Are you finding the best elk hunting binoculars? Congratulation, you land in the right place.
Elks come from deer families, but they are bigger than deer and scary too. Therefore, Elk hunting may be a dream of many hunters and provides a lifetime best experience.
For a successful elk hunt, it is essential to organize yourself. Whether you are using a rifle or archery, you need specialized gear because you deal with them in an open field and long-distance when hunt. Otherwise, they’re going to charge on you if you remain so close.
So, You need to track their movement from an extended distance and make sure that the backstop is safe to catch the bullets. That’s why every professional hunter recommends binoculars as must-have gear for elk hunting.
For selecting the best pair of binos, you need to consider many factors like optics and magnification. But don’t worry, We did in-depth research for you and come out with the 8 best binoculars for elk hunting that provide you the best experience in the field. If you are still confused and want to do your own research perfectly, I provide an extended buyer’s guide for you, which helps you choose the best one according to your needs.
8 best elk hunting binoculars
Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10×42 Binocular – Overall Best elk hunting Binoculars
Nikon is most famous for its high-quality optics and lens. As usual, Nikon Monarch 5 provides you a clear and detailed image for long-range uses. That makes it perfect for general uses, but for elks hunt, it is outstanding. We pick this binocular overall best buy considering its price range, performance, and wide field of view. These binos can defeat other binoculars costing up to twice or more.
Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 impressively well made and sturdy with the polycarbonate and fiberglass chassis. The rubber-armored is grippy and provides extra security from damage. The 21.7oz weight made this lightweight, which means it’s handy and easy to carry on your next elk hunt adventure.
Its feature with Nikon ED (extra-low dispersion) glass lenses reduces chromatic aberrations, which means less color fringing. It also comes with eco-friendly, multi-coated glasses and a roof prism system. So, It helps gather enough light for eyepieces without glare and reflection.
Thanks to its Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed feature, which makes this bino waterproof and fog proof that means it can outstand any weather condition, which makes it more worthy for elks hunt.
If you are a glass wearer, it will be good news for you because it comes with an 18.4 mm eye-relief. So, you don’t need to remove your glass to adjust with eyecups for getting a perfect view.
Features
- 10×42 wide range of view
- FOV of 228 ft at 1000ft
- Nikon’s Premium ED glass
- Fully Multi-coated optics and Bak-4 prisms technology
- Eco-friendly glass, Lead, and Arsenic free
- Precision aligned optics
- Rubber-armored coating
VIEW ON AMAZON: Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular – Overall Runner-up
This Bushnell Legend Ultra is our other best pick for your next elk hunt adventures. Because The 10x magnification and the 42mm objective lens produce a larger field of view, making it more worthy for hunting. These binoculars are good-looking, and along with this Bushnell use, they’re ever made best performing optics on it.
Its Field of View is wider than our overall best pick Nikon 7577 MONARCH. Its wider view is 330ft at 1,000 yards, which means it surely provides you a wider field view and the best experience for finding elks.
The Ed prime glass helps to reduce color fringing and ensures the most detailed image. Along with the Bak-4 Roof Prism System and multi-coated lenses, these binos delivers bright and high-quality images even in low light conditions.
The magnesium chassis makes these binoculars durable and lightweight for its 25.7 ounces. The rubber armor coating feature makes the binoculars easy to handle and protect from damage and offer strong grips in any weather conditions.
Furthermore, It is equipped with a Rain guard Hd Water-Repellent coating, and the dry nitrogen makes this waterproof and fog proof. So, You can use these instruments in any weather condition without wipe the lenses frequently. Also, It comes with a 15.2 mm eye relief, which helps to use this comfortably with or without glasses.
Features
- 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens
- Extra-low dispersion (ED) prime glass
- Nitrogen Purging and O-ring sealing
- Water-repellent HD Raingurd Lens Coating
- Durable and Lightweight magnesium chassis
- Comes with carrying bag, carry case, and neck strap
VIEW ON AMAZON: Bushnell Legend Ultra
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
Vortex Diamondback HD binoculars are most popular for their versatile and durable design in the price range. And the lightweight construction and better FOV ensure that these pair are idle for carrying on elk hunting. It comes with 345 feet field of view with five feet close focus range. So, With 10x power, you don’t find any problem to plan or track the next valuable move.
These full-size 10×42 compact binoculars feature fully multicoated optics and Bak-4 prisms, which enhance visibility and provide better contrast and resolution. So, you can easily track elks even in low light conditions.
These binoculars are constructed with polycarbonate material, which makes these shockproof and shatter-resistant. Also, Your binos get extra protection and grip for rubber armor body.
