Big game hunting is exciting as it is difficult. This is not only because your target is mostly on the move, but also because most shots need to be taken at a distance for safety. This requires well-built and quality scopes. Leupold scopes are top-rated internationally for elk hunting with modern and high-quality features that make them versatile and reliable.
For a first-time buyer, it can be difficult to choose the best Leupold scopes for elk hunting, especially with the wide selection in the market. To help make your work easier, here are some of the best Leupold scopes in the market and factors to consider before making a purchase.
Advantages of Using Leupold Scopes for Elk Hunting
- They are made of a lightweight construction
- All-weather reliability (fog proof and waterproof)
- The magnification is versatile
- They are durable and reliable
- They cover long ranges
Best Leupold Scopes for Elk Hunting Review
1) Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Riflescope has outstanding performance with modern technology and great versatility that makes it able to adjust to any weather and lighting conditions. Its wide field of view is magnificent and its magnification can be adjusted to take mid to long-range shots.
The scope is designed with 2-12 edge-to-edge clarity that delivers crisp images any time of the day. This is also made possible by the Twilight Max HD Light Management System which improves image quality.
The scope features an in-scope electronic reticle level, CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock elevation dial, a custom dial system, and a removable throw lever that makes it versatile. It is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof and can withstand -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key features
- It features a Zero lock dial with zero stop
- It has a professional-grade optical system
- It features a second focal plane and illuminated reticle
- Fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof performance
- Weight: 1.99pounds
- Length: 17.06 x 3.78 x 4.1 inches
- Magnification 2-12x
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope ensures dependability and excellent performance with its advanced technology. It is highly recommended for close-range shots and mid-range shots that are precise.
The scope is made with scratch and abrasion-resistant lenses to ensure clarity. The 3:1 zoom ratio makes it ideal for any situation. Its body is made with 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum that ensures no damage to the scope during recoil. Like other Leupold scopes, it has been tested to withstand 5000 impacts of the punisher (Leupold’s recoil simulation machine).
The scope has an advanced optical system that delivers quality light transmission, reduces glare, and offers bright, clear images of the target. The Twilight Light Management System helps by adding up to ten extra minutes of shooting light.
Key features
- Precision ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation
- It has scratch-resistant lenses
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
- Length: 14 x 3 2.75 inches
- Weight: 11.1 ounces
- Objective lens diameter: 33mm
- Magnification range: 2-7x
3) Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm Riflescope is perfect for elk hunting with its vivid images and clarity. The Twilight Max Lighting System ensures bright sighting at any time of the day or night or even in the shadows.
With the blend of anti-glare effect, full visible-spectrum lens coating, and edge-to-edge clarity, the scope provides extra twenty minutes of shooting light meaning you can continue with your hunting even after dark.
A Twin bias erector has been installed to make the scope recoil-resistant hence assuring durability. The scope can withstand extreme climate, impact, and elevation changes. The waterproof construction ensures that moisture is kept out of the interior of the scope.
Key features
- Lightweight, rugged design
- It has DiamondCoat 2 lens coating for clear, bright images
- It features precision ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation
- It has the twin bias spring erector system
- Length: 14 x 3 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Magnification range: 2.5-8x
- Linear FOV (ft/100 yds)- low 37.5
- Linear FOV (ft/100 yds)- high 13.7
4) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope is one of the most popular scopes for decades. This has been made possible by its ability to withstand harsh weather and poor lighting conditions. It features unparalleled low-light performance and its Twilight Max Light Management System provides vivid crisp images from dusk to dawn. The system also offers twenty extra minutes of shooting light.
The scope makes it possible to take both short and long-range shots and assures its user of the greatest durability and versatility.
The gas blend and seals are tested to a 33-foot depth and maximum pressure changes. The scope can be used multiple times over a long period. This is made possible by the precision ¼ MOA finer click adjustment for windage and elevation.
Key features
- Made from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum
- It uses DiamondCoat 2 lens coating
- 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof performance
- Lightweight, rugged design
- Length: 14 x 4 x 3 inches
- Weight: 0.63 pounds
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Magnification range: 3.5-10x
- Eye relief (in): low; 4.4
- Eye relief (in): high; 3.6
5) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope is 20 ounces lighter than other scopes in its class giving an advantage at the range and in the field. It has three revolutions of elevation adjustment and multiple reticle options that make it top in long-range shooting.
The scope offers a 5-25x magnification which is perfect for mid-range shots and can be flexible to reach long distances. The reticle magnifies along with the image making it possible to estimate the range at any magnification setting.
It uses Front Focal Plane (FFP) and the Twilight Max HD Light Management System which adds up to 30 minutes of shooting light, reduces glare, and provides bright images. The M5C3 Turrets ensures that a shooter doesn’t get lost in the travel.
It uses Front Focal Plane (FFP) and the Twilight Max HD Light Management System which adds up to 30 minutes of shooting light, reduces glare, and provides bright images. The M5C3 Turrets ensures that a shooter doesn’t get lost in the travel.
