For most avid hunters, a successful elk hunting is a once-in-a lifetime achievement. Elks are harder to hunt than deer and other game. They are bigger in size and scarcely populated. This makes them harder to hunt and you can find yourself walking for miles before you are able to spot one. Having the right pair of binoculars can help make your hunting excursion more competitive and less strenuous. The best Vortex binoculars for elk hunting will help you identify an elk that’s faraway and track its movement with ease.
Vortex makes some of the best binoculars for elk hunting. They have a wide range of high-powered binoculars that provide high-quality images views in all ranges. Since not all Vortex binoculars are ideal for elk hunting, we have made a list of the best Vortex binoculars for Elk hunting available on the market today. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look.
Best Vortex Binoculars for Elk Hunting
1) Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars 10×42
The 10×42 Diamondback HD Binoculars deliver exceptional optical performance which is what you need for elk hunting. With the 10x magnification, these binoculars will help you spot elks that are miles away with ease and bring them closer for accurate shot placement.
The 42mm objective lens gathers optimum light needed for bright image views. Additionally, the lenses are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission especially when hunting in low light situations. The exterior lenses feature an Armortek coating which offers protection against scratches, oil and dirt.
These binoculars are built for the rugged outdoor environment. They are argon purged and O-ring sealed to provide reliable fog proof and waterproof performance. Besides that, they feature a durable aluminum housing to ensure many years of field use. The whole unit is also covered with a shock-absorbing, odorless rubber armor which provides a secure, slip-resistant grip.
For your convenience, the binoculars are compact, fairly light and easy to carry on the field. You can also mount them on a tripod and enjoy hands-free viewing. Above all, the binoculars have adjustable eyecups which twist up and down for snug viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Compact and lightweight
- Adjustable eyecups
- Fully waterproof and fog-free
- Shock absorbing rubber armor
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- Armortek lens coating
- Tripod adaptable
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- GlassPak harness
- Generous 15mm eye relief
- Center focus wheel
- 5.0’ close focus
2) Vortex Optics Crossfire 10×42 HD Binoculars
If you are on a tight budget, the Crossfire 10×42 HD Binoculars suit you. These full-size roof prism binoculars are easy on the wallet but they don’t compromise on their quality. They are packed with a wide range of impressive features to make your elk hunting expedition a success.
With 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, these binoculars will help you identify distant targets with ease. Thanks to the numerous anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces and the fully multi-coated lenses, they provide brilliant, clear and sharp image views even in dismal environments.
These binoculars are made for all-weather use. They are nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging which is caused by rapid changes in temperature and O-ring sealed to prevent entry of dirt, dust and moisture. Furthermore, the rugged construction stands up to harsh recoil, impacts and falls, while the roof prism design makes them compact and very durable.
Another good thing about these binoculars is the lightweight design. You can easily put them inside your backpack or pocket and take them with you wherever you go. Moreover, the binoculars can be mounted on a tripod for snug, hands-free operation. They also have adjustable eyecups which make them eyeglass-friendly.
Features
- Durable, shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Tripod adaptable
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Rugged housing withstands harsh impact and recoil
- Roof prism design
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Adjustable eyecups
- Right eyepiece diopter
- Center focus wheel
- 6-feet close focus
- 15mm eye relief
3) Vortex Optics Razor UHD Binoculars
If you want to take your elk hunting to the next big level, you should get yourself the Razor UHD Binoculars. These 10×42 binoculars feature ultra-high-definition optical design for unparalleled optical performance. Whether you are hunting elks in a dense woodlands or in large open fields, these binoculars got you covered.
The top-notch anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces deliver optimum light transmission for top clarity and brightness even in low light situations. This gives you the best views when hunting at dusk or dawn.
Regarding construction, the roof prism design delivers great durability, while the true open hinge provides superior ergonomics while keeping weight at a minimum. Better yet, the Razor UHD Binoculars are fully waterproof and fog proof so you can use them even when it’s raining. They also feature a rubber armor which provides a secure, slip-resistant grip and reduces wear and tear when hunting.
