Rugged enough for big country elk hunting
- Easy, accurate focus for judging at long range
Cons:
- Not as bright at extreme zoom as top-tier European models
- A bit heavier than ultralight scopes
Final Verdict: For hunters who want premium glass without the $2,000+ price tag, this is a best buy for big Western hunts.
Leupold Gold Ring 15-30×50 Compact
Why it’s best ultralight: For elk hunters who hike hard and pack deep, every ounce counts. The Leupold Gold Ring Compact weighs just 21 ounces and packs a serious punch for its size. The glass is crisp and color-accurate, and the 15-30x range is perfect for judging elk at practical hunting ranges. Waterproof, fogproof, and backed by Leupold’s legendary warranty, it’s made in the USA and built for adventure.
- 15-30x zoom for practical glassing out to 1,000 yards
- 50mm objective—bright for its weight class
- Super compact (about 11″ long, 1.3 lbs)
- Lightweight, rugged aluminum construction
- Lifetime guarantee
Pros:
- Ultralight—perfect for mountain or backpack elk hunts
- Surprisingly clear and bright for its size
- Easy to pack or carry in any terrain
Cons:
- Lower max zoom than full-size models
- Not for scoring bulls at 2,000+ yards
Final Verdict: The top pick for mobile, solo, or high-country hunters who want real glassing power with minimal weight.
Other Notable Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Swarovski ATX/STX 25-60×65: The gold standard for optical clarity—pricy, but unmatched for serious elk and sheep guides.
- Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48×65: Excellent value, sharp glass, and proven durability for Western elk hunters.
- Kowa TSN-554 15-45×55: Premium compact Japanese glass—lightweight, bright, and perfect for alpine hunts.
- Bushnell Forge 20-60×80: Huge brightness and zoom for field judging at extreme distance (best for truck/ATV hunts).
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Weight | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Razor HD 65mm | 22-48x | 65mm | 3.5 lbs | All-around, mountain | $1,200-$1,400 |
| Athlon Ares G2 UHD | 15-45x | 65mm | 4.1 lbs | Value, open country | $700-$900 |
| Leupold Gold Ring Compact | 15-30x | 50mm | 1.3 lbs | Ultralight, backpack | $950-$1,100 |
| Swarovski ATX/STX 65mm | 25-60x | 65mm | 3.4 lbs | Guides, premium | $2,700-$3,200 |
| Vortex Diamondback HD | 16-48x | 65mm | 2.9 lbs | Budget, rugged | $350-$450 |
| Kowa TSN-554 | 15-45x | 55mm | 1.8 lbs | Sheep/goat, compact | $1,300-$1,600 |
| Bushnell Forge | 20-60x | 80mm | 4.5 lbs | Long range, truck | $650-$800 |
FAQ: Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
What magnification is best for elk hunting?
15-45x or 20-60x covers almost every elk hunting situation. Higher power helps judge antlers at extreme distance, but lower power is brighter and better for finding elk at dawn or dusk.
Is HD or ED glass worth it?
Absolutely. HD/ED/UHD glass makes a massive difference for spotting details, antler tips, and color contrast at distance and in tough light.
Are angled or straight spotting scopes better?
Angled scopes are more comfortable for long glassing sessions and work well on uneven terrain. Straight scopes are faster for target acquisition, especially for solo hunters or truck-based glassing.
Can I digiscope with these spotting scopes?
Yes! Many models above accept digiscoping adapters, letting you use a smartphone or camera to capture distant elk or record your hunt.
Are these scopes waterproof and fogproof?
Yes—all models listed are fully waterproof, fogproof, and rugged enough for the harshest elk country.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best spotting scope for elk hunting lets you find more elk, judge trophies from afar, and plan smarter stalks. The Vortex Razor HD 65mm offers elite clarity and proven reliability. The Athlon Ares G2 UHD brings top features at a value price, and the Leupold Gold Ring Compact is unbeatable for mountain hunters who count every ounce. Mount your scope on a sturdy tripod, get comfortable behind the glass, and you’ll see more elk—and fill more tags—year after year.