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Any professional hunter will tell you that a binocular is a must-have accessory when it comes to elk hunting. Besides, what’s the need of going to the hunt if you can’t even find your prey? That is why you need the best binoculars for elk hunting if you want to succeed. According to the experts, you should keep a distance from your prey to avoid provoking them, and that is why you need a pair of elk hunting binoculars to stalk the animals from a distance.
Getting the best elk hunting binoculars is easy what to look for and where to look. The process is even more comfortable with a list of the best binoculars. Besides, you want to invest in a sturdy, clear, waterproof, and efficient set since a bad pair of binocular can your hunting trip before you even begin.
Here are some of the best in the market to consider!
Read Next: The Best Backpack for Elk Hunting Review
Vortex Diamondback Binoculars 10x42
The binocular is one of the favorites to many. From the premium cases that are padded to fully multi-coated lenses, these binoculars are the best that you can get today. No wonder most avid hunters use these!
Magnification and durability
The binocular comes with 10x magnification making this binocular the best for long distance as well as open surfaces. Even though the clarity of the image might reduce when viewing a very long distance, it is still the best.
They come with high-quality lenses at 42mm the lenses are durable and resistant to abrasion and do well in various conditions. Their HD optical system makes the images very clear. When it comes to durability, the binoculars are very durable since they come with quality products and on top of that, they are affordable.
If looking for a binocular whose image clarity doesn’t drop with distance, Vortex 10x50 is the best. According to vortex diamondback 10x50 reviews, the Image clarity never drops when viewing your prey for a far distance. It is always clear.
Drawback
- The image’s clarity drops when viewing larger distances.
Carson 3D High Definition Binoculars
Carson is a reliable brand when it comes to quality hunting binoculars, and this binocular is very good when it comes to elk hunting. Carson binoculars come with a very tough construction making them very durable. They have a rugged casing as well as an ergonomic grip where you hold the binocular in place.
Compatibility and performance
The binoculars’ lightweight construction is an added advantage when it comes to hunting. The binocular is shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof. It also features a smooth focus knob so that you can efficiently work the magnification o this fantastic binocular for a clear view.
When it comes to performance, this Carson binocular offers clear, bright, and an image full of color to the user. The binocular is easy to your eyes since it causes no strain to the eyes even when using it for long hours.
Drawback
- No product lacks a drawback since nothing is perfect, but we have no reported drawback yet.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Binoculars
These binoculars are the best for any hunter looking for some fantastic catches. The product’s build quality never disappoints since they come packaged in an excellent case to make sure they stay safe when not in use.
Magnification and performance
Vortex Diamondback 8x42 comes with an 8x magnification power, and that is precisely what you need to cover an ideal distance to hunt down an elk. Also, there is no blur on this binocular at all, and so you will have a clear view of the prey.
The binocular comes with a slip-resistant rubber armor outer cover which means that even when your hands are sweaty, the device won’t slip from your hands. The binocular is also durable and very lightweight which means even if you accidentally drop them, no harm will come to them. If you happen to break them, they come with a one year warranty.
Drawback
- The only disadvantage with this device is that some reviewers say that the lens cover falls off easily. However, by looking at Vortex Diamondback 10x42 review, this binocular is the best if looking for an excellent pair of binoculars.
Nikon Monarch Binoculars
Nikon is a popular brand when it comes to camera manufacturing, and so they are the best since they know their way around quality lenses and optics. This binocular is the best for elk hunting since it comes from one of the best companies.
Features and performance
Nikon Monarch binoculars 8x42 comes with a quality design, and it is lightweight with a medium sided build. The device features a non-slip grip to help you hold the binocular securely and get a stable and clear image of the prey when you zoom in. The binocular also comes with a rugged rubber construction to safeguard your binocular from slip and moisture.
It features a turn and slides rubber eye-cup that is designed with a smooth central focus knob. When using the device during the rainy season, you have nothing to worry about since the binocular is water and fog proof.
Also, Nikon Monarch binoculars 10x42 come with an objective lens with a diameter of 42mm and a magnification level of 10X. The angular field of view of the binocular is 5.5 o while its clear field of view is 51.3 o. The linear FOV of this device is 288ft/1000yd.
When it comes to performance, this binocular offers a clear and detailed image to the user it works perfectly in low light, and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry the binoculars around.
Drawback
- The binocular comes with a poor warranty
Bushnell legend ultra HD 10 X 42
If looking for a good pair of binoculars, then Bushnell legend ultra HD 10x42 is the best since it comes with a wider FOV (field of view). This binocular will give you exactly what you are looking for in a binocular.
