Are you looking for the best Nightforce Scope for Elk Hunting? This is the guide for you.
Pairing your hunting rifle with a capable scope increases your chances of a successful hunt significantly.
A good scope is a valuable tool to have when Elk hunting. It is an assurance that once you go out hunting, you will get it right and head back home with meat in your hands. Every avid elk hunter needs a quality and reliable scope, especially for long-range hunting.
Nightforce has some of the most powerful and reliable scopes in the market currently.
It is a renowned company whose experience and passion to meet the demands of different hunters across the globe is second to none.
What Makes a Great Elk Hunting Scope?
Big game hunters look for a riflescope that offers great features and excellent performance. Elk hunters are no different.
A scope with superior performance should have top-notch optics. The glass used should be of the highest quality to maximize light transmission for great clarity across all the magnification powers.
Coated lenses are mandatory in an elk hunting scope. Hunting in the mountains requires a set of clear eyes. The lens coating optimizes light transmission resulting in bright images. Reticle illumination is also a great incentive for accurate shots in low-light conditions.
The objective lens of the scope also plays an important role when it comes to the transmission of light. 40mm to 50 mm offer the best compromise. The lenses will transmit enough light for optimal clarity and offer the perfect weight balance.
The other characteristic of an elk hunting scope is rigid construction. The tube housing the riflescope should be made of high-quality materials to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Besides, the tube should be purged with dry gases and fully sealed to keep the lenses clear for life.
An elk hunting scope should be fitted with reliable turrets. Hunting in the mountains or when taking long-range shots pinpoint accuracy is critical. Horizontal and vertical adjustments have to be accounted for before taking a shot.
The scope should therefore have tactile and audible clicks to maintain accuracy. The turrets should be capped to prevent accidental dialing after zeroing.
Lastly, the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting should have the right magnification range for your shooting needs. 2-12x is ideal for most elk hunting needs.
Best Nightforce Scope for Elk Hunting-Our Top Picks
In this post, we have researched far and wide and compiled a review of the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting available on the market today.
With these reliable and highly functional scopes, your next elk hunting excursion will be much more enjoyable and rewarding as you will have better chances of placing the shot in the right place.
With all that said, let’s get started.
1) NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm .250 MOA Rifle Scope
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The NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm .250 MOA Rifle Scope is frankly one of the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting. Built with the hunter in mind, this rifle scope will serve you well on elks and other games regardless of the hunting environment.
Featuring 3-10x variable magnification, the scope provides a practical solution to a multitude of applications from big game and varmint hunting to competitive target shooting. Harboring impressive features in a compact unit, SHV 3-10×42 brings the best out of your hunting rifle.
The 30mm body tube makes it easy to mount on a wide range of rifles and with the 42mm aperture, you are guaranteed a wide visual field as well as quality image views even at 10x magnification.
Furthermore, the scope boasts a fast focus eyepiece that makes the reticle focus a walk in the park. The reticle has a floating center crosshair which makes it extremely simple to use and it is also illuminated in the center for precision shooting in low light settings.
Another feature that makes the scope stand out is its build quality. It has ruggedized aluminum housing that is water resistant for use in a wide range of weather conditions.
It also features a matte finish to help hide your position when hunting in broad daylight and fully multi-coated lenses that yield bright, sharp, and vivid images from dawn to dusk.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Focus Range: 25 yds to infinity
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 10.7 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 10 x
- Eye Relief: 88 mm, 3.5 in
- Adjustment: 0.25 MOA
- Parallax: 125 m
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 34.9 – 11 ft at 100 yds, 10.6 – 3.4 m at 100 m
What we Like
- Fast focus eyepiece for effortless reticle focusing
- Water resistant design for relentless performance
- Fully multi-coated optics optimize light transmission
- Capped .25 MOA turrets for flawless adjustments
- Side parallax adjustment
- Solid aluminum construction ensures outstanding durability
- Comfortable eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Crystal clear optics
- Suitable for a wide range of applications
Cons
- At a high magnification and longer distances, sighting error can occur if the parallax is not removed.
2) NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Hunting Rifle Scope
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The NXS 2.5-10x42mm is not just compact, lightweight, and portable, but also user-friendly. The scope packs a plethora of amazing features that help deliver outstanding performance.
