Today, you will find the best binoculars for elk hunting. Elk hunting presents a different kind of thrill. Elks are bigger and found in vast lands you may go a distance without securing one. These animals can easily detect your presence making it more difficult for you to capture them.
Therefore, such a hunt will demand a certain level of skill set, patience and of course, the right type of gear. Part of the equipment you must never leave behind when going for any hunt is binoculars.
The right pair on your hands means a closer look at elks which translates to better accuracy when shooting. At a time when hunting equipment has flooded the market, it may be difficult to get the best binoculars for elk hunting. If you have been on the quest to find one, then you have come to the right place.
Tips for Choosing Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting
- Get binoculars with a large objective lens. It makes it easy to keep track of moving elks since the field of view is wide. The only disadvantage of large lens size is the additional weight it attracts. However, some manufacturers strike quite a good balance between the two for a comfortable hunting experience.
- Lightweight binoculars are the way to go. Roof prism binocs are a great starting point. If not, get a tripod to help with support., although we strongly discourage this, seeing how much more baggage you are heaping on yourself by adding a tripod weight to the hunting pack.
- Expensive does not always assure quality and neither is buying very cheap binoculars a saving in the long run. A cheap one may end up being not so helpful after several rounds of use. It is possible to get well-priced binoculars without going over budget.
- Binos with 15mm or more in eye relief are best if you wear spectacles.
- Keep yourself posted on weather conditions for better preparation. Study maps or terrains to get familiarized with elk territory beforehand.
8 Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting
Get ready to explore the best binoculars for elk hunting. We examined some binoculars perfect for elk hunting and reviewed them to help you find the best bino for the upcoming adventure.
Besides, the review we have included a comprehensive buyer’s guide that offers suggestions and tips about the best binoculars for elk hunting. Let’s dive in.
#1) Nikon 7576 Monarch 5 8×42 Binocular
Nikon 7576 Monarch 5 8×42 Binocular blends several features to deliver unparalleled optical performance making it a top contender among the best binoculars for elk hunting. Nikon has won the hearts of many hunters because of the quality employed in all their products.
This binocular provides 10x magnification nestled in 42mm objective lens size. It encompasses the use of eco-glass lenses and prisms with multi-layer coatings for natural color reproduction, contrast, and image brightness.
The dielectric coating on the prisms ensures maximum light is reflected on your eye to enable you to see objects even in low light. Optics also involve a sizeable central focus wheel and diopter easily adjustable to attain focus. Eye relief of 18.4mm is catered for by the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups.
Moving on to the exterior, the body is engulfed in a rubber armor that is weatherproof making it ideal for harsh elk hunting environments. The binoculars are shock, water, and fogproof as well. In a nutshell, Monarch 5 is built to handle any environment.
Submersion to one meter of water for about ten minutes does not damage the binoculars. Nikon Monarch 5 is the true embodiment of excellent performance delivered as is desired and with so much elan. You should get your hands on this one!
Pros
- HD lenses with multiple coatings for bright and sharp pictures
- Suitable for bespectacled hunters
- Easily adjustable knobs even with gloved hands
- Roof prism design for compactness and ease of carrying around
- Turn-and-slide eyecups design gives way to long eye relief
- Non-slip rubber armor that is also shockproof
- Water/fog proof
- Tripod compatible to support long scanning sessions
Cons
- No drawback
#2) Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism 10×42 Binoculars
Vortex Optics Diamondback Roof Prism 10×42 Binoculars are great hunting binoculars. Low light optical brilliance and crisp images are some of the highlights that make them front-runners as the best binoculars for elk hunting.
Vortex Diamondback is highly sort after by hunters that want the best result in hunting adventures. It is a dependable choice whose performance is perfected by phase-coated prisms and dielectric fully multicoated lenses. The diopter setting is placed on the right eyepiece. It is useful in adjusting the differences in the hunter’s eyes.