One good thing about these binoculars is that they are very affordable, even though they are not so durable. If looking for something to use occasionally, these binoculars are the best.
Magnification and performance
The binocular comes with a 10x magnification and 42mm wide lenses. They also come with a unique optical quality and offer a clear image even at a distance. The binoculars’ field of view is 340 ft at 1000yards.
These binoculars may not come with the widest FOV, but you can believe their performance is above average and that’s why they are the favorite among avid elk hunters.
The device is lightweight, and a high performer and they also come at a very affordable price. The binoculars are great for entry-level elk hunters or those people looking for an optional pair of binoculars.
Drawback
- The binocular does not come with many drawbacks, but, they may break after a few years of use. However, the good thing is that they come with a lifetime warranty.
Vortex Optics Viper HD Prism Binoculars
If looking for a cheaper binocular that performs well, then viper vortex binoculars are the best. The devices are durable, are high performers, and are very easy to use. These hunting devices are as good as other devices that cost much money. If looking forward to hunting your prey like a piece of cake, get one Vortex binocular today.
Magnification and performance
According to vortex viper HD 10x42 review, this binocular is the best when it comes to long distance and open spaces hunting. The reason is that they come with unique image clarity even though it might drop at a larger distance. The binocular also comes at 42mm, and it comes with quality construction.
The lenses are resistant to abrasion and are very durable. They also do well on all conditions. The lenses HD optical system boosts the image clarity.
The device comes with 319 field view. This performance is ideal for short distance hunters since it might be hard to view prey on wide spaces. With this device, you should stick to short-range hunting and spotting.
Drawback
- Image’s clarity drop when viewing long distance prey
Nikon 7548 Monarch 8x42 binocular
If hunting in wide and open spaces or desolate plains, then what you need is Nikon Monarch 8x42. With the wide FOV offered by this device, you will not miss a catch at all. The device is among the best in the market, and so you need to consider getting one.
Performance and magnification
With this elk hunting device, the images stay consistently clear even when spotting elks at a distance. The binoculars’ dielectric multi-layer coatings of a high reflective prism on the lenses aid in boosting image clarity and making the colors seem real. Also, the lenses remain clear regardless of the condition of the weather, and they are also very durable.
The binocular comes with an outstanding FOV that is exceptionally high on 420ft at 1000 yards making this device among the best in its class. If you find it challenging to spot elk at long distances, these binoculars will help in making it easier for you to spot the elk that you are looking for.
One thing I love about this device is that even if you are trying to spot and hunt fast preys in the woods, these binoculars are very helpful as you will easily catch your prey.
Drawback
The binocular comes with poor waterproofing, and it is not easy to have the warranty accepted. It is one device that comes with a poor warranty.
Redfield Rebel 10x 42mm Binoculars
The binocular is among the best on the market. If looking for a pair that will help you to spot an elk with ease, then you need to consider buying this from Amazon or at our local store. It is indeed a must have to all elk hunters.
Magnification and performance
Redfield rebel 10x 42 comes with a 10x magnification power with a 42mm objective lens that is thoroughly coated with BAK prisms. The lenses are also wrapped with waterproof and fog proof material, to make sure that even when hunting on a rainy or sweaty day, nothing will affect your hunting.
The binoculars’ ergonomic and aluminum roof prism body that is designed with an attractive camouflage that mat makes the device perfect for hunting.
As far as the rating goes, the device is new in the market and has come with a thud. While other popular binoculars are offering good hunting experience, this binocular comes with outstanding features and performs at its best to make sure you hunt with ease. The binocular is very expensive but it is very effective and durable, and so it is a good value for your money.
Drawback
- There are no reported cons yet
Steiner predator 10x42
The Steiner 10x42 hunting binoculars are the best when it comes to elk hunting. The gadget is specially built to make animal spotting easier. The device’s special coating acts as a color filter taking off the blue and green from the view making brown, red, and other colors familiar.
Performance and magnification
The gadget works well to make sure that wildlife spotting is done efficiently. The binoculars’ chassis and the protective rubber coat offer enough protection to the device; also, the device’s fast close-focus system makes it easy to spot and hunt moving animals.
According to Redfield rebel 10x42, the device comes with a 42mm level of image magnification while the least focus distance remains at 6mm to help you spot the other prey that is close to your target. The device comes with an excellent performance ratio, and its housing is sealed with nitrogen to make the gadget water and fog proof.
Drawback
These binoculars are not versatile enough since they are specially made for spotting wildlife only.
Swarovski Binoculars 10x42
If looking for a quality pair of binoculars that works perfectly well under low lighting conditions, then Swarovski binoculars 10x42 is undeniably a product that everyone will love. The device comes with impressive extra features in a high-value package to make a hunter’s life fun and enjoyable when on the go.