Other convenient features include a tripod adapter for mounting on a tripod, twist-up eyecups which provide a customized eye relief and a smooth, center focus wheel that you should use to bring the targets into sharp focus. You can also use these high-end binoculars for other outdoor activities, not just elk hunting
Features
- Twist-up eyecups
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable and lightweight magnesium chassis
- Armortek lens coatings
- Decent 16.7 mm eye relief
- Unmatched image resolution
- XR plus fully multi-coated lenses
- Roof prism design
- True open hinge provides superior ergonomics
- Shock absorbing rubber armor
- Right eyepiece diopter
- Tripod adaptable
- Center focus wheel
4) Vortex Optics Razor HD 10×42 Binoculars
Next on our list is the Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binoculars. These binoculars are renowned for their all-terrain performance. They are compact but mighty. They feature a true open hinge magnesium chassis design which enhances durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It also offers superior ergonomics which is important when hunting for long hours.
These binoculars boast superior optical performance. The premium HD glass delivers unmatched resolution and color fidelity. The anti-reflective lens coatings with cutting edge plasma tech enhance light transmission for bright and clear images from dusk to dawn.
Like any other Vortex optic, the Razor HD Binoculars are argon purged and O-ring sealed to give you a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance. You don’t have to panic when the weather changes abruptly while still in the field. The exterior lenses also feature a durable, ultra-hard Armortek coating which offers protection against dirt, oil and scratches.
These binoculars are eyeglass-friendly. You can easily adjust the multi-position eyecups to the most comfortable viewing position even with your eyeglasses on. To top it all, this optic comes with a rugged rubber armor with strategically placed indents for a comfortable, non-slip grip even when your hands are sweaty or wet.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Magnesium chassis
- Multi-position eyecups
- Locking right eye diopter
- Durable, scratchproof Armortek lens coating
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- 5mm eye relief
- 6-feet close focus
- High-quality anti-reflective lens coatings
- Durable rubber armor
- Compact, lightweight and easy to carry
- Tripod adapter
5) Vortex Optics Raptor Porro Prism Binoculars 10×32
Here is another Vortex binoculars for elk hunting for people on a budget. The Raptor Porro Prism Binoculars bring to the table a wide range of high-quality features ideal for multiple outdoor activities among them elk-hunting. They are easy to use and highly efficient. With the 10x magnification, you’ll have an easy time identifying targets at long distance. The binoculars also provide a wide field of view for easy target identification which is essential for accurate shot placement.
The wide-angle Porro prism design makes them suitable for people with wide or narrow facial structures. Better yet, the eyecups twist up to accommodate different users, with or without eyeglasses. When it comes to the optical performance, the lenses are fully multi-coated to transmit more light to your eyes for bright and clear image views.
Another impressive thing about these binoculars is that they are nitrogen purged so they are fully waterproof and fog proof. Besides, they have a rubber armor which absorbs shock and provides a comfortable, non-slip grip. Lastly, the binoculars are easy to use and easily adjustable to fit everyone in the family even kids.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 10x magnification
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Great for family use
- Wide field of view: 339-feet/1000 yards
- 32mm objective lens
- Porro prism design
- Twist-up eyecups
- 13mm eye relief
- 15-feet close focus
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Right eye diopter
6) Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10×42
The Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars are high-end full-size binoculars suitable for elk hunting and hunting in general. The feature a compact and lightweight design which makes them ideal for any hunting expedition. You can carry them in the field for long hours as you hunt down your target and they won’t weigh your down. They also feature a durable, rubber armored chassis with flawlessly placed thumb indents for ergonomic, non-slip grip.
These binoculars provide unmatched optical performance. The HD optical system provides outstanding resolution and superior edge-to-edge image clarity. Additionally, the XR anti-reflective lens coating increases light transmission for bright and vivid image views even in dismal environments.
For all-weather reliability, the binoculars are fully waterproof and fog proof. The exterior lenses feature an ultra-hard, Armortek coating which protects them from dirt, oil and scratches. Other than that, the binoculars have a locking, right-eye diopter which tailors each barrel’s focus to suit your eyes.
Moreover, these well-balanced full-size binoculars are eyeglass-friendly. The eyecups twist up and down to provide a comfortable field of view even when you are wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses. A Glass Pak chest harness is also included so you can enjoy snug and strain-free all-day carry.
