Top 10 Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting in the West [2025 Guide]

If you’re planning an elk hunt in the Rockies or high plains, a reliable spotting scope is one of the most critical tools in your kit. Western elk hunting demands long-range glassing, often in rugged, unforgiving terrain where success depends on your ability to locate game from miles away. In this guide, we’ve handpicked the 10 best spotting scopes for elk hunting in 2025 — all available at The Optic Zone.

Whether you’re glassing across valleys in Montana or picking apart ridgelines in Colorado, these spotting scopes will help you find bulls before they find you. If you’re gearing up for your next trip, check out our guide on how to budget your optics purchase for Western hunts.

What Makes a Spotting Scope Ideal for Elk Hunting?

When it comes to elk hunting out West, you need optics that are:

• Powerful: Look for scopes with 20x on the low end and up to 60x magnification on the upper end and a large objective (65–85mm).
• Bright and Sharp: ED/HD glass improves clarity and low-light performance — critical during early morning and late evening glassing sessions.
• Durable: Your scope should be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
• Portable: Weight matters on backcountry hunts. Balance clarity and size.
• User-Friendly: Angled eyepieces and tripod adaptability make extended glassing easier.

Top 10 Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting in 2025

1. Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Angled Spotting Scope

The Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 is a top choice for backcountry elk hunters who prioritize a balance between performance and portability. Its HD optical system delivers exceptional resolution and color fidelity, crucial for identifying elk across vast terrains. The 65mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission without adding excessive weight to your pack. The angled design facilitates comfortable viewing during extended glassing sessions, and the durable magnesium chassis withstands the rigors of rugged environments.

Best For: Lightweight western pack-in hunts

Shop Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 at The Optic Zone

2. Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55×80

Designed for serious western hunters, the Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD combines rugged construction with elite optical performance. Its oversized 80mm objective lens pulls in plenty of light, making it a great choice for early morning or dusk glassing.

Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System enhances low-light visibility, and the HD lenses deliver excellent color accuracy and resolution. The durable magnesium body is built to withstand rough backcountry conditions, and the Guard-ion lens coating sheds dirt and moisture easily.

The angled design and ergonomic controls make this scope comfortable to use for hours on end. When you need to spot elk across big open country, the SX-5 Santiam HD is a reliable tool.

Best For: Long-range scouting in open terrain

Buy Leupold Santiam HD 27-55×80 Spotting Scope

3. Athlon Ares G2 UHD 20-60×85

The Athlon Ares G2 UHD is a powerful performer with outstanding optical clarity and excellent build quality. Its 85mm objective and UHD glass elements provide superb light transmission and contrast, allowing you to spot distant elk in harsh lighting conditions.

This scope is well-suited for hunters who glass large areas for long periods. It features a robust yet lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy chassis, waterproof and fogproof sealing, and a durable rubber armor for protection in rough terrain.

Focus adjustments are precise and smooth, and the angled eyepiece reduces neck strain when glassing uphill. This is a high-performance scope at a competitive price point, making it a favorite among serious western hunters.

Best For: Low-light conditions and max-range viewing

Buy Athlon Ares G2 UHD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope

4. Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85 Angled

The Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85 is a solid, field-proven choice for western elk hunters. Known for its bright, high-contrast image and rugged durability, the Viper HD delivers premium performance at a mid-range price.

Its 85mm objective lens and HD optical system offer excellent edge-to-edge clarity and great detail resolution. This scope is fogproof, waterproof, and built to handle extreme weather and terrain. The helical focus is intuitive and quick to adjust, making it easier to track moving elk at a distance.

The Viper HD is versatile and works well with most hunting tripods. It’s a go-to option for hunters who want sharp optics without the price tag of elite-tier scopes.

Best For: Glassing ridgelines and open basins

Shop Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85 at The Optic Zone

5. Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 20-60×85

Built for hunters who demand clarity and ruggedness, the Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen2 is a workhorse of a spotting scope. Its HD lens system offers excellent color fidelity and image sharpness, even at high magnification.

This scope features a large 85mm objective for better light gathering in dark timber or during low-light hours. The DiamondCoat 2 lens coating ensures durability, and the Guard-ion protects from oil, dirt and rain.

