If you are looking for Budget Binoculars for Elk hunting, this Best Affordable Binoculars for Elk Hunting review is here to make it all easier for you.
A successful elk hunting expedition is the dream of every avid hunter out there. These creatures are bigger than deer and more scarce in terms of population. Having the right hunting gear is vital for a successful elk hunting excursion. A quality optic is one of them.
A good pair of binoculars will help you spot elk with ease and improve your target acquisition. Additionally, binoculars are useful for long-range hunting, where most elks are found.
Getting the best binoculars for elk hunting is easier said than done. With tons of models available on the market, finding the right pair can be difficult, especially for first-time buyers.
What Magnification Binoculars Do I Need for Elk hunting?
8x or 10x. Binoculars with 8x magnification are ideal for hunting elk at close quarters and in thick woodlands. On the other hand, every avid hunter requires a pair of 10x binoculars if they are hunting elks in open spaces and long distances. 10x binoculars are also suitable for dusk to dawn elk hunting as they provide optimum light.
If you are looking for the best affordable binoculars for elk hunting, here is a detailed review of the best models available on the market. Let’s take a look.
Best Affordable Binoculars for Elk Hunting-Our Top Picks
1) Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars
This is a compact roof prism binocular designed to bring the world closer. Featuring a 10x magnification and a wide 307ft/1000yards field of view, these binoculars are perfect for hunting elk at any distance. The high optical power brings distant targets close for accurate shot placement, while the wide field of view enhances rapid target acquisition making this one of the best affordable binoculars for elk hunting.
The binoculars are light, robust, and suitable for all hunting environments. The robust housing stands up to rough terrain, while the non-slip surface gives you a secure grip even in wet weather conditions. Better yet, the optic has a rainproof and fog proof body so you can use it in any weather conditions.
Gosky uses advanced MultiGuard FMC coatings to enhance light transmission even in low light conditions. The dielectric coated phase-corrected BAK4 prism reduces light reflection across the entire visible range to provide bright, clear, and color-accurate images.
For added convenience, the binoculars are tripod compatible. If you wear eyeglasses, these binoculars are eyeglass-friendly. The eyecups twist up and down to provide long eye relief. Above all, the optic has a large, smooth, and easy-to-grip focus wheel which makes focusing quick and easy. With all these features, the binoculars offer great value for money.
Features
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Wide 307ft/1000yards field of view
- Tripod compatible
- Long eye relief
- A big and easy-to-grip focus wheel
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Rainproof and fog proof
- Advanced MultiGuard FMC coatings
- 10x high power magnification
- Dielectric coated phase-corrected BAK4 prism
- Smartphone adapter
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
2) Celestron- Outland X 10×42 Binoculars
This Outland X 10×42 from Celestron is an all-around binocular designed for every outdoor enthusiast. These binoculars are well-made and equipped with a wide range of features suitable for hunting.
For starters, the binoculars are designed to withstand all weather conditions. They are sealed to lock out dirt and moisture and filled with nitrogen gas for tough outdoor use with no internal lens fogging. Better yet, the rugged exterior provides additional protection from all-weather elements, while ensuring a secure, non-slip grip in a wet environment.
When it comes to optical features, this product boasts multi-coated optics which provide high resolution and high contrast views. The BaK-4 glass reduces light reflection for bright, crisp, and color-accurate images from dusk to dawn.
The 22oz/623.69g is a good weight for this full-size binocular. The light design makes it easy to carry in the field as you track down your target. The Outland X also features twist-up eyecups for quick adjustment and customized eye relief. You can also position the eyecups to the most comfortable viewing position with or without eyeglass.
Features
- Multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prisms
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Protective rubber covering
- Durable and rugged construction
- Secure, anti-slip grip
- Roof Prism System
- Twist-up eyecups for rapid adjustment
- Lightweight design
- Tripod adaptable
- Interpupillary Distance: 74 mm
- Moisture-proof neoprene carrying case
- Roof prism design
- 14mm eye relief
- Magnification: 10 x
- 42 mm Objective Lens
- BAK4 Prism Material
- 14 mm, 0.55 in eye relief
- 4.2 mm Exit Pupil
- Diopter Adjustment Range: +/-3 dpt
- Field of View, Linear: 294 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 5.6 degrees
- Fast Focus Center Wheel
- Twilight Factor: 20.49
- Close Focus: 14.8 ft
3) Vortex Optics Crossfire 10×42 HD Binoculars
Sizes
- 10×42
- 10×50
- 12×50
- 8×42
These Vortex Crossfire HD Binoculars are great for elk hunting. With a 10x magnification, these binoculars help you spot elk with ease for accurate shot placement. You also get a wide field of view even at the highest magnification for rapid target acquisition.