These Vortex Diamondback HD binoculars feature a waterproof and fog proof coating. Those allow using these binos in any weather condition, even in heavy rainfall or foggy area.
It features 16 mm eye relief, which is perfect for use comfortably whether you wear glass or not. And the adjustable eyecups ensure clear marking that helps you set those Vortex Optics at the right distance.
The good thing is that it comes with a VIP unconditional lifetime warranty, making it more worthy for a hunter.
Features
- 10X magnification and 42 mm objective lens
- FOV 330 ft. at 1000 yds.
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Phase-coated BaK-4 Roof Prism and fully multicoated optics
- Twist-up eyecups
- Polycarbonate material with rubber armor
- 15 mm eye relief and 5 mm close focus
VIEW ON AMAZON: Vortex Optics Diamondback HD
Bushnell H2O Roof Prism Binocular – Best Value
If you are looking for the best elk hunting binoculars within an affordable range (around $100), then this Bushnell H2O is perfect for your next adventure. Its specially designed waterproof, fog-proof, and dust-proof abilities make it more worthy and undoubtedly make it one of the best selling binoculars in this budget segments.
This stunning binocular comes with multicoated optics and BaK-4 prisms, ensuring excellent crisp views with better light transmission ability with the 42mm objective lens. So, You can use these low light conditions like dusk or dawn. The rubber coating armored makes this instrument quite sturdy and provides a better grip around wet environments. It also ensures the protection of the binocular from damaged and dropped accidentally but not to heights.
It comes with 10x magnification, and the 42 mm objective lenses provide a better field of view 305 feet at 1000 yards, which is best compared to other instruments in this budget range even higher.
Its 25-ounce weight makes this binocular handier, and you can easily carry this on your elk hunting adventure.
It comes with a 17mm eye relief, which means if you are a glass wearer, you can use it without restriction. With the large center-focus knob, you adjust the lenses and get a better focus of the objects.
Features
- 10X magnification and 42 mm objective lens size
- Fully multi-coated
- Bak-4 Roof prism type
- FOV 305 feet at 1000 yards
- 17 mm eye relief and 2 mm exit pupil
- Large central focus
- Sealed with an O-ring and Puget with nitrogen-purged
- Non-slip rubber armor
VIEW ON AMAZON: Bushnell H2O Roof Prism
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binocular
Like other Bushnell legend series, this instrument also provides the best value for outdoor usees. These Bushnell Legend Ultra HD binoculars are an acceptable option for elk hunting to considering the performance and durability. This binocular provides a wider field of view at 340ft@1000yd which a hunter preference.
These medium-sized binoculars feature with Bushnell best-performing optics that makes this binocular more worthy for a hunter. That Bushnell legend comes with extra-low depression glass and Ultra Wide Band Coatings which minimize colour fringing and provide most detailed image view and resolution. So, You can use this instrument any light condition as dusk and dawn. Also, rain guard technology keeps this device waterproof and fog proof.
The weight of this instrument is 22.5 ouch. This device constructs with magnesium Chassis which makes this lighter as well as durable than aluminium made binoculars. These compact, lightweight binocular also ensure better grip on your hand for the help of non-slippery rubberized armour. So, If you accidentally drop these binoculars, the rubberized armoured protects the binoculars from damage. Also, You can use this binocular even in the harsh weather.
Thanks to its Bak-4 roof prism coating which helps to the instant fast focus of the object even when they moving. It also comes with 15.2 mm eye relief which ensures an ultra-wide field of view comfortably whether you use glass or not.
Features
- 10X magnification and 42 mm objective lens size
- Magnesium chassis Body
- ED Prime Glass
- Ultra-Wide Band Coatings and PC-3 phase coating
- RainGuard HD water-repellent lens coating
- Comes with soft case and neckstrap
VIEW ON AMAZON: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD
Celestron – Outland X 8×42 Binoculars – Runner-up for best budget range
The Celestron Outland X 8×42 comes with an outstanding feature that luxury. It’s specially designed to fulfill the needs of outdoor enthusiasts without having to pay a steep price. But Its rugged construction and optics, and enhanced features make this instrument a perfect choice for a hunter at an affordable price.
This instrument feature a multi-coated lens, and the Bak-4 prism provides a rich contrast and a clear image view. However, many users said that the multi-coated lenses come with low quality. Considering the price range, I think this drawback is acceptable.
The 8X magnification and 42 mm objective lenses ensure a better field of view and help track the moving objects quickly and keep them in sight. The large exit pupil provides viewing easier, even in bright daylight.
