Binoculars vs Spotting Scope?

[BerettaNut92]

For a while I was going to buy a spotting scope but I just rent them now at the range for a few bucks.

Looking at the precision rifle courses on the 'net (ITTS, Gunsite, Thunder Ranch), all of them say to bring binoculars, except for one that says binocs or spotting scope.

Any reason to have one over the other; does one or the other lend itself more to certain applications?

 

[uglymofo]

Typically, a scope is anchored to a stand, and is much more steady. Binoculars are generally hand-held (and lighter, smaller, and more portable) and fit pistol applications well enough, but for LR rifle, a scope is the only way to go (because of the base; and generally better optics at higher powers), unless one has the green and wants to spring for binocular of the same power and quality plus a stand. As an example, a Leica Televid 77mm Angled Body w/ 20x60 lens will sell for ~$1100. Stand is extra. I shudder to think what a comparable binocular would cost. There are those few who use two scopes and mount them on a stand to comprise a set of "Big Eyes". Alternatively, I've heard that some folks use celestial telescopes, but I dunno anyone who does.

 

[craigz]

Generally speaking, if you're shooting at the range, a scope is more useful; if you're shooting in the field, binoculars would be better. Binoculars are meant for relatively low power (8-10x, max) scanning of large areas. Any more magnification and you need a rest of some kind to hold them still enough to see anything. Think of the binos as an extension of your rifle scope; approximately the same magnification, but with a wider field of view, greater mobility, and better depth perception. A spotting scope provides more magnification (often much more), enabling you to identify targets more precisely and see the results of your shots. A spotting scope is also better for reading mirage and wind conditions at long distances. You can never go wrong having a good pair of binos around, but for serious long range rifle shooting, you need a spotting scope.

And as with all optics, don't waste your money on cheap crap.

 

[BerettaNut92]

I was thinking a pair of 8 or 9 or 10 powered Swarovski or Leupold COMPACT binocs. I have no use for something that takes up as much room as a spotting scope. Right now I'm shooting irons at 100 yards, will move to 200.

So for general purpose (travel, concerts, irons out to 200 yards) I take it the Swarovskis will be more than good enough?

 

[Dave Markowitz]

If you are going to be shooting at 100 yards or more, get a spotting scope. To see bullet holes at that distance you need quality optics with not just high magnification, but also good resolution. E.g., DON'T buy a cheap 45x scope, because the image with be fuzzy and you won't be able to make out .30 caliber holes at 200 yards. You'd be better off with a higher quality 20x scope that has better resolution.

 

[Doc]

Skunky:

craig is correct

...if you're shooting at the range, a scope is more useful; if you're shooting in the field, binoculars would be better. Binoculars...scanning of large areas. A spotting scope provides more magnification...see the results of your shots.

and thereby see the relatively small holes in the paper.

actually you need both, in time.

i had binocs for a long time before a spotting scope
my binos are the Swaro's 8x32, they are great.
i recently got a pair of wind rivers 8x32 as a gift and they are quite nice also.

a good spotting scope is available at lots fof sources (natchez, gander mtn, etc)
you can pick u a good 20-50x spotting scope for ca. $100
IMHO, you don't need to spend $1000+ on swaro quality spotting scopes.

as far as the rifle courses, take binos and a spotting scope. You will use the binos more, but in Precision Rifle when shooting from fixed positions a spotting scope will be necessary

Doc

 

[Steve Smith]

A good spotting scope will resolve mirage much better than a set of binocs, and will also be much more stable as it will be mounted to a stand. However, it would be a pain to carry in the field for long.


BTW, don't be fooled into thinking you need more power. High powered scopes can be overwhelmed with mirage. For example, most HP shooters almost exclusively use 25 to 27 power scopes.

Search the Competition section for "Spotting Scope" for a recent test of a few popular models.

 

[Jaywalker]

Birders, formerly known as "birwatchers," have really pushed the optics industry to improve their products over the last 10 years or so. Better View Desired is the web standard for binocular and spotting scope testing in every reasonable price range. Great site.

Jaywalker

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

here is what I find:
for target shooting my kowa 27x 821 80mm 45 degree angle is alot of scope and even their 60 mm series is really not much of a difference.

I also have a unertl 60 mm 24x 1950's era target spotting scope and it is a great scope and it is not the military snipers verson it is a full size with great optics scope.

now as far as bino's go you can spend big bucks here also.
my current bino's are nikon compacts that I replaced my m24 pioneers by stiener with and sorry I ever did that those were the curent issue special forces compacts and they were great with the laser shield in them.
for the big bino's I use the military issue stiener m22's in 8x50.
they are some great bino's and have some big advantages over the civi. military marine ones that look like them. but it is hard to do a few things with them like bullet traces as with the grids built into them the lines get in the way and with the coated lenses you can not see the mirage like you would want. bur for what they were designed for they are hard to beat.
I will take them to th eline when I do clinics as it makes it easier to let the students look at their groups without leaving the line as my spotting scope is used for scoring back a little further.

 

[winwun]

Being able to see with BOTH eyes greatly enhances your picture.

The use of BI-ocular devices (that means something that lets you look with both eyes. Sort of like binoculars) lets you see with much greater clarity and depth.

While a target is essentially a flat plane, looking with both eyes requires much less power for adequate viewing than looking through a single-barreled scope.

I have a super nice Leupold 20 X, but rather than go to the hassle of setting it up, I just use some old Nikon 10 X 25's and really, though they are half the power, being able to use BOTH eyes I seem to be able to better see the target, and after all, isn't that what it's all about ? ?

I just got my new Graf & Sons catalog, and they have some brand I never heard of (China strikes again !) of 10 X 25's for $11.95 a pair.

Since I am a binocular and optic freak, and only have 4 scopes and 23 pair of binocs, I thought I would order a couple of pair of these cheapies.

I have found that cheap doesn't necessarily mean inferior, nor does pricey indicate in all cases superior quality.

For the money, what can I lose ? I intend to give one pair to a buddy of mine that refuses to use a scope at the range and instead holds up everyone while he walks out to the 25 yard line to check his target about every 10 or 12 shots.

 

[Steve Smith]

Moving to Accessories.