For further convenience, eyecups are marked. There is a central focus wheel that facilitates simultaneous focus adjustment for the binocular barrels. If you want relief on your hands in long scanning periods, the binocular is made with the provision for tripod mounting. Included in the package is a Glass Pak harness for the chest carrying the binos.
This pair of hunting binoculars grants you a 345feet at 1000yard wide field of view, helping you cover much ground when hunting for elks. The usage of rubber armor renders the pair skid-resistant and is an enhancement feature that makes it last longer.
In varying temperatures, the addition of argon gas keeps the lenses free of fogging. O-ring seals ensure minimal interference from dust, debris, and water.
Pros
- Fully multicoated lenses boost light transmission
- Phase-correction coatings on prisms build up resolution and contrast on images
- Sleek, compact, and easily portable
- Waterproof, fog proof
- Durable non-skid rubber armor housing
- Smooth transitioning focus knob
- Locking diopter hold adjustments in the desired setting
- Tripod adaptable
- Packed with accessories
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- No drawbacks
#3) Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism 10×42 Binocular
Here is another elk hunting binocular designed to every hunter’s liking. The binoculars hosts a wide array of features that deliver an outstanding performance.
It provides 10x magnification through 42mm objective lenses. This combination yields a 340ft at 1000 yards field of view. Mobile elks are easily visible in that range.
Phase coated Bak-4 roof prism style brightens images for clear-cut images. together with the HD lenses, the prisms let you enjoy clear viewing in low light too. Unrivaled resolution and color contrast best describe the magnificent optical system in this binocular. Instant focus is permitted by the locking diopter ring.
Bushnell has a wide selection of models, but this is one of their lightest productions. It weighs 22.5 ounces thus easy to carry around. Magnesium chassis protected in rubber armor coating houses all internal elements so you can be sure even if you drop it in pursuit of an elk, it will not suffer damage.
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism 10×42 Binocular is water and fog-proof for unwavering performance in different weather. Not only are they great for elk hunting but these binoculars can be used in birdwatching. Surely Legend Ultra-HD is one of the best binoculars for elk hunting.
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Aplenty eye relief
- Extra-low dispersion glass is used for the lens to minimize chromatic aberrations
- Rain guard coating on exterior lenses to repel oil and water
- Phase coated Bak-4 prisms
- Lightweight magnesium chassis protected in rubber armor coating
- Easy to reach center focus dial
- Camouflage finish for disguise in hunting fields
- Value for money
- Useful for different applications
- Tripod adaptable
Cons
- Eyecups loosen after a while
#4) Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 Binocular
If you are in search of binoculars that take on a minimalist design, Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 is the best alternative. Zeiss binoculars comprise Schmidt-pechan prisms made of premium Schott extra-low dispersion glass that boasts 88% light transmission. This compact binocular delivers an unmatched long-range performance making it one of the best binoculars for elk hunting.
The ED glass has hydrophobic multi-coating responsible for the precision and cut images in all light situations. Chasing after elks will at times require a fast response. You will find the large focus wheel appropriately positioned for quick finger reach. It rotates smoothly for a better image view.
Holding elements together is a fiberglass reinforcement that is designed to consume very little space which explains the binocular’s 24 ounces weight. Such weight is effortless to move around with. Zeiss Terra binocular’s eyecups revolve with ease retaining their position whether rotated upwards or downwards.
An ample scanning area of 330feet is given. The last important feature is that they are nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging and to remain unaffected by water ingress. Combing cutting-edge features and superb glass delivers a dedicated glassing device that will elevate your hunting experience.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Top-quality lenses coated for durability and enhanced image rendition
- Adjustable eyecups
- 88%light transmission
- Tripod adaptable
- Versatile in use
- Protective fiberglass-reinforcement
- Nitrogen filled- water resistant
Cons
- At 25.6 oz, some hunters find it heavy
#5) Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars
Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars optical system is worth beholding. To be precise, it is referred to as the Leupold Elite optical system, a real deal for dusk and dawn resolution and clarity. The system has glare reduction properties when exposed to too much light so that only the light needed for bright image form is transmitted.
