5 Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting

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In this article, we will discuss the best Vortex scopes for elk hunting. We will cover their features, advantages, and why they are the top picks for elk hunters. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned elk hunter, this guide will help you choose the best Vortex scope for your next elk-hunting adventure.

Elk hunting is a thrilling and challenging adventure that requires the right equipment to succeed. A high-quality rifle and scope are essential for any elk hunter. When it comes to scopes, Vortex Optics is a top brand that offers a range of scopes suitable for elk hunting. Vortex scopes are known for their exceptional optical clarity, rugged construction, and reliable performance in the field

Choosing the Best Magnification

  • Medium to long-range- a magnification range of 4-12 or 3-18 will be perfect, especially in open spaces.
  • Hunting thick woods- a  lower end of the magnification range( 1, 2, or 3 power)

Elk Hunting Tips

  • Be in Shape if you are going Elk Hunting, You will hike in the mountains and forests, Places where you will experience oxygen deprivation. You will run and walk for many miles. Being in shape will help you conquer all this. Remember you will also be carrying elk Hunting gear
  • Take care of your feet by wearing quality boots and socks. The boots should be lightweight especially due to the fact you will be walking a lot
  • Know more about the Area you will be hunting, the terrain, and things like phone coverage. Get a map of the area to be safe
  • Remember optics are very important. We will be reviewing the best vortex scopes for elk hunting but you can also see other brands here.
  • Proficiency with your Rifle or Bow, do some shooting practice before doing the actual hunting, you don’t want to miss and scare the elks, have a comfortable draw weight for crossbows, and for a rifle make sure you have the right scope and a powerful rifle.
  • Dress like a Hunter, have hunting gaiters, boots, mittens, jackets, and all gear for a successful hunt.
  • Stay hydrated and have some packed food, if you will be camping you will need all the necessities for camping. such as shelter, tents, portable fridges, heaters, and more.

Here is a quick summary of the Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting

1. Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
  • Magnification: 4 – 16 x
  • Attachment: Ring
  • Focus Range: 50 yds to infinity
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Side Focus
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Non-Illuminated

 

 

 

2. Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Rifle Scope

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
  • Magnification: 1.75 – 5 x
  • Focus Range: 100 yds to infinity
  • Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
  • Attachment: Ring
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)

 

 

3. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Magnification: 4 – 12 x
  • Reticle: VMR-1 MOA
  • Non-Illuminated
  • Attachment:Ring
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)

 

 

 

4. Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Rifle Scope

  • Objective Lens Diameter:44 mm
  • Magnification:6 – 18 x
  • Red Illumination
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Focus Range: 10 yds to infinity
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Attachment: Ring

 

 

 

5. Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
  • Magnification: 1 – 6 x
  • Attachment: Ring
  • Focus Range: 100 yds to infinity
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Red Illumination
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm

 

 

 

 

Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting

 

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope

 

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Available in different sizes

  • 4-16×44
  • 6-24×50

As one of the Best vortex scopes for elk hunting, The Viper HS-T  scope is used for Hunting & Shooting Tactical applications. The scope features premium, fully multi-coated, and extra-low dispersion lenses for resolution and improved color fidelity. The XR coatings are very effective in light-gathering while the Armortek coating protects the lenses.

The scope features a one-piece tube that is o-ring sealed and argon purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance.

Features

  • Used hunting, target shooting, or tactical application
  • O-ring sealed and argon purged
  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • Magnification versatility
  • Side focus parallax adjustment for  optimal image focus and parallax removal
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Finger-adjustable exposed target-style turrets
  • CRS Zero Stop for easy return to zero after dialing temporary elevation corrections
  • Premium, fully multi-coated, and extra-low dispersion lenses

 

Vortex Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

 

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Available in different sizes

  • Diamondback 1. 75-5×32
  • Diamondback 3-9×40
  • Diamondback 3.5-10×50
  • Diamondback 4-12×40

 

The Diamondback riflescope is ideal for big game, muzzleloader, brush hunting, and slug shotgun applications. It is also suitable for any hunting or shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.

Its lenses are fully multi-coated thus ensuring crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.

Features

  • Shockproof due to the hard-anodized finish
  • Metal on metal precision turrets
  • Precision glide erector for accurate tracking
  • Hard anodized finish thus durable
  • Fog proof and waterproof performance as it is O-ring sealed and argon purged
  • Fully multi-coated lenses for crystal clear and bright images from dusk to dawn
  • Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focussing

 

Vortex Optics Diamondback TSF Plane Riflescope

Vortex Optics Diamondback TSF Plane Riflescope

 

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Available in different sizes

  • 3-9×40
  • 4-12×40

Specifically designed for discriminating hunters and shooters, the Diamond Tactical series of riflescopes offer the highest levels of performance and reliability. Exposed tactical turrets built for dialing elevation and windage allow quick and precise bullet drop and wind drift compensation at extended ranges.