Magnification and performance
Since the device comes with a 10x magnification and a 42mm lenses diameter, this is a good pair for elk hunting. What makes these gadgets unique is their remarkable light absorption rate of 90% along with high-quality lens glass making the binoculars sharp and very comfortable.
These devices do very well in less than usual lighting conditions, something that is rare with most of the other binoculars. The image is always clear regardless of the conditions.
The devices field of view is 336ft at 1000 yards, which is a good one for a standard binocular. The device is among the oldest binoculars today, and you can rest assured that your experience will get even better with this hunting device.
Drawback
- The binocular is very expensive, and so some people may not afford it.
Factors to consider when buying the best binoculars for elk hunting
Magnification
To most people, there has always been the notion that bigger is better. That is wrong! That notion never applies when it comes to spotting and hunting an elk. It is all about precision and accuracy which means that if you have a wider magnification the less steady, you get. That means that for effective hunting, you need to get a pair that doesn’t steadying after a tiresome hike along the jungle.
Field of view
Also known as FOV, this is the area you can see using your binocular. When we say a small FOV, we mean a narrow area when a high FOV means a wider area of view. While there is no rule of thumb when it comes to the ideal FOV, you need to know that a high FOV is better if you usually hunt in wide and open spaces. This means that unless you are spotting a fast-moving animal, a high FOV is not always the best.
Eye relief
Eye relief is the exact distance between the lenses and your eyes. If your eyes are not at the right distance from the lenses, you may not see the entire field of view. You may notice some shadows shifting around the view in case your eyes are very close to the ocular lenses.
On the other hand, if your eyes are away from the ocular lenses, you may also not be able to see clear images, and this is common with those wearing eyeglasses especially when they use binoculars without the eye-cups. Failure to adjust the lenses may deny you the full benefit of using a binocular. When buying one, makes sure you buy a binocular that comes with adjustable eye-cups.
Prism type
Binoculars come in two types of a prism, which are roof prism and Porro prisms. When it comes to hunting, models that contain roof prisms are the best since they can deliver slimmer dimensions. Besides, they are lightweight unlike Porro prisms models make them preferable.
However, Porro models are also good since they have better magnification, but they are more expensive. Both models are good and to choose the best, it all goes to your budget!
Focus type
Hunting binoculars come with either a center spotting or an individual eyepiece focus. Most avid hunters prefer the ones that come with an individual eyepiece focus since it is more useful for long distance hunting. Spotting your prey for over 30 yards with an individual focus binocular is very easy, and you do not even need to concentrate on focusing rules at all.
On top of that, these binoculars are waterproof. However, when on a short distance hunting, center focus models are the best to use.
Image quality
Every hunter wants to get an optically capable binocular that offers clear and quality images in the easiest way possible. However, such binoculars don’t come cheap, and so it is better to choose models that offer quality images if you plan to make hunting your career or if you plan on using the devices for a longer time at ago.
On the other side, even though cheaper models give fair image quality, they are goods for occasional hunters since they will offer excellent results. With that in mind, choose a binocular depending on the image quality and how often you intend to use the binoculars.
Waterproof and rubber coating
Binoculars that come with rubber coating are becoming very popular unlike in the past where they were only used in the military. What makes such binoculars better and unique is that they are durable and the rubber coating makes them slip resistant which means that you can securely use them with wet hands. Majority of rubber coatings are waterproof, and this is a good thing that most people usually overlook when shopping.
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions) on best binoculars for elk hunting
Q: Which is the most ideal objective lens size when it comes to hunting?
Ans: Any model with an objective size of 40mm to 50mm is suitable for almost any hunting application. However, the budget is the key determining factor when it comes to model and the objective that you settle on since the large size is expensive if you are on a budget.
Q: What is the best weight for binoculars?
Ans: At times, this varies from one person to another. However, having lightweight binoculars that weigh less than 28 ounces is the best for longer viewing since the user will not feel tired.
Unfortunately, such binoculars may lack some key features that he may need for distance hunting. The weight depends on you. Just choose the one that is comfortable with you, and also consider the type of hunting you are looking for.
Final Note
In conclusion, the above list of binoculars is the best in the market but it all goes down to your preference. If looking for a useful hunting experience with an awesome hunting binocular to elevate your spotting and hunting, then choose any from the above review. Besides, elk hunting binoculars are as important as your hunting gear and may make or break your hunt. Just choose one and become a guru in elk hunting!
Related Read: The Best scope for 308 (Ultimate Guide)
Have a nice purchase!
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