Outland X compact binoculars are designed to withstand a wide range of environments. This device was filled and sealed with dry nitrogen gas, which cut out internal fogging and made this waterproof.
This rugged, compact binoculars rubberized exterior provides better grip in wet condition and offer extra security from damage. Its large focus knobs and twist-up eyecups help to easy focus and allow quick adjustment. Aside from this, the eyecups ensure 18mm eye-relief that can be adjusted quickly to suit whether you’re using eyeglasses or not and provide better comfort.
These outland X series also come with a lifetime warranty, making this more worthy in this price range.
Features
- 8X magnification and 42 mm objective lenses
- Multi-coated optics and Bak4 Prism Glass
- Twist-up eyecups
- Moisture Resistant Carrying Case
- Limited Lifetime warranty
- Protective rubber coating
VIEW ON AMAZON: Celestron – Outland X
Bushnell Legend L-Series 10x42mm Binoculars
The Bushnell Legend L-series is the sub-line from the Bushnell Legend series. First of all, it’s Realtree colors variants specially designed for hunting. Also, The lightweight magnesium chassis construction with smooth grips makes it more worthy for a hunter.
The best part of this device is made with eco-friendly glasses (lead-free). When it comes to optics quality, you can’t make any complaints because its ED glass and ultra-wideband coatings with a wide range of views take things a step further. These feature reduces chromatic aberration and provides high-quality object view.
Also, The legend L-series feature with RainGuard HD coatings with rubber armor ensures better protection in any weather condition and protects against damage.
Though, Majority of the user like this Bushnell L-series, it also comes with few drawbacks. The eyecups used in these instruments are nearly lousy quality. But, This is almost a common weakness of all mid-range Bushnell.
Features
- 10X magnification and 42 mm objective lenses size
- Magnesium housing
- 340ft @ 1000yard FOV
- ED prime glass
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics and PC-3 Phase Coating
- Ultra Wide Band Coating
VIEW ON AMAZON: Bushnell Legend L-Series
Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle Binoculars – Cheaper Price
Having trouble with a budget? or don’t you want to spend more than $50 on hunting binoculars? Then These Bushnell flacon wide-angle binoculars are the perfect choice for you in the cheaper budget.
Though most binoculars optics are lower in this budget range, you don’t complain about this instrument’s image quality. These binoculars come with multi-coated optics, which provide a sharp and bright view of the object.
These Bushnell cheap binoculars come with better design, solid build, and color. And compact and elegant design makes it appealing and lightweight. This device’s housing is made with rubber coating, making these binoculars handy and easy to grip. Also, Make these instruments shockproof and waterproof.
The 10X magnification with wide-angle 50 mm objective lenses provides you a wide field of view. With a 300 ft. Field of view, you can easily track quickly moving elk or deer and keep them in your sight. Due to its InstaFocus system, you can also be able to focus much faster. These also ensure better performance in low light conditions.
However, If you are a glass wearer, this binocular may not be for you because It has only 9 mm eye relief.
Features
- 10X magnification and 50 mm objective lenses
- Shockproof and waterproof sealing
- Field of View 300 feet
- Rubber armor body
- Rapid instafocus system
- Porro prism and fully coated optics
VIEW ON AMAZON: Bushnell Falcon Wide Angle
How to Choose the Best elk hunting Binoculars
You know that a good pair of binoculars provide a golden opportunity to succeed in elk hunt. And that’s why it’s important to understand many technical aspects when trying to find a pair.
Though I recommend you a couple of top-level binoculars for elk hunting earlier, you would like to do your own research before selecting the most effective one.
Here is a complete breakdown of what factor you should consider before choosing a pair of binos.
Magnification
Precision and accuracy is a crucial factor once we talk about hunting elk. You will deal with elk from long-range. Magnification provides a larger view of the object than real life and helps you identify the elk’s exact location. For instance, If you go with 10X magnification, you’ll see the objects 10 times larger than usual.
Now you’ll think that I will go with wider magnification to get the most effective performance. But at that point, you’re wrong because the notion wasn’t applied at the time of elk hunting. After all, if you accompany wider magnification, you’ll face shakiness when locating elk.
So, The question arises about what proportion of magnification does one actually need for elk hunting?
A simple answer between 8x and 10x is best. The less you decide on from 8x, you discover a less clear view, or for more magnification than 10x, you face a shaking problem. But If you prefer to use a tripod, then the advice is to use up to 15x.