The scope is a top performer at both close and long ranges. You can use the 2.5x for up close hunting in densely forested areas and then ramp up to 10x when hunting on vast plains.
This unbeatable versatility further cements the NXS 2.5-10×42 hunting scope among the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting.
Furthermore, the scope comes with an adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity to enhance your accuracy at extended ranges. The scope is optimized to deliver extraordinary performance.
The elevation and windage adjustments track accurately for a smooth operation.
With a weight of about 20.5oz, the scope can disperse recoil from heavy caliber weapons and enhance durability. It also boasts a comfortable 3.5” eye relief for added safety when hunting with high-recoiling rifles.
Best of all, it comes with a PTL knob for easy magnification adjustment and digillum reticle illumination for easy shooting in virtually all light settings. The lenses are optically indexed and fully multi-coated on all the air-to-glass surfaces for the best optical performance possible.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter:42 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 15.5 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 2.5 – 10 x
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 44 ft at 100 yds
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Parallax: 25 yds to infinity
What we Like
- Large 42mm objective lens
- Side parallax adjustment
- 5-10x magnification
- Power throw lever for quick and flawless power changes
- The second focal plane reticle is ideal for a wide range of hunting applications
- 30mm main tube allows optimal internal adjustments
- Numerous accessories included
- Light, compact and portable design
- Easy to use and
- Night vision compatible settings
Cons
- None
3) NightForce ATACR 4-16x42mm F1 Zerohold Rifle Scope
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The ATACR 4-16x42mm F1 is one of the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting at long ranges. It has a vast 4-16x magnification power suitable for medium and long-range hunting.
To complement the versatile magnification power, the scope also has a 42mm aperture that enhances the quality of the images at every zoom setting.
Furthermore, the reticle is placed in the first focal plane and is coupled with a Digillum digital illumination for precision aiming in any light setting.
Another feature that you will like about this scope is the built-in power throw lever that ensures swift magnification adjustment from any shooting position.
Construction-wise, the scope has a 34mm body tube made from aluminum. It is sturdy enough to handle any abuse and you can use it in any environment as it is water resistant.
Other handy features include fully multi-coated ED glass lenses that maximize image clarity and capped windage adjustment to prevent accidental adjustments.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 6.9 – 26.9 ft at 100 yds
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.7 – 10.3 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.35 – 3.54 in
- Adjustment Range: 60 – 89 MOA
- Parallax: 45 yds to infinity
What we Like
- DigIllum reticle illumination allows the choice between red or green reticle illumination
- 34mm main tube
- Water-resistant construction
- First focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated ED glass lenses
- Integrated power throw lever
- Capped windage adjustment
- Light and compact design
- Excellent clarity
- Robust and dependable housing
- Great glass
Cons
- Available only in First Focal Plane (FFP)
4) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 30mm Tube FFP Rifle Scope
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The SHV 4-14x50mm F1 rifle scope is a force to be reckoned with in the hunting world.
This scope is intelligently built to deliver outstanding performance. Combining superior optics and rugged construction, the scope exceeds your expectations in a hunting rifle scope.
It boasts a variable 4-14x magnification range which offers an excellent combination of a large viewing angle at close quarters and superior resolving power at higher magnifications. The wide magnification makes it a prime choice for elk hunters.
The scope boasts a 30mm main tube that is made to last. It allows for maximum adjustment for both windage and elevation as well as reticle movement.
Furthermore, the scope has an illuminated first focal plane reticle to enhance your shooting accuracy even in dismal environments.
Another hallmark that makes it one of the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting is durable construction. The scope is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that is durable yet lightweight.
SHV 4-14x50mm F1 also has a power zoom ring for swift magnification adjustment, an adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity, and a fast focus eyepiece for simple and rapid reticle focusing.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10.8 mm
- Eye Relief: 70 – 80 mm
- Magnification: 4 – 14 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Parallax: 25 yds to infinity
- First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 7.4 – 25.1 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Range: 90 – 70 MOA
What we Like
- First focal plane reticle
- 4-14x magnification
- Power zoom ring
- 50mm objective lens diameter
- LED reticle illumination
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Zero set elevation function
- Lightweight design
- Robust aluminum housing
- Perfect tracking
- Exceptional clarity
Cons
- Analog illumination
5) NightForce ATACR 4-16x50mm ZeroStop Rifle Scope
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The ATACR 4-16x50mm F1 ZeroStop Rifle Scope brings the features that you need to take your elk hunting skills a notch higher.
