Elk are not a particularly small target - a 4x would likely be adequate for most situations although I do like a bit more magnification so have gravitated toward Leupolds 2.5 - 8 - they are light, trim and rugged. I suspect a larger problem than low scope power would be excessive scope weight. Carrying exessive scope weight around in steep, challenging country leads to quicker fatigue which leads to less effective hunting. I have never understood the need some feel to pack around a Hubble equivalent when a trim, light, high quality scope will be plenty adequate in virtually all situations where a shot is justified.
Compare the weight of a Swaro Z3 4-12x50 with that of a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40. You might be surprised and it is slimmer then most any 50mm on the market,
