I used 11x45's. and carry a lightweight spotter. 15's are just too much for me. The problem with 15's is if you have to scan something like 200yds away its going to be almost impossible. Honestly, if you're under 500yds 15's might be too much. I'd run some 10-12's and invest in a lightweight...
Idk about elk, but that Muley in your profile pic is a stud. I realize you might not have shot him, but he's still a fantastic animal.
Also, a 360 bull is nothing to sneeze at no matter when he was killed. Congrats.
You can hunt ibex in Tajikistan for around 10k. Highest mtn range in the world. I was only a couple hundred miles from Mt Everest. The mtn behind me is 26k. If you're really looking for a special hunt I would do something like that. It's an unreal experience.
I bought a pair of B.2 11x45's a couple of years ago. I have been nothing but impressed with these binos. They are absolutely fantastic. I'm not sure if I'm super hard on gear or if I just hunt a lot and it gets a ton of use, but my stuff has to work. Garbage gear comes out of the pack and goes...