Features
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed
- Ultra-hard, Armortek coating
- Twist-up eyecups
- Glass Pak chest harness
- Locking, right-eye diopter
- Smooth, center focus wheel
- XR anti-reflective lens coatings
- High density optical system
- Shock-absorbing odorless rubber armor
- Rugged construction
- 5-feet close focus
- 17mm eye relief
- Compact and lightweight
See Also
How to Choose the Best Vortex Binoculars for Elk Hunting
Whether you are shopping for your first Vortex binoculars for elk hunting or an upgrade, these are some of the key factors you should consider.
Magnification
Magnification is the first thing you should take into consideration when choosing a pair of binoculars for elk hunting. Your ideal magnification will depend on your intended hunting range and environment. If you are hunting elk in vast areas which make it difficult for you to identify the target, you’ll need an optic with a high magnification. Normally, 8x to 15x binoculars will suffice. The binoculars should also provide a wide field of view even at the highest magnification setting. This will help in quick target acquisition even when the target is moving.
Durable Construction
Go with binoculars that are made to stand up to the harshest outdoor environments. Luckily, Vortex optics are made with durable and high-quality materials to stand the test of time. Additionally, these binoculars have a rubber covering which absorbs shock and impacts, while ensuring that they are comfortable and secure to hold even in wet weather conditions.
Image Quality
The other important part of any pair of binoculars is the optical system. So, when shopping for the best vortex binoculars for elk hunting, make sure that you get a model that offers superior optical performance.
Look for binoculars that have either fully multi-coated or multi-coated lenses. They should also have anti-reflective coatings to increase light transmission needed for bright, clear and sharp images even in low-light situations. The exterior lenses should also have a scratchproof protective coating which sheds dirt, dust and oil to provide clear views all through.
Prism Design
Binoculars are classified as either Porro prism or Roof prism. For elk hunting, you would want to go with roof prism binoculars. They are compact, lightweight and easy to carry. You can carry them for long hours as you hunt down your target and they will be comfortable to carry and hold.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the other important factor to consider when choosing Vortex binoculars for elk hunting. This is particularly important if you wear glasses. If you are new in the market, eye relief refers to the maximum distance between your eye and the binocular’s eyepiece. Go for binoculars that offer a generous eye relief as they provide comfortable field of view.
Weight
It is also important that you take a keen look at how heavy the binoculars weigh. Since elk hunting involves regular movement as you search for the target, you should get a unit that’s lightweight and easy to carry. Heavy binoculars might have the best features for elk-hunting, but they can he cumbersome to walk around with. Plus, heavy binoculars are difficult to hold steady which necessitates the need to use a tripod. In such a situation, you’ll need to carry both the binoculars and the tripod, which isn’t practical when hunting.
FAQs about the Best Vortex Binoculars for Elk Hunting
- What magnification binoculars do I need for elk hunting?
You need a pair of binoculars with 10x or more magnification for elk hunting. 10x magnification is suitable when hunting in both open spaces and thick woodlands. Most 10x binoculars provide a wide field of view for fast target acquisition and ample light needed when hunting in low light situations.
- Which is best for hunting, 10×42 or 8×42?
Both 10×42 and 8×42 binoculars do well when it comes to hunting. 8x is excellent when hunting elks in thick woodlands and close quarters. However, if you need higher magnification, you should go with the 10x which is suitable for long-range hunting especially in open spaces.
- Which is the best season to hunt elks?
It depends on your state or locality. Every state or locality has set up unique programs which allow hunters to hunt elk in a specific season in a bid to balance their population. During the general hunting season, elk hunting takes place from late October to late November. Archers and youths can engage in elk hunting between September to mid-October.
Advantages of Vortex Binoculars for Elk Hunting
- Unbeatable Durability. Vortex binoculars are crafted from high-quality materials such as magnesium alloy and high-strength aluminum to enhance long-lasting durability.
- All-weather reliability. All Vortex binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled/argon purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog proof performance.
- High quality optical system which delivers great images.
- Long eye relief which makes them eyeglass-friendly.
- Durable rubber armor which provides ergonomic, non-slip grip
Conclusion
Its our hope that this post has given you the insight into the best Vortex binoculars for elk hunting. Finding a perfect and reliable pair of binoculars is crucial for a successful hunting expedition. All the products listed above are quality, durable and highly efficient. Invest in any one of them and increase the odds of a successful elk hunting experience this hunting season.