If you're going outfitted, I do not see a need for investing a ton of money into a spotting scope. Your guide will have one available. I have a Meopta 82mm spotter and It almost always gets left at camp or in the truck due to the size & weight. And if you get the spotter, you're going to want to spend another $500 on a quality tripod and head to attach it...
Your 8x's should treat you well, elk are usually not hard to dredge up. Bull's have a certain blonde color to them at that time of year that really pops out.
