Elk hunting can be exhilarating but it is not an easy task. It is one of the hunting activities that require a lot of patience and practice in addition to the right hunting equipment. Unlike other game that are in plentiful, elks are scarce and more so hard to find. In this post, we are going to take you through the best binoculars for elk hunting that are available on the market today.
One of the most valuable and helpful tools in elk hunting is binoculars. The right binoculars will help you find elks easily even at extended ranges and turn your hunting trip into a success. Binoculars are also versatile so you can use one for hunting a wide range of game, not just elks.
We have scoured the market and come up with a list of the top-performing binoculars ideal for elk hunting. In addition, we have also outlined the qualities that a good pair of elk hunting binoculars should possess. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What Makes a Great Pair of Binoculars for Elk Hunting?
If you are purchasing your first set of binoculars for elk hunting, you are probably wondering what a great unit is made of. Firstly, the binoculars should have a high magnification. Elks live in vast areas and having a high-powered binocular will help you find them easily even at extended distances.
Secondly, the binoculars should have a large objective lens. The far the target is, the more light the binoculars should collect to generate brighter views. Besides, a large objective provides a wider field of view which comes in handy when you need to keep track of the elk as they move.
Furthermore, the binoculars should have superb optical system so they generate high-quality sight pictures in any lighting conditions. Above all, a great pair of binoculars for elk hunting should lightweight, durably built and weather resistant too.
7 Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting
With all that said, here are the top 7 binoculars that make a handy companion for every ardent elk hunter out there.
1) Steiner Predator Series Hunting Binoculars
The Steiner 10×42 Laser Rangefinding binoculars is one of the best binoculars for elk hunting out there. It has 10x magnification that reveals richer detail of targets even at extended distances. The high magnification also makes the binoculars ideal for hunting in vast environments even in large open plains.
The binoculars deliver HD optical clarity from sunrise to sunset. Every optic has Steiner’s unique Predator Diamond Coating which offers unmatched light transmission for bright and crisp sight pictures with superior color contrast. The 42mm aperture provides a wide viewing angle for quick target finding and with the laser range finding technology, you will be able to measure the distance to your target swiftly and be able to plan the shot.
This set of hunting binoculars offers a compact and lightweight design that enhances portability. Though compact in size, it is built like a tank. It is ruggedly built to take in the beating that comes with hunting. Additionally, it comes with a laser textured exterior which provides a secure grip in any hunting environment.
Above all, the binocular is fully waterproof so you can look for targets and hunt with greater confidence under even when it is raining.
Features
- HD glass
- Fully waterproof chassis
- Predator Diamond Coating
- Laser range finding technology
- 10x magnification
- Fast close focus technology
- Laser textured surface
Pros
- Quality glass
- Excellent eye relief
- Lightweight and compact design
- Quick to focus
- Easy to use
Cons
- Big budget
2) Nikon Monarch 5 10×42 Binocular
Carrying the well-respected Nikon name, the Monarch 5 10×42 Binocular is a perfect optic for every hunting enthusiast out there. It is built with a high-end optical system which offers unbeatable performance in virtually any hunting environment.
Nikon build this set of binoculars ready for use in extreme conditions. In addition to having a ruggedized construction, it has a protective rubber-armored coating that strengthens its durability and ensures that you get a secure, non-slip grip. It is also sealed with O-rings and nitrogen filled to be fully waterproof and fog proof.
Further, the binoculars offer a long eye relief to ensure optimum user comfort with or without eyeglasses. For ease of use and fast image focusing, this unit comes with a central focus knob that is easily accessible. Better yet, it weighs just 1.35 pounds so it will be easier to carry as you maneuver in the field looking for game.
To top it all, the Monarch 5 10×42 Binocular uses ED glass lenses and dielectric high-reflective multi-layer prism coatings which deliver admirable color reproduction and clear and bright sight pictures under virtually any hunting environment.
Features
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups
- Rugged rubber armored coating
- Central focus knob
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Premium ED glass
- Fully multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Flip down lens caps
Pros
- Robust and sturdy construction
- Lightweight design
- Plenty of eye relief
- Bright and sharp views
Cons
- Loose eye cups
3) Vortex Viper HD 10x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars
The Viper HD 10x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars will help turn your elk hunting trip into an extravaganza. Featuring 10x magnification, this optic will help you find targets at any distance with excellent clarity. They are easy to use and light in weight so you don’t experience any hand or eye fatigue.