It is relatively simple to use and perfect for hunting in nearly any environment.
This scope is built to offer unmatched durability. It is virtually immune from recoil and rigid enough to handle any abuse you throw at it.
Additionally, it has capped windage turrets to offer added protection and prevent accidental adjustment in the field.
Another superb feature of the scope is that it incorporates multi-coated ED glass which yields bright images, superior color contrast, and exceptional low light performance.
Moreover, this model measures just 13.1 inches and weighs about 33 ounces to ensure that you carry it around with ease.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- Exit Pupil: 3.2 – 9.5 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Focus Range: 45 yds to infinity
- Field of View, Linear: 9 – 2.3 m at 100 m, 26.9 – 6.9 ft at 100 yds
- Parallax: 45 yds to infinity
What we Like
- Vast and versatile 4-16x magnification
- Capped windage turrets
- Integrated power throw lever
- Digillum digital reticle illumination
- Fast diopter adjustment
- 34mm main tube
- Multi-coated ED glass
- ZeroStop elevation technology works well
- Solid construction
- Compact and lightweight
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Expensive for the budget buyer
6) NightForce NX8 2.5-20×50 mm Rifle Scope
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As one of the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting, the NX8 2.5-20×50 can help you get the most out of your hunting expeditions. It will provide you with the best shots and ensure that hit the game accurately and ethically.
This model is made with the latest optical technology to provide brighter, crisper, and clear views of targets from sunrise to sunset.
Even better, it utilizes Digillum reticle illumination to enhance your shooting accuracy when the lighting environment is less favorable.
In terms of construction, the scope is made from aluminum which is known to maximize durability without adding any unnecessary weight.
It also boasts a standard power throw lever that helps ensure a rapid change in magnifications.
The scope also presents an accommodating eye relief and a decent visual field to enhance the rate of target acquisition.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Magnification: 2.5 – 20 x
- Parallax: 11 yds to infinity
- Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 12.2 – 2 m at 100 m
- Adjustment Range: 32 Mil Rad
What we Like
- ZeroStop technology
- First focal plane reticle
- 30mm body tube
- Adjustable parallax from 11 yards to infinity
- Vast 2.5-20x magnification range
- Crystal clear across all the magnification powers
- Digillum reticle illumination
- Decent eye relief
- Crisp clear optics
- Lightweight design
- Precise adjustment
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Expensive
7) Nightforce TS-82 20-70x Xtreme Hi-Definition Spotting Scope
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When it comes to hunting elk at long ranges in adverse environments, you can hardly go wrong with the TS-82 20-70x Xtreme Hi-Definition Spotting Scope.
It provides impeccable performance and exceptional clarity in virtually any situation.
With the broad 20-70x zoom power, the scope will help you find targets swiftly no matter the distance. At every zoom, it provides crisp and clear images for quick target identification.
Better yet, it employs a prism design that reduces eye fatigue for greater comfort during extended viewing sessions.
Furthermore, the scope boasts APO fluorite glass that provides true and brilliant image views from dawn to dusk.
It is crafted well to be virtually indestructible and has fully waterproof housing for use in any environment.
Best of all, you can use the scope for Digiscoping and with the large center focus ring, it will be comfortable to use even when you are wearing gloves.
Specifications
- Magnification: 20 – 70 x
- Eye Relief: 18 mm
- Exit Pupil: 1.17 – 4.1 mm
- Objective Lens Diameter: 82 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 48.7 – 123.1 ft at 100 yds
What we Like
- APO glass lenses
- Variable 20-70x magnification
- Quick-release bayonet mount
- 82mm objective lens
- Fully waterproof and shockproof
- The large center focus ring
- Durable and reliable make
- Ultra-sharp and clear images
- Interchangeable eyepieces
- Tack sharp resolution
Cons
- No ED Glass
Related
How to Choose the Best Nightforce Scopes for Elk Hunting
Hunting elks isn’t a task for the light-hearted. These majestic creatures are hard to find in the woods and their quick senses work to your disadvantage. To have a successful hunting expedition a great scope is mandatory.