Moreover, the second focal plane (SFP) reticles are located near the scope’s eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses. The advantage of this SFP reticle is that it always maintains the same appearance.

Features        

  • 4-12x magnification
  • Convenient
  • Durable due to the hard-anodized finish
  • Extra-low dispersion glass to increase the resolution
  • Fully multi-coated ensuring maximum light transmission
  • Brilliant performance

 

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective SFP 1-inch Tube Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective Second Focal Plane 1-inch Tube Riflescopes

 

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Available in different sizes

  • 4-12×40
  • 4-12×50
  • 6-18×44

This incredible riflescope has an adjustable objective that provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter while anti-reflective. It has fully multi-coated lenses. You are able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target.

Features        

  • Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
  • Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
  • Shockproof hence reliable in all weather conditions
  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • Durable due to the hard-anodized finish

 

 Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 6X24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope

 

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Every component, feature, and performance characteristic of the Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x 24 riflescope is very well thought out and executed.

It is a top-tier optical solution for short to medium-range tactical applications.

Optically, it delivers a high level of clarity, color accuracy, light transmission, resolution, and edge-to-edge sharpness.

The ultra-forgiving eye box with generous eye relief generates a heads-up- display-like sight picture for fast target acquisition and optimal monitoring of the surrounding environment.

Features

  • Simple, intuitive, and fast
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • HD lens elements
  • Optically indexed lenses
  • Durable due to its Plasma Tech
  • Stunning image quality due to the APO optical system
  • Withstands heavy recoil and impact

 

Factors to consider when choosing the Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting

  1. Magnification

To choose a good scope for yourself, ensure you know which magnification level you need. The high levels of magnification of 7 to 9 are as powerful as you really need to go. They are more than capable of allowing you to place an accurate shot.

  1. Lens coating and protection

Lens coating and protection are the utmost important factors. They determine the quality of the image the scope will produce. They also determine the scope’s durability. Anti-reflective coatings and anti-scratch protection are features to look for. Coatings protect the lens from dirt and debris and also ensure clear images.

  1. Eye relief

You do want to get hit in the eyebrow with a scope when shooting. That is typically why it is important to look for a scope that has an adequate eye relief. Adequate eye relief is imperative if you are shooting a high caliber rifle because the recoil on such guns tends to be a lot harder. It is advisable to have a scope with an eye relief that measures a minimum of 3 inches.

  1. Scope construction

The scope construction is important for precision. In terms of precision, a one-piece tube is going to be more precise and also has greater durability. When shooting a significant caliber, a weak scope can be rattled to pieces.

  1. Environment

Hunting big game like elk means the hunter will have to use a significant caliber, one that will have some recoil. If my scope has an exceptionally short eye relief this distance will be shortened even more as you aim up a hill or mountain.

Other environmental considerations include the presence of water and the likelihood of rain. You will need to ensure your scope is protected from environmental factors like water.

Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting Advantages

  • Designed for use in different weather conditions

This is due to the fact that they are O-ring sealed ensuring that they are waterproof and fog proof

  • Have multi-coated lenses

These Vortex scopes are usually fully multi-coated for sharper images and better light transmission.

  • Built with comfort in mind

This is because you can easily make adjustments to the controls so the images come out the way you would like.

  • Durable

Vortex scopes are made from excellent materials that will ensure that your scope lasts a long time without any damage. These materials include aircraft-grade aluminum so you can be certain that they will function well for long.

  • Lifetime warranty

Most of these vortex scopes come with a lifetime warranty. This warranty provides repair or replacement services or any of their rifle scopes if they suffer damage.

  • Provide excellent contrasting colors.

Regardless of the light condition, vortex scopes provide excellent contrasting colors in their scopes’ sight pictures. High contrast in the sight picture is important because it helps you distinguish your target from their surrounding environment, which is a necessity when hunting.

FAQs

  1. What magnification is most suitable to hunt an elk?

The best magnification to hunt an elk depends on the distance the target is from you. Generally, the best magnification is the lowest one that provides you with a clear image of your target.

  1. What should I look for in an elk Vortex hunting scope?

This has a lot to do with your personal preference and how it works for you. However, the factors mentioned above should help in as you choose your scope.

  1. What size of the objective lens should my scope have?

The size of your objective lens determines the width of the field of view that your scope can see. A smaller objective lens is best for elk hunting.

Conclusion

The importance of having one of the best Vortex scopes for elk hunting cannot be stressed enough. If you purchase a poorly made scope it will lead to poor performance. You, therefore, need to invest in a good quality scope. Elk hunting will be made much easier if you choose a scope wisely.