The optical clarity of these binoculars is exceptional. Featuring HD extra-low dispersion glass, it offers outstanding resolution and color fidelity. It is also equipped with anti-reflective lens coatings which optimize light transfer for bright and clear image production from sunrise till when the sun sets.
Another impressive thing is that the binoculars are built ready for hunting. They have a non-slip rubber armor which protects the optics from impacts and weather elements. They are also fully waterproof and fog proof so you go hunting even in extreme weather conditions. To top it all, you can mount the binoculars on a tripod during lengthy hunting sessions and take the weight off your hands.
Features
- Armortek coating
- Center focus wheel
- Waterproof and fog proof
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- HD extra-low dispersion glass
- Roof prisms
- Durable rubber armoring
Pros
- Tripod adaptable
- Crisp clear images
- Lifetime warranty
- Compact and ultralight
- Excellent low light performance
Cons
- Field of view could be better
4) Leupold BX-1 McKenzie Binocular
Next up is the Leupold BX-1 McKenzie Binocular. If you are looking for the best binoculars for elk hunting in low light, this is it. It is designed with a Twilight Light Management System which lets you see more in twilight conditions.
This set of binoculars is built to handle the harshest hunting conditions. The rugged construction stands up to any mishandling, while the rubber armoring cushions it from impacts while offering you a positive grasp in all conditions. Even better, it is 100% waterproof and fog proof so it will be reliable in harsh weather conditions.
More importantly, this pair of elk hunting binoculars has a lightweight design for mobility convenience. It has an open-bridge roof prism design which makes it super light and ergonomic. On top of that, it offers a generous eye relief for added viewing comfort and a smooth focus system for fine adjustments.
The 12×50 McKenzie Binocular also brings to the table fully multi-coated lenses and BaK-4 prism which deliver excellent image brightness and clarity even when you are hunting in low light settings such as dawn and dusk.
Features
- 12x magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Twilight Light Management System
- Open bride roof prism design
- BaK-4 prism
- Twist-up eyecups
Pros
- Smooth focusing system
- Excellent low light performance
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Premium edge to edge clarity
Cons
- There are some issues with quality control
- High pricing
5) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binoculars
As one of the best binoculars for elk hunting, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binoculars provide admirable performance in almost any hunting environment. They are reasonably priced yet rich in quality features.
The best part about using these binoculars is that they are built with ease of use in mind. With a weight of just 22.5oz, they are portable and comfortable to carry during lengthy hunting sessions. They also boast an ultra-wide field of view to enable you find game with ease and a long eye relief that optimizes eye comfort while also making target acquisition a walk in the park.
Furthermore, the binoculars utilize ED prime glass which delivers high-quality and color accurate sight pictures for accurate target identification. They are also designed to work under any weather. They feature a fully waterproof and fog proof housing and a Rain Guard water repellent coating that provides clear views of the targets even when it is raining.
Features
- 10x magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 42mm aperture
- Rain guard HD water repellent coating
- ED prime glass
- Robust magnesium chassis
- Soft touch grips
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Excellent field of view
- Lightweight design
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Flimsy strap
- Weaker image resolution at the edge of field of view
6) Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 Binoculars
When it comes to quality and user-comfort, it is hard to go wrong with the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 Binoculars. These German made binoculars have a large, smooth and comfortable-to-grip focus wheel that makes focusing quick and easy. They also have a lightweight and compact design that will fit perfectly on the palm on your hand for comfortable and secure handling.
The binoculars have 10x magnification and a 42mm aperture. This configuration makes them perfect for virtually all hunting applications not just elk hunting. They also offer a wide field of view to help you find targets swiftly and with the large aperture design you will be able to take shots with greater accuracy even in low light settings.
Above all, the binoculars are fully waterproof for operability under extreme conditions and you can use them in a wide temperature range from 24 to 140℉.
Features
- 10x magnification
- Water resistant construction
- 2mm exit pupil
- High-quality optical system
- Fully multi-coated lenses and prisms
Pros
- German quality
- Lightweight, compact and robust
- Large field of view
- Quick and comfortable focusing
- Ideal for multiple applications
Cons
- Chromatic aberration at the edge of field of view
7) Vortex Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binocular
Last but no least, we have the Vortex Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars. This is a high performing optic which provides stunning views of targets under any hunting environment.