The market is flooded with scopes and picking the right scope capable of securing a clean kill requires thorough research. Below are the key aspects to keep in mind to land a good scope for elk hunting.
Magnification
The first feature you should consider is magnification. Magnification is what brings the distant targets closer. The magnification of an elk hunting scope should match your hunting environment and hunting distance as well.
For long-range hunting, you require a high magnification of not less than 10x. On the other hand, a scope with 10x maximum magnification or less is ideal for short and medium-range hunting.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens is the other important factor you should take into account after magnification. A model with a 40mm to 50mm objective lens diameter will be ideal.
It will maximize light collection and be small enough to not make things complicated when you maneuver the field.
Weatherproof
Elks live in the mountains and the conditions in these regions can be brutal to a rifle scope. An elk hunting scope should be made to withstand the harsh conditions of the mountains.
The scope that you get should be built to be operable in the rain, fog, and different temperatures. The weather can change when you are in the field when you least expect it.
When you have a scope that is fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog resistant, you will be able to hunt confidently under any weather.
Weight
Portability is one of the most important features that the scope for elk hunting should possess. You will be moving around looking for a game.
As such, you will be carrying your hunting firearm, scope any other gear you have everywhere you go.
If the scope is heavy, it will add unnecessary weight that can interfere with the accuracy of the rifle. It will also be burdensome to carry around.
Eye Relief
You want a scope that is comfortable to shoot with at any shooting position. This is regardless of whether you put on eyeglasses or not.
With plenty of Nightforce scopes to choose from, get a unit that offers more than 3.5 inches of eye relief. It will maximize your shooting comfort when glassing for lengthy sessions and aid in rapid target acquisition.
Best Scope Mounts for Nightforce
Proper mounting of a rifle scope is imperative. It’s important for enhancing performance and also helps to maintain the scope’s integrity after firing.
To ensure your rifle scope is firmly anchored on the rifle, high-quality scope mounts are essential.
Nightforce scopes for elk hunting need to be secured solidly on your rifle platform. The NightForce UltraLight Unimount Rifle Scope Mount is the ultimate scope mount for your scope.
NightForce UltraLight Unimount Rifle Scope Mount
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This mount is designed to hold your scope in place at all times for quick deployment. It is simple to mount and quick and swift to detach as well.
The mount is built tough to provide a lifetime of precision. It is crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum and has a titanium beta series cross bolt and jaw.
It also incorporates an integrated 20 MOA taper that maximizes long-range capability and an anodized finish that makes it rust-proof and scratch resistant.
What we Like
- Anodized finish
- 7075-T6 aluminum construction
- Titanium beta series cross bolt and jaw
- Ambidextrous
- Quick and easy to mount and detach
- Works with 30mm body tube optics on any weapon platform
Cons
- Unmarked MOA mount
Nightforce Scope for Elk Hunting FAQs
Q: What Magnification is Best for Elk Hunting?
It depends on many factors such as the hunting distance, environment, individual preference, and more.
Generally, variable power scopes are the best as they offer the flexibility to pursue targets at varying ranges. A scope with 10x maximum magnification or mode will be ideal.
Q: Do Nightforce Make Good Scopes?
Yes. Nightforce scopes are some of the best scopes available out there. They offer the best ergonomics, low light performance, and versatility. These scopes are also designed to offer impeccable accuracy at long ranges.
Q: Is Nightforce Better Than Vortex?
In terms of quality, long-range precision, and ergonomics, Nightforce is way better than Vortex.
On the other hand, Vortex beats Nightforce when it comes to pricing as it offers quality scopes at affordable pricing. But both brands design their optics for durability.
Final Thoughts
We do hope that you have gained all the information you need about the best Nightforce scopes for elk hunting.
All the scopes listed above are designed and made by the same manufacturer but each is unique in its way.
No matter the scope that you end up choosing, we are hopeful that this guide has helped point you in the correct direction.
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