These binoculars are well-made to provide many years of field use. The rugged housing withstands recoil and impact, while the shock-absorbing rubber armor makes them resistant to wear and scratches. Additionally, the optic is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for reliable all-weather performance.
Weighing about 23 ounces, these binoculars are ultra-light, portable, and great for hunting. The lenses are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission when hunting in low-light situations. For added convenience, these binoculars feature adjustable eyecups which twist up and down to offer long eye relief. They also come with a right eyepiece diopter which adjusts for differences in the user’s eyes.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Rugged housing withstands recoil and impact
- Tripod adaptable
- Adjustable eyecups
- Roof prism design
- 10 x Magnification
- 42 mm objective lens
- Eye Relief: 15 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 325 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 6.2 degrees
- Twilight Factor: 20.5
- Interpupillary Distance: 58 – 75 mm
- Close Focus: 6 ft
- Compact, lightweight, and great for hunting
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- The right eye diopter adjusts to differences in the user’s eyes
- Center focus wheel
- Protective rubber armor
- Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
4) Bushnell Trophy 10×42 Roof Binoculars
These lightweight binoculars are designed to provide high-quality and most reliable hunting performance. They have a user-friendly interface which makes them ideal for all hunters, beginners, and professionals
The binoculars are made using modern 100% waterproof and fog proof technology. The whole unit is O-ring sealed for total moisture and dirt protection. It is also nitrogen purged to remove any internal moisture and prevent internal lens fogging caused by rapid changes in the weather conditions.
These binoculars offer impressive optical performance. They have top-notch BaK-4 prisms which reduce light reflection for bright and vivid images. Also, all air-to-glass surfaces have multi-layer anti-reflective coatings which enhance light transmission for detailed image views even in low-light conditions.
For added protection against weather elements, the binoculars feature a Dura-Grip rubber-armored housing which is waterproof, dustproof, and wear-resistant and a hinged quick-flip lens cover that protects the objective lens from mud, dirt, and debris. To top it all, the binoculars feature ergonomic, anti-slip thumb grips for secure and snug handling.
Features
- Long 15.2 mm eye relief
- IPX7 waterproof and fog proof
- Fast focus center focus wheel
- Lightweight and portable
- Deluxe binocular harness
- Ergonomic, anti-slip thumb grip
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Hinged quick-flip lens cover
5) Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 HD Binoculars
These Diamondback HD binoculars are available in different magnification sizes but the 10×42 model is the best model for elk hunting. Thanks to the 10x magnification, you’ll have an easy time spotting elks in any range.
Made with high-quality materials, these binoculars will last for years. The rugged housing stands up to rugged use and impact, while the rubber armor provides durable external protection. Besides, the optic is fully waterproof and fog-free so you can use it even in extreme weather conditions.
The twist-up eyecups provide quick and hassle-free eye relief adjustment. This provides comfortable viewing even with your eyeglasses/sunglasses on. The central focusing wheel is easily accessible for bringing the images into sharp focus.
The binoculars also bring to the table bright and razor-sharp images. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission for bright, clear, and color-accurate images. The exterior lenses feature an Armortek coating which offers protection against dirt, scratches, and oil.
Features
- Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed
- Lightweight design
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
- Dielectric lens coating
- Roof Prism System
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 330 ft at 1000 yds, Angle: 6.3 degrees
- Center Focus
- Twilight Factor: 20.5
- Close Focus: 5 ft
- Protective rubber armor
- Adjustable eyecups
- Protective Armortek lens coating
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Tripod adaptable
- 15mm eye relief
- Glass Pak harness
- Interpupillary Distance: 55 – 73 mm
6) Nikon Aculon A211 10-22x50mm Porro Prism Binoculars
Nikon is renowned for its high-quality optics and the Aculon A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binocular is no exception. These binoculars feature an adjustable 10-22x zoom power suitable for hunting at varying ranges. You can tailor your magnification depending on the situation at hand.
