Any seasoned hunter knows the hunting gear in play can either make or break a trip. When it comes to optics, Leupold is a highly reputable brand famous for its dedication to excellence and precision engineering. We have highlighted the best Leupold scopes elk hunting that hits all the marks when it comes to versatility, brightness, reliability, and durability. The riflescopes will help you expand your horizon and ensure your soon-to-be dinner plans are successful.
Elk are wary and fast animals, so they require an exceptional riflescope to create a successful and memorable experience. The market has unlimited options, which can cause confusion when it comes to selecting the right model. We hope this round-up of the best hunting instruments will make the confusion fly away and help you bring home these beauties with pride and confidence.
That said, let’s have an in-depth understanding of the best Leupold scopes for this enjoyable activity.
Best Leupold Scopes for Elk Hunting
1) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope
Leupold leaves no stone unturned with the VX-6HD. The 4-24x magnification is remarkable, allowing you to utilize any opportunity as hunting comes in all shapes and distances.
The magnification lets you browse for elk with a wide field of view, and once you’re ready to make a kill, it allows you to crank up the 24x for a successful expedition.
In terms of image quality, the Twilight Max Light Management System has a bunch of elements to provide the brightest and clearest view possible, alongside additional hunting time in dark backgrounds.
Still on the optical quality, there is the Guard-ion rain-shedding coating that reinforces and prolongs the life of your lens by keeping away dirt, oil, fingerprints, moisture, and scratches.
The scope is built durably as the entire body encompasses sturdy aircraft-quality aluminum. This makes the entire unit shockproof and elongates its lifespan by ensuring it withstands anything your hunting trip brings.
Along with being sturdy on the outside, the internals are also great. The scope is purged with a mixture of argon and krypton, ensuring it is fully indifferent to weather and the lenses never experience internal fogging.
The battery performs excellently owing to the motion sensor system that switches the illumination off if it senses inactivity for more than 5 minutes and turns it back on as soon as movement is recognized.
With all these magnificent features, it is no doubt that the Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm riflescope deserves to lead the pack of the best Leupold scopes for elk hunting.
Features
- Powerful 6:1 zoom ratio
- 100% weatherproof
- Rugged aluminum build makes the riflescope resilient and shockproof
- Motion sensor technology for battery preservation
- Push button illumination
- 52mm objective lens diameter
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- Reversible throw lever for easy zoom adjustments
Pros
- Indestructible construction
- Superior class glass
- Lovely reticle
Cons
- High-end price
2) Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm riflescope stands out as one of the best Leupold scopes for elk hunting for a number of reasons.
First, the elk hunting scope features a custom dial system that allows you to tune it to match the ballistics of the rifle. Holdover worries will be a thing of the past when landing long-range shots.
From a shockproof structure to weather resistance, this riflescope will be a hunter’s best ally, allowing hunting in virtually any situation.
Another real treat is the Twilight Max Light Management System, which boosts light transmission for excellent night views. When hunting in the scorching sun, the special coating minimizes glare for high-quality images.
The Guard-ion rain-shedding coating is hyper-durable, scratch-resistant, and repels water, dirt, and fingerprints.
It also sports ample eye relief that lets you sight targets comfortably with brightness and clarity from edge to edge.
The pop-up windage and elevation adjustments have easy adjustability and a zero-reset function that allows a firm return to zero with no tools needed. A thread-on aluminum cover covers and protects the adjustment after setting.
Features
- Long-lasting aluminum constitution
- Twilight Max Light Management System for crisp imaging
- Custom dial system
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating on the lens
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Pop-up windage and elevation adjustments
- 30mm tube
- 8 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Fantastic performance in weak light
- Excellent value for money
- Impressive build quality
Cons
- Quite expensive
3)Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Riflescope
The next recommendation is the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm riflescope. The Twilight Max Light Management System incorporated is a boon. The coating provides incredibly clear images even when hunting in poorly lit scenarios such as dawn or dusk.
The scope is great both on the outside and inside. The outer part is fashioned from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum that withstands whatever anguishes your hunting trip throws at you.
The inside is purged with a combination of argon and krypton for fogproofing, while the sealing methods render it waterproof. If you are a hunter who moves in any weather, the riflescope will never let you down.
This elk hunting riflescope also boasts magnificent windage and elevation adjustments. The patented ZeroLock system allows you to go back to zero easily and effectively locks in the zero. There will be no accidental shifts ensuring stay-put accuracy.
Along with that, a reversible throw lever is part of the scope’s design. It is designed to make magnification adjustments a piece of cake so you will never lose sight of the prey.
The custom dial system ensures the riflescope is tuned to the ballistics of the rifle. You will never have to worry about ballistic calculators, bullet drop reticles, or holdovers. Instead, your focus will shift to quick and accurate shots.
Features
- to 3.8 inches of eye relief
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating repels scratches and external substances
- Zero lock system
- 30mm main tube
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Easy magnification change using the throw lever included
- Twin bias spring system makes the unit shockproof
- Sealed and purged with extraordinary gases
Pros
- Brightness galore
- Tactile and accurate turrets
- Hyper durable
Cons
- Premium price tag
4) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm is a hard-to-beat hunting instrument that proves that you don’t need thousands of dollars to own a fine elk hunting riflescope. The device’s body is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting durability.