Its magnesium body and waterproof construction make it ideal for mountain environments. If you’re hunting elk on a budget but still want quality optics, the SX-4 Pro Guide delivers.

Best For: Budget-conscious big game hunters

Buy Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD at The Optic Zone

6. Zeiss Conquest Gavia 30-60×85 Spotter

The Zeiss Conquest Gavia is engineered for demanding hunters who prioritize precision and optical excellence. Its SCHOTT HD lens system produces breathtaking clarity and vibrant color reproduction, even in long-range glassing scenarios.

With a smooth, dual-speed focus system, you can quickly lock onto your target without overcorrecting. The magnesium body is both lightweight and extremely tough, ideal for alpine or backcountry elk hunts where every ounce and every detail matters.

This scope performs flawlessly in early morning frost or midday glare. Zeiss also designed the Gavia to be tripod-friendly and compatible with DSLR digiscoping setups.

Best For: Long-range clarity in mountain environments

Check out the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 30-60×85

7. Athlon Cronus G2 UHD 20-60×86 Spotting Scope

A high-end option without the boutique price, the Athlon Cronus G2 UHD is packed with features serious elk hunters will appreciate. It offers ED glass, an 86mm objective lens, and an advanced prism design for superior resolution and low-light performance.

Hunters love the large eye relief and user-friendly ergonomics. It’s also built to withstand the elements — waterproof, fogproof, and rubber-armored for shock resistance.

The Cronus is especially useful for long-range scouting where image stability and brightness are key. Its premium optics and solid construction make it a true competitor against European scopes.

Best For: High-end clarity without the Euro price tag

Buy Athlon Cronus G2 UHD 20-60×86 Spotting Scope

8. Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60×85

The Diamondback HD is Vortex’s answer to budget-conscious hunters who still demand quality optics in the field. With fully multi-coated lenses and a wide 85mm objective, it delivers surprisingly sharp views for its price point.

This scope is rugged and weather-resistant, ideal for elk hunters braving the unpredictable conditions of western mountain ranges. While it’s not as refined as the Razor or Viper series, it holds its own in most field conditions.

A great choice for newer hunters or those building a gear kit on a budget, the Diamondback HD proves you don’t need to spend top dollar to get reliable performance.

Best For: Entry-level spotters with solid glass

Shop Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60×85

9. Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60×80

Lightweight, durable, and highly affordable, the Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD offers great glass in a compact package. With an 80mm objective and HD glass, it gives you a clear image without overwhelming your backpack.

This scope is fully waterproof and fogproof and features Leupold’s HD performance and their Advanced Optical System for enhanced early and late light viewing. It’s designed to perform in harsh mountain terrain and variable conditions.

The SX-2 Alpine is an excellent pick for elk hunters who are covering ground and want reliable gear without extra bulk.

Best For: Elk hunters on the move

Buy Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60×80

10. Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85

When only the best will do, the Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 is a top-shelf scope built for demanding glassers. Its APO system, high-density extra-low dispersion glass, and advanced coatings deliver elite-level color fidelity and resolution.

This model is favored by professionals, guides, and serious DIY hunters who glass for hours every day. It performs in all lighting conditions, from dark timber to high alpine basins, and handles the abuse of backcountry travel.

While it’s the heaviest and most expensive in the Razor lineup, its performance is truly unmatched.

Best For: Long-range, open-country glassing

Shop Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 at The Optic Zone

Tips for Using a Spotting Scope on Your Elk Hunt

• Use an angled eyepiece: More comfortable during long sessions, especially from uneven terrain.
• Invest in a solid tripod: Stability matters more than you think at 60x magnification, so tripod is a must.
• Glassing strategy: Focus on feeding areas at first and last light; scan ridgelines and shadowed slopes mid-day.
• Don’t overlook sun position: Glassing into the sun can reduce visibility significantly.

Conclusion

The right spotting scope can be the difference between filling your elk tag or coming home empty-handed. Every model on this list has been field-tested and proven in tough hunting environments. At The Optic Zone, we’re here to help you gear up for your next Western adventure with optics you can trust.

Need help choosing the right scope? Contact us today — we’re hunters too, and we’re happy to guide you to the perfect optic. To get more information about reviews, tips and products check out our Optics Blog.