The smooth central focus knob allows for quick viewing, while the generous eye relief provides comfortable viewing even with your glasses on. Better yet, the binoculars feature turn-and-slide multi-click rubber eyecups that you can use to adjust the eye-relief for a custom fit. This provides great comfort during long glassing sessions and a wide field of view which is vital for rapid target acquisition.
The binoculars are built to tackle anything thrown at them. They are fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability. They also have a durable rubber-armored coating which provides extra protection against weather elements. This coating also gives you a sure, anti-slip grip even when your hands are sweaty or wet.
Features
- Multi-coated eco-glass lenses
- Smooth central focus knob
- Eyepiece mounted zoom lever
- Adjustable 10-22x magnification
- Durable rubber-armored coating
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups
- 8.6mm eye relief
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Wide field of view
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Porro Prism System
- BAK4 Prism Material
- Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 5 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 199 ft at 1000 yds
- Center Focus
- Close Focus: 49.2 ft
7) Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 12x52mm Binoculars
If you are looking for the best binoculars for use in low-light conditions, these Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 12x52mm suits you. With a massive 52mm objective lens, these binoculars collect the optimum you need when hunting at dusk or dawn. They also feature Twilight Max Light Management System which provides extended glassing sessions and bright and vivid images in twilight conditions.
The 1.75 pounds weight is good for these full-size binoculars. The magnesium housing enhances durability while keeping weight at a minimum. Besides, the unit is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for use in all weather conditions.
The fully multi-coated lenses enhance maximum light transmission and minimum light reflection. This ensures optimum light travels into your eye for brilliant, clear, and razor-sharp images. Above all, the binoculars have an ergonomic, non-slip grip which is very comfortable in your hands.
Features
- Over-sized 52mm eyepiece
- 12x magnification
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Lightweight but durable
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Unmatched low light performance
- 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Multiple accessories which include lens covers, lens cloth, and GO field binocular harness
- Roof Prism System
- Eye Relief: 15 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 261 ft at 1000 yds
- Manually Adjustable Focus System
- Interpupillary Distance: 60 – 78 mm
- Close Focus: 3.8 m
See Also
Choosing the Best Affordable Binoculars for Elk Hunting
Besides cost, here are some of the key features you should look for when shopping for the best affordable binoculars for elk hunting.
- Magnification
Magnification is one of the most important factors you should consider. If you are new in the market, magnification determines how close the image will appear when you look through the binocular’s eyepiece. It is denoted as x. A quality 8x or 10x pair of binoculars is sufficient for most elk hunters’ needs. You can go higher than 10x if you are hunting long-range. However, binoculars with high magnification aren’t always ideal as they can get shaky and become less useful.
- Field of View
Field of view refers to the maximum width of view you can see through your binoculars without turning them around. It is measured at a distance of 1000m/yards. The wider the field of view, the better. It helps you observe a wider area of your hunting ground which is important for fast target acquisition particularly when hunting fast-moving targets.
- Weight
Go for the lightest binoculars possible. Nothing is more hectic than using a bulky optic that keeps weighing you down as you search for targets. Most budget binoculars for elk hunting are fairly light and easy to carry in the field.
- Lens Type and Quality
Binoculars with good quality optics are vital for successful elk hunting. Go for binoculars that feature top-quality glass preferably BaK-4. The lenses should be fully multi-coated to provide bright, vivid, and razor-sharp images.
When it comes to the prim type, both roof and Porro prism binoculars are good for elk hunting. However, the Porro prisms binoculars perform better than modern roof prisms binoculars. Besides, they are more compact and better in terms of optical performance.
- Weatherproof
Elk hunting is an outdoor activity that calls for a binocular that’s fully waterproof and fog proof. With weather-proof binoculars, you don’t have to worry about the rains catching up with you while still in the field. Besides being O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the binoculars should also have a rubber armor that provides additional protection from weather elements and provides a non-slip grip even in wet conditions.
- Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the binocular’s eyepiece and your eyes. This feature is particularly important if you put on eyeglasses. Look for a pair that offers generous eye relief as they are more comfortable to use even with your eyeglasses/sunglasses on.
Are 10×42 Binoculars Good for Hunting?
Yes. Generally, 10×42 binoculars are suitable for all hunting applications. They have the right magnification and lens size that most hunters find handy when hunting.
Conclusion
The best affordable binoculars for Elk hunting are those that suit your budget. Hopefully, this post has given you the insight you need to make the correct buying decision. All the binoculars listed above are quality, durable, and great for elk hunting in thick woodlands or open spaces.