It is not left out when it comes to weatherproof and shockproof scopes. It will excel when hunting in clean or rainy weather, making it the ultimate all-around scope that meets your needs.
Apart from that, the scope is configured with scratch-resistant lenses and doesn’t require a lens protector.
The unit also houses Twilight Light Management, which is a technology that provides extra minutes of shooting light when you are caught up in the dark after the evening sun sets or when taking on targets at dusk.
The system is designed to maximize low-light imaging for elk hunting and reduce glare when hunting in bright daylight.
Another great thing about this riflescope is the great eye relief that provides safety and comfortable glassing, even for hunters with eyeglasses.
What’s more, it sports a 3:1 zoom erector system that facilitates seamless magnification adjustments across varying ranges. It uses the duplex reticle that can easily become clearer through a textured lock ring.
Features
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Twilight light management technology
- 3-9x magnification for close to medium-range targeting
- Solid aircraft-grade aluminum is the primary construction material
- Duplex reticle
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Finger-adjustable turrets
- Comfortable eye relief
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Clear and precise optics
- Seamless adjustments
Cons
- Fixed parallax
- No reticle illumination
5) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm riflescope is built with state-of-the-art technology to ensure legendary and dependable performance. It is perfect for close to medium-range shots with pinpoint accuracy and precision.
The 2-7x magnification cements it as a scope that excels at short to intermediate distances. The easy-to-grip power selector makes magnification adjustments a walk in the park so that you always stay in focus.
Elk hunting comes with exposure to all sorts of conditions ranging from fog, wind, water, and extreme heat. That’s why Leupold built this riflescope to be fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The scope will maintain its perfect condition even when banged on a tree or falls accidentally.
The entire housing is cast from aircraft-grade aluminum to shield the unit from damage. The lenses are scratch-resistant for more protection. In addition, the FireDot illumination offers a visible aiming point across various lighting conditions.
The advanced optical system provides unsurpassed light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution that elk hunters require for successful hunting from first to last light.
An icing on the cake is the Twilight Light Management System, which provides extra minutes of shooting light when lighting begins to fade.
Also, the custom dial system removes holdovers for quick and accurate shots all the time when aiming at long-range targets.
Features
- Finger click windage and elevation adjustments
- 33mm objective lens diameter
- 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum design
- Scratch-resistant lenses for more protection
- Custom dial system eliminates holdovers
- Variable 2-7x magnification
- Motion sensor technology extends battery juice
- 7 to 4.2 inches of eye relief
- 100% multi proof
Pros
- Top-tier optics
- Immensely robust
- Very positive clicks
- Sufficient amount of eye relief
Cons
- No rings are included
What Magnification Do You Need for Elk Hunting?
An elk can attack you if you get too close to it; hence you need to take it down from a distance. While the right magnification depends on the hunting environment and shooting distance, a scope with a range of 3-9x or 4-12x is generally the most recommended for elk hunting applications.
A scope with changeable magnification lets you adjust the level according to the specific hunting situation. This flexibility makes it ideal for varying hunting conditions, from close quarters to long-range scenarios.
How To Choose the Best Leupold Scopes for Elk Hunting
Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision when buying the best Leupold scopes for elk hunting:
Clarity
Clarity is paramount, especially given the range and dark color of an elk. The best Leupold scopes for elk hunting should have sharp glass that maintains its quality across all magnification ranges.
Weight
Another essential factor to look at is the weight of the scope. A lightweight riflescope is easy to carry in the woods and keep on target when firing. However, heavier scopes are more durable; hence you need to strike a balance and ensure you have a unit that works efficiently for you.
Parallax
Parallax diminishes accuracy when hunting. The factory parallax is sufficient when using a scope with lower magnification. On the other hand, scopes with higher magnification require parallax adjustment, more so if your hunting range exceeds 350 yards.
Durability
Most game hunting occurs in the woods or mountains and is done during the magical hours of dawn and dusk. This means the riflescope is exposed to many external elements. Therefore, the best Leupold scopes for elk hunting are robustly built to endure the adversaries like bumps, knocks, rain, fog, and falls. They are crafted from top-shelf aluminum and have waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof inclusions.
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Eye Relief
Inadequate eye relief may cause hits on the eyebrow once the scope recoils. To prevent this, ensure your Leupold scope has plenty of relief to facilitate comfortable glassing, even in extended glassing sessions.
Best Leupold Scopes for Elk Hunting FAQs
Q: Between a Riflescope and a Spotting Scope, Which Is Better for Elk Hunting?
A riflescope is more compact and is able to hold zero through movement. A spotting scope, on the other hand, is larger, with better lenses and magnification capabilities. Both units have their perks and drawbacks, and you need to fully understand their applications before making a decision.
A spotting scope is more suitable for hunters who stay put for a long time while stalking the target, while a riflescope is ideal for a hurried hunter who loves to acquire the first target spotted.
Q: Are Leupold Scopes Any Good?
Yes, absolutely. Leupold scopes are designed with phenomenal accuracy, rugged exteriors and interiors, and fine optical performance to excel at various ranges and lighting conditions. You can hunt effectively with these riflescopes, and they will never fail you.
Final Remarks
Leupold continues to stand tall as a leading optics manufacturer, offering elk hunters with units that shine in functionality, durability, functionality, and precision. We hope you have found a riflescope that suits your needs.