Objective Lens
The objective lens helps you determine how your binocular performs in low-light and track an object at landscape view. That means if you select a better objective lens, you can easily detect elk in dark and even wooden area.
Lens are made with glass, so if you go with a larger lens, you face weight problems.
The most significant objective lens size recommend by hunters is 42 mm. It gathers more light to see precise details of objects in the low light condition. Also, Makes a right balance between the weight and wide field of view.
Field Of View
Field of view (FOV) is another essential factor when It comes to choosing best hunting binoculars. The wide view makes it easier to spot and track the movement of objects without moving your binoculars. Because the Wider field of view provides a better landscape view without shifting your hunting binoculars’ position.
What is the ideal field of view for hunting elk? You will be amazed that there is not such a rule for an ideal field of view. But, the greater the FOV, the easier to detect targets and better if you usually hunt an open area.
Image Quality
Image quality is an essential factor for hunts, but the price of such binoculars are costly. If you want to be a professional hunter or want to use these instruments on a long time basis, it is better to choose a binocular that provides higher image quality.
However, If you are an occasional hunter, go with a cheaper model, which also provides excellent image quality.
Always try to go with binoculars which features ED glass And
multicoated lenses, because those feature helps to deliver sharp and clear images even in low light conditions.
Size and Weight
As a hunter, you don’t like to keep binoculars that overweigh because it causes various problems like when you use it face shaking problem and carry is difficult. Therefore, It is better to go with lightweight binos.
But don’t worry, most of the binoculars are in the market made of aluminum, which is come with a balanced weight. You can also choose a bino, which is made of magnesium chassis because they are lightweight and durable.
Though, Size is matters but not mandatory because you always hang the binoculars on your neck or chest rig, not in the pocket. So, You don’t need binoculars that fit in your pocket.
Focus Type
Generally, Binoculars feature two types of focus, and they are center focus and individual focus. For medium or longer rang hunting, individuals focus types offer excellent results and flexibility. On the other hand, Center focus provides value for closer range hunts.
So, It is better to choose an individual focus type rather than a central focus type. Because in most cases, you deal with them from long or medium rage. Another reason makes this type of focus best because these are waterproof and durable because of no external parts.
Prism type
Like focus type, the Prism type is classified by two types: roof prism and Porro prism. Both are better for hunting. However, the Porro prism comes with higher budget binoculars. So, It all depends on your budget.
My recommendation is to go with roof prism, which provides slimmer designs and lightweight than the Porro prism type.
Weatherproof
Through your hunt, you need to face harsh rain, cold, and blazing sun. So, You need to choose a binocular which can stand like a superhero all of these. Not only weatherproof, but you also need to check that your binoculars come with waterproof features individually.
Budget
Budger is another crucial factor that needs to be considered because there are correlations with quality and price in the market. In the market, you will find different prices binoculars as 50 bucks to 1000 bucks. It is essential to figure out your budget and how much you want to invest in purchasing quality binoculars for hunting.
If your budget is high, you can go with Zeiss or Swarovski, which provide enough value. But if you like to save money, then go with $100 to 300$ binoculars, which serve well and walk with you last long.
What to know before your first elk hunts
Check out this video to know beginner tips for elk hunting.
Must-Have Gear For Elk Hunting
There is nothing worse than realizing that you forget to bring some must-have gear middle of hunts. So, Before you leave, consider double-checking those necessary gear.
- Hunting Weapon
- Hunting Boots
- Sharp Knife
- Tent
- Binoculars
- Elk Caller
- Emergency First aid kit
- Scent Killer
- Camouflage gear
- Gps Watch
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Why need binoculars for elk hunt?
There are various reasons why you need a pair of binoculars for hunting elk. Though Elk is larger than deer, it is hard to spot them in our naked eye because they like to stay wooden. That time binoculars help to find them. Another reason is that if you reach so close to elks, they can charge on you with their gigantic horns, which can cause serious injuries. Therefore to maintain a moderate distance from them, the right binoculars can help.
Who manufactures the best binoculars for hunting?
There are several companies available in the market who are trustworthy. So, If we individually promote one, then it will be wrong.
Which is the perfect objective lens size when it comes to hunting?
Generally, 40mm to 50 mm objective lens sizes are suitable for any hunting. But most the hunter prefer 42mm lens for performance and comes with a budget range.
Conclusion
Finally, I hope you got your preferred best elk hunting binocular from the top listed instruments mentioned above. However, If you want to do your own research, follow our in-depth buying guide, which helps you choose the best pair for your next elk hunt.
Our overall best pick for elk hunting is Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10×42 Binocular but if you consider budget, then go with Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binocular.