The Takeaway:
1. Our Pick: Carson 3D Series TD-842ED-P HD Binoculars
2. Runner-Up: Nikon Prostaff 7S 16004 Full-Sized Binoculars
3. Also Great: Bushnell Infinity 611045 Binoculars
Finding the right binoculars with the durability and power needed when hunting elk can be difficult. The market is flooded with low-cost and low-quality binoculars that seem like they could maybe do the job but only fog up or produce blurry double images when you need them most. In looking for the best binoculars for elk hunting, we looked at a number of options, narrowing it down to these four contenders.
Our number one pick was Carson 3D Series HD Camouflaged Binoculars, but take a look at all four of these and compare the features for yourself and see if you can’t figure out why these were our choice for the best binoculars for hunting elk specifically.
Our Pick: Carson 3D Series TD-842ED-P HD Binoculars
These binoculars were designed specifically with the hunter in mind. Built with the durability needed out in the field, these rugged binoculars feature rubber armor, O-ring seals, and a nitrogen-purged body, making it fully waterproof, fog proof, and shock resistant. This model comes in Mossy Oak camouflage to match the rest of your gear and help you blend in when spying on that elk on the next ridge over.
The fully multi-coated lenses also have an HD coating and are made of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. This combination protects against dust and scratches and provides you with the clearest and brightest image possible. These hunting binoculars have a magnification of 10x and 42mm objective lenses with a FOV (field of view) of 314 feet at 1000 yards.
These are a powerful set of full-sized binoculars that are loaded with features while still being a lightweight 1.45 pounds -perfect for hiking across the forested mountains in search of trophy elk. These hunting binoculars also come with a high-quality Bino Armor deluxe carrying case, neck strap, shoulder harness, and lens cloth and come backed with a full warranty.
Color Variants of Carson 3D
Runner-Up: Nikon Prostaff 7S 16004 Full-Sized Binoculars
These sleek binoculars have a clean, ergonomic design to provide comfort out in the field. With a magnification of 10x, 42mm objective lenses, and fully multi-coated high-resolution optics, these rugged binoculars have what it takes to withstand the demands of the hunt. The fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant rubber-armored ATB body also features lead and arsenic-free Eco glass.
Backed by Nikon’s 25-year no-fault warranty, these hunting binoculars feature an impressive roof prism with a highly reflective phase-correction aluminum coating, making it one of the best binoculars for hunting elk. This builds off of the high-quality lenses to provide bright and crisp images regardless of where and when you are hunting.
At just under seven inches long and weighing less than a pound, these APG camo binoculars are perfect for elk hunting as they won’t weigh you down while getting to where the elk are or while tracking your trophy after making the shot. Also included are a travel case, adjustable neck strap, and lens covers attached to the strap.
Also Great: Bushnell Infinity 611045 Binoculars
With a name like Bushnell backing these binoculars, you know they are made to withstand the rigors that hunting in the wilderness dishes out and are part of what makes big game hunting so memorable. These hunting binoculars are a bit heavier at just under three pounds but feature Bushnell’s patented Rain Guard technology that makes water droplets bead up at a near-microscopic size, affording you a clear view despite the weather.
The fully multi-coated optics also features XTR technology and a PC-3 phase coating to provide optimum brightness, contrast, and clarity as well as maximum light transmission that is aided by the 45mm objective lenses. The BK-4 roof prism also features an SHR (super high resolution) coating. These binoculars for hunting are fully waterproof, fog proof, dustproof, and shock resistant.
Other Products to Consider
Steiner Optik 536 Military R SUMR Binoculars
These binoculars for hunting have a magnification of 10x and feature wide 50mm objective lenses and HD (high definition) optics by renowned German manufacturer Steiner Optik. These rugged binoculars are ideal for open terrain, desert, and mountainous terrain -all of which you may traverse, in some locations, while tracking your next elk- and are waterproof to a depth of sixteen feet.
These military-grade binoculars also feature the SUMR targeting reticle system, allowing you to gauge the distance to your target and heighten your accuracy. The FOV of 328 feet at 1000 yards allows you to get a good view of what’s in the area with high-quality, crisp, bright optics to provide plenty of detail of what you’re looking at.
While these are pricier, high-end binoculars, their high performance, quality optics, and rugged construction make them perfect for your next big hunt. At just over eight inches long and a touch more than two pounds in weight, these binoculars will offer plenty of performance for years to come without holding you back with bulky size and weight. Also included are eye caps and a fixed neck strap.
What are the best Binoculars for elk hunting 2024?
As you can see, these four binoculars are loaded with the features you need the most, specifically if you’re searching for the best binoculars for elk hunting: durability and ruggedness, crystal clear optics, and lightweight. We were torn between the Carson 3D Series HD and the Bushnell Infinity (Bushnell Rain Guard technology is just awesome). Still, in the end, the superior optics of Carson 3D Series HD and lightweight made the difference. Plus, we’re a sucker for that Mossy Oak camouflage and rugged carrying case.
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