Binos vs. Spotting Scope

[bug_eyedmonster]

Hello All,


So I've hit a slight dilemma. I can justify buying ONE quality of the two options, but not both. I was all set on buying a 10x42 set of Swaro EL binos for hunting. I am signing up for a precision rifle class, and after speaking to the instructor, he recommends a quality spotting scope. The class will be shooting out to 700 yards, so getting a cheaper spotting scope is kind of out of the question. Where we hunt, we stalk more than sit around, usually hiking quite a bit. The weight and time to set up a spotting scope in a location seems more time consuming. What do ya'll recommend?


Jerry

[Divernhunter]

Binos. You will use them more.

[Interstateguns]

Binos

[sonofeugene]

If you're just looking for game, the binos. If you're checking targets, the spotting scope.

FYI, you can find some really fine binoculars without going to Swarovski. For instance, I've found that Pentax makes some really fine scopes. Check around. Also, and in my humble opinion, because of the magnification difference between a useable binoc (10x max usually) and a good spotting scope (60x), it makes more sense to put the extra money into a spotting scope than it does binocs.

I have a pair of 8x40 Pentax binocs that still impress me.

[brando]

Spotters tends to have much more magnification and therefore tighter FOV, so they are best employed in a static position mounted. Binos are often more compact and give you a wide stereo FOV, so they best employed for scanning.

In the Army, we would scan with binos, identify our targets and then use a spotting scope to call the shots. Unless you're shooting inside of 300m, its difficult to do that with the average set of binos. And it's often difficult to scan with a spotter.

[Sleighter]

If you really want to be impressed with a pair of binos without spending over $1k, then look at sightron. They are AWESOME.

[bug_eyedmonster]

Spotters tends to have much more magnification and therefore tighter FOV, so they are best employed in a static position mounted. Binos are often more compact and give you a wide stereo FOV, so they best employed for scanning.

In the Army, we would scan with binos, identify our targets and then use a spotting scope to call the shots. Unless you're shooting inside of 300m, its difficult to do that with the average set of binos. And it's often difficult to scan with a spotter.

This is what I have been thinking as well. With the little experience I have with a spotting scope, I don't see how it would apply to hunting in California, or at least where I hunt. The Swaros I'm trying to get a used, so they aren't as bad as you would think. Spotting scopes seem like such a specific-task type item, binos are a bit more versatile from what I've gathered...


Jerry

[OpticsPlanet]

10x is about the limit for handheld, non supported, non-image stabilized binoculars. As long as your binoculars can be tripod mounted, you're good for a higher magnification binocular.

I agree with Sleighter on the Sightron products.

Mark H.

[bug_eyedmonster]

10x is about the limit for handheld, non supported, non-image stabilized binoculars. As long as your binoculars can be tripod mounted, you're good for a higher magnification binocular.

I agree with Sleighter on the Sightron products.

Mark H.

Hello Mark,


Any word on the new Trijicon binos? How does the Sightron compare to Vortex Razor HD?


Jerry