Key features
- Has M5C3 Zerolock adjustments
- Zero lock dial and zero stop
- It features a professional-grade optical system
- The 1/10 Mil per click dials help to provide 30 Mils of adjustment in 3 revolutions
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Length: 17.06 x 3.78 x 4.1 inches
- Magnification range: 5-25x
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
6) Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope
The Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope is effective in harsh weather or light conditions. Its lightweight nature makes it possible to mount it on hunting rifles, and patrol rifles. Its body, made of aircraft-quality aluminum can withstand the harshest recoil impact.
The scope features an illuminated FireDot reticle with eight settings, helping you to get your target faster from dawn to dusk. It has Motion Sensor Technology that extends battery life by turning off the illumination after five minutes of inactivity.
The Twilight Light Management System adds up to ten minutes of light while the DiamondCoat lens coating prevents glare for maximum light transmission. This ensures an unparalleled low-light performance.
Key features
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- It is water and fog proof hence can withstand extreme climate exposure
- It features motion sensor technology
- Weight: 0.96 pounds
- Length: 14 x 3 x 2.75 inches
- Magnification range: 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
7) Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope combines new and modified features that make it durable and dependable for hunters and shooters. Like other Leupold scopes, it has the Twilight Light Management System that adds 10 minutes of shooting light and is anti-glare for bright, and quality images.
The precision ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation make it durable and reassures continuous use over a long period. The scope has a ballistically matched bullet drop compensation elevation dial optimized for a .450 Bushmaster.
The scope is waterproof, impact-resistant, and can withstand harsh climatic conditions and temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key features
- It is Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- Lightweight, rugged performance
- Twilight Red Dot Management System
- ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation
- Ballistically matched bullet drop compensation elevation dial
- Length: 14 x 3 x 2.75 inches
- Magnification range: 3-9x
Choosing the Best Leupold Scope for Elk Hunting
Construction
Most game hunting happens in the woods/ mountains and is done at dawn or dusk. This is delicate as you are bound to encounter many external factors. Choose a scope that can withstand rough terrain, bumps, and falls along the way without getting damaged. The most durable scopes are made from high-grade aluminum material. Ensure that you get a scope that is shockproof, waterproof and fog proof.
Magnification
Elks are wary animals and very fast. The right magnification will help you lock your target accurately while still giving crisp, bright images. For daylight shooting and close-range shooting, a scope with a 3-9×40 scope is efficient. On the other hand, a 6-18×50 scope is ideal for long-range hunting without interfering with clarity. All in all, ensure your magnification range does not go less than 9x.
Weight
A lightweight scope is easy to carry in the woods and keep on target when firing. However, heavy scopes are more durable and have more features. Put into consideration what is important to you and how efficient the scope will be for you.
Cost
It is important to stick to a budget that will not be straining. Different Leupold scopes for elk hunting have different prices. As you choose one that suits your needs, choose also one that suits your budget.
Multi-coated lenses
To ensure top-notch performance even in low-light conditions, choose a scope that will always provide edge-to-edge clarity and bright images.
Lens coating/protection
This is an important factor as it will affect the quality of the image and the durability of the scope. Choose a lens coating that is anti-scratch and anti-reflective to protect it from dust, and debris as well as provide clear images.
Some chemical coatings improve light transmission across the board. The more the light gets into your scope, the better and brighter your sight picture is. However, always keep in mind that many scopes with multi-coated optics will be more expensive than those optics with only one coat of material.
Parallax adjustment
Parallax can make the position of the target appear offset from the center of the reticle. It mainly happens when using a high-magnification scope with a distance of over 250 yards. Some scopes are parallax-free (the parallax is set up internally and locked in place for all magnification ranges).
They are however designed for close-range shots. Adjusting parallax is needed for long-range shooting with a knob at the side of the scope. When parallax has been adjusted well, the reticle is locked into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Leupold scopes good?
Regardless of the target’s distance and lighting conditions, Leupold scopes have excellent accuracy and high optical performance. They are always setting standards for other scopes being the first optics company to make military scopes and introduce nitrogen purging.
- What size of an objective lens is suitable for elk hunting?
The objective lens should match the magnification. Ensure that you pick a scope whose objective lens has a wide field of view.
- Do I need a fixed or a variable magnification scope?
The two have their advantages. However, unlike the variable scope, a fixed magnification scope with a similar price is durable and of high quality. Choose the fixed scope as it is more reliable and consistent
Final Thoughts
Leupold scopes are highly reputable, from manufacturing to their performance. They are designed to suit multiple functions and their features ensure durability and versatility. They put into consideration harsh weather, terrain, and poor lighting for quality and excellent performance all year round.
The difference, however, is their pricing which depends upon your personal preference and budget. Put into consideration all the features provided and succeed in choosing the best scope for your next hunting trip!
Related; 8 Best vortex scopes for elk hunting