Diamond coat 2 is applied to exterior lenses to assist with transmission while at the same time resisting abrasion. The entire lens system also possesses fully multicoated surfaces. The legendary Twilight Max HD Light Management system in Leupold optics offers a total of 30 extra minutes for dusk and dawn glassing sessions.
Precision focus dials, that is the central focus ring and diopter adjustment knob contribute to image distinctness. Oversized eyecups twist up killing strain by providing enough eye relief. Elk hunting binoculars that are wieldy and a bonus. Thankfully, this one has an open bridge roof prism design that is ergonomic and super light.
BX-4 Pro Guide HD Binoculars take glassing to a whole new level. The wide magnification covers more distance and the larger objective bell allows optimal light transmission for crystal-sharp images. Look no further for the best binoculars for elk hunting than the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars.
Pros
- Unrivaled low-light performance
- Optical systems for the highest image standards
- Multiple coatings to promote optimal light transmission
- Generous eye relief
- Built like a tank
- Tripod ready
Cons
- High price
#6) Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars
To eliminate color fringes on images, opt for Athlon Optics Midas Gen II UHD 12x50mm Roof Prism Binoculars. It puts to use UHD glass to cut out blur lines from images. A dose of several layers of coatings is given on the Bak-4 prisms to keep light transmitted to your eye at an all-time high.
Other than multiple coatings, the prisms have been phase corrected for a natural display of colors. The entire field of view can comfortably be seen whether you don eyeglasses or not. The way the eyecups are made lets you move them up or down to achieve comfort.
Since the binoculars are not restricted to elk hunting only, should you be interested in smaller objects, the close focus distance enables one to see finer details.
You would think since Athlon Optics uses magnesium for this binocular it would be weighty. No, not even close. The entire housing is built in such a way that you rarely feel its weight. Magnesium has the advantage of strength and durability.
Pros
- Chromatic aberration-free images
- Dielectric prism coating transmits max light to the eye
- XPL coating makes the exterior lens resistant to oil, water, debris, dust
- Wide objective lens
- Multiple stop points for the twist-up eyecups
- Sturdy magnesium chassis
- Argon purged
Cons
- Still heavier than others in its category
#7) Athlon Optics Neos G2 HD 10x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars
Of Athlon optics, Neos G2 HD is another one of their stellar creations. It comprises Bak4 prisms put together with HD glass for brighter, clear views regardless of prevailing weather conditions. Coatings are a vital inclusion in best elk hunting binoculars as they help balance out image brightness when the light supply dwindles.
Athlon Optics Neos G2 HD 10x42mm Roof Prism Binoculars have such coatings on different surfaces for favorable light transmission. Depending on how you like it, twist-up eyecups are here to avail you of snuggly scanning time.
Moreover, they play part in close focusing on targets. These binocs work perfectly fine in the face of heavy showers, submersion in water and even after they have accidentally hit the ground. The biggest benefit of this choice is how affordably priced it is. For someone working with a tight budget, this is the route to take.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ultra-lightweight
- Fantastic low-light performance
- Rubber armor for grip in wet conditions
- Sufficient field of view
Cons
- Limited eye relief
#8) Leica Geovid-R 10x42mm Rangefinder Binoculars
Are range calculations important for you? Do you prefer rangefinder binoculars over standard ones? Leica Geovid-R 10x42mm Rangefinder Binoculars must be what you are looking for.
It comes with an infrared rangefinder that does all the ballistics calculations so you can tell exactly how far the elk is from you.
It is fitted with an inclinometer for angle measurements. A four-character LED display helps the viewer read all data without having to take the eyes off the binos. The range is displayed in yards.
Aside from its range estimation capabilities, Leica Geovid-R has proprietary anti-reflective coatings to give contrast and color detail to the images. These binoculars are best for mid to long-range elk hunting.