This set of binoculars offers a massive field of view so you can cover ground with ease and acquire game effortlessly. It has multi-position eyecups that twist up to offer a customizable eye relief and with the right eye diopter included, any focal differences in your eyes will be accommodated.
All Vortex optics are built to be operable in any weather condition and the Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars are not an exception. They are fully waterproof and purged with nitrogen gas to counter internal fogging when there are changes in temperatures and humidity. Also included is a rubber armor which provides a secure grip even when you are hunting in extreme weather conditions.
Other essential features the binocular possesses are fully multi-coated lenses that provide brilliantly clear image views and a smooth focus wheel for fine image focusing.
Features
- Multi-position eyecups
- 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Right eye diopter
- Dielectric, fully multi-coated lenses
- Rubber armored body
- Smooth focusing
Pros
- Customizable eye relief
- Lightweight construction
- Tripod adaptable
- Lifetime warranty
- Great value for money
Read Also
- Best Image Stabilized Binoculars
- Best Rangefinder Binoculars Worth the Money
- Best Hunting Binoculars under $500
Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting Buying Guide
Whether you are purchasing you first binoculars for elk hunting or you are looking for a new pair, you should put into account these factors before you making a purchase.
Magnification
Magnification is usually the first thing to consider when picking a pair of binoculars for hunting. Elks live in vast areas when you need a high magnification to spot them even from a distance. Generally, a model with about 10x and not more than 12x will do.
Anything with more than 12x magnification will be cumbersome to carry around and even difficult to hold steady. Also, higher magnification means a smaller field of view which can make it tricky for you to find targets with ease.
Objective Lens
Go for a pair of binoculars that offers a large objective lens between 40mm and 50mm. It will let you track the game with ease as it provides a large field of view. Large lenses also optimize light collection for generation of bright and clear image views.
Body Quality
The best binoculars for elk hunting are built with high-grade materials to offer long term durability. Get a pair that is constructed with aluminum or any other quality material. Also go for a model that comes with a rubber armor. It will be easy to hold even when it is raining. Plus, the rubber armoring will cushion the optic from impacts and weather elements for greater durability.
Weatherproof
Binoculars for elk hunting must be built to perform under any weather. Normally, water, dust and dirt are the greatest optics enemy. So, make sure that you get a model that is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof as well.
Weight
Portability is an important feature that binoculars for elk hunting must possess. You will be moving from one place to the other looking for game. Therefore, it is best that you invest in binoculars that are lightweight for mobility convenience.
If the binoculars you get are heavy, you should consider getting a tripod. Mounting them on the tripod will take the weight off your hands.
Eye Relief
Invest in a pair of binoculars that offers an ample amount of eye relief. This will ensure that you get to observe your targets comfortably with or without eyeglasses.
If you suffer from poor eyesight, try and look for binoculars that come with adjustable eye cups. They will offer a customized eye relief and also give you a better view of your targets.
Price
Binoculars for elk hunting come at different prices depending on the manufacturer. The good thing about that is you are able to find the correct pair for your budget needs. Put your finances in order, then go for a model that fits both your budget needs and hunting needs.
Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting FAQs
- What binocular magnification is best for elk hunting?
10x. A binocular with 10x magnification will be enough to help you find elks at extended ranges and still give you a wide field of view for quick target finding.
- Are 10×42 binoculars good for hunting?
Yes. 10×42 binoculars offer the perfect balance between portability and optical performance. You can easily find targets in any hunting environment. Beside, this size of binoculars provide a large field of view that helps you track moving game with ease.
- What do the numbers on binoculars represent?
The numbers in binoculars’ configuration represent the magnification power and the diameter of the objective lens which is also known as aperture. In a 10×42 model for instance, 10x is the magnification power while 42 is the size of the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters.
Final Thoughts
Selecting your next pair of elk hunting binoculars doesn’t have to a strenuous and unpleasant task. With the right information at hand, it will be easier to find the best pair for your needs. We hope that you have found this post helpful and you are now able to make the right decision. All the binoculars we have listed above are quality, functional and just what you require for your next elk hunting trip. Invest in any one of them and use it to enhance your odds of having a rewarding hunting excursion this season.