All contents are contained in a lightweight aluminum alloy chassis that is watertight and nitrogen-filled for fog resistance. Surrounding the whole chassis is a protective armor strengthened in rubber armor for a firm clutch.
Pros
- Water resistant-Submersible up to 5 meters
- Fog proof- nitrogen filled
- Armored exterior for protection in harsh weather
- Built-in range finder
- Scan and spot mode to measure range on stationary and continuous moving objects respectively
- Tripod mountable
Cons
- Loose eyecups
Read: Best Rangefinder for Western Hunting
Factors to Consider Before Buying Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting
Here are some factors you need to consider before buying the best binoculars for elk hunting:
Lenses
We have two in this category, objective, and eyepiece lenses. The objective lens is on the target’s side and the eyepiece lens is the one near your eye. They are responsible for how much light passes to your eye and how well images can be seen in different light conditions.
Best binoculars for elk hunting should have lenses made with high-quality glass that is multi-coated for enhancement of light transmission. Use of good glass quality corrects aberrations reducing color fringing for clearer pictures.
Field of View
Magnification is one of the determinants of the field of view. The two are inversely proportional. High magnification reduces the field of view and the opposite is true. A wide field of view offers a higher chance of spotting an elk saving time.
You will come across different field of view measurements depending on the model you opt for. For example, a 12x binocular may have 271 feet field of view but an 8X one will give 393 feet at 1000 yards. Try to get a tradeoff between magnification and field of view to avoid shortchanging yourself when hunting.
The Prisms Factor
You can never avoid prisms when binoculars are involved. What prism is used? There are roof and Porro prism designs. Roof prisms are the modern version of Porro prisms. The major difference between the two is that roof offers a better deal in terms of size and weight.
Striking off a little weight from any hunting gear is something any hunter desires explaining why these designs are increasingly becoming popular. Porro prisms are associated with bulkiness and vulnerability to damage when binoculars are dropped.
All-Weather Use
The best binoculars for elk hunting should care less about changes in weather conditions. temperatures rise or fall depending on where and when you go out hunting. Get a pair that can survive extreme cold and hot temperatures without degrading image quality.
The binoculars you pick should handle all conditions well without letting water sip in or get foggy. Check for nitrogen or argon purging combined with O-ring seals that give the water and fog proof ability in binoculars.
Moisture leaks can cause mold growth on lenses or prisms which interferes with the optical performance. Some brands are additionally crafted to handle submersion in water without destroying internal elements.
Magnification
Magnification is an integral part of binoculars. It helps with precision and brings elks closer to the eye. There is an array of magnification options to choose from. Elk hunting that involves shooting from long ranges may not utilize the same magnification used in short ranges.
It is difficult to say which is best between high and low magnification power but holding steady in high magnification can be challenging. Also, as we earlier mentioned, with too much magnification comes a reduced field of view.
This is inconvenient especially when the target is on the move. For elk hunting, the best magnification to pick is 10x for a range of 1000 plus yards.
Read: Best Rifle Scopes for Elk Hunting
Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting FAQs
Q: Is 10×42 good for elk hunting?
Yes. 10×42 is the definition of well-balanced optics. 10x is a moderate magnification that accommodates good views from short to long ranges without distorting image color, contrast, or resolution.
42mm is a good lens size for letting in bountiful amounts of light even in low-light environment. Most 10×42 binoculars are also compact and lightweight therefore easier to handle.
Q: What Are Phase Corrected Prisms?
During light transmission in roof prisms, the beams hit on different surfaces which can cause a split of light beams that leads to badly contrasted images and poor resolution.
With phase correction, the light is forced back together in one phase for better image quality. This is enabled by the phase correction coatings usually done through a process known as chemical vapor deposition.
Conclusion
There you go, our eight best binoculars for elk hunting. We are optimistic that we have made the search easier by narrowing down the options for you.
Whether you want to splurge or have a few thousand dollars, there are many quality optics you can secure. Tons of patience is key in this type of hunt but with good equipment, you are in for a fun encounter. Remember with binoculars, keep it simple and minimal.