spotting scopes vs binoculars

[Paperchasin]

I have a decent spotting scope that I use once in a while to zero optics... I don't shoot that far that I'd need to use the spotting scope that often. Wondering if I should ditch the spotting scope for some binoculars. I feel that some binos might be more versatile. Thoughts?

[Jimi Jah]

Binoculars are good to about 100 yards. The hand wobble will not let you see clearly past that. 100 yards, ok, past 100, spotting scope.

[Richt]

I use the Bullseye Camera system. There are several models from 300 yards up to 1000 yards and will transmit to a phone, tablet or computer in HD. They also can record your shots for review later. They work great and I am a local dealer for them in San jose, CA I will also include a 2 year replacement warranty for any unit purchased from me if they mention they saw this on the Calguns forum.

2-year Downrange Protection Plan Limited Warranty will replace
or repair any of the Bullseye Camera System down range equipment even
if the equipment is damaged during use, even if the damage is caused
by a projectile, for a period of 24 months after the date of your purchase.

Contact me at info@tekline.com

[Jeff213]

There was a deal on some good bushnell elite 7x binoculars in the deals and sales section. I like my leupold yosemite 6x, although sometimes I wish I got the 8x yosemite instead.

[sonofeugene]

Binocs are usually only good to about 10 power before you get so much jiggle that you need a tripod or something. At 100 yards, that's like looking at a target 30 feet away just using your eyes.....and someone shaking your shoulder trying to get your attention. You can find higher magnification binocs, but you're going to need a tripod. For me, a spotting scope is way, way better than the best binocs.

[Paperchasin]

Appreciate the input guys .

[sonofeugene]

Oh, and check out Pentax for both binocs and spotting scopes. Their spotting scoopes rival and even beat the offerings from Zeiss, Swarovski, etc., for 1/3 the price. And their binocs are top notch for not much money. Every time I look at other brands, I keep coming back to Pentax.

And if you get a Pentax spotting scope, they're designed to take the super large objectives used in astronomy scopes of which there are dozens of manufacturers. The 20-60 zoom on their scope is great, but you can get a fixed objective to go even higher and end up with a spectacular image.

http://betterviewdesired.com/Pentax-80mm-Ed-Spotting-Scope.php

http://www.optics4birding.com/pentax-pf-65edii-scope-review.aspx

http://www.6mmbr.com/spotterreview.html

[mikeyr]

That bullseye system mentioned above though seems much less expensive than a good spotting scope. I have a cheap scope (and I am well aware you get what you pay for) and even on a tripod the wiggle makes it unusable at 100 yards, I would imagine even a good scope would have that wiggle but the glass quality might make up for it. My scope is useless at 100yards (like I said it was cheap and it was also free to me) I am thinking technology might be better for shooting at a range although I would be afraid of it getting hit by bullets.

[23's Dad]

A good stand makes all the difference!

That bullseye system mentioned above though seems much less expensive than a good spotting scope. I have a cheap scope (and I am well aware you get what you pay for) and even on a tripod the wiggle makes it unusable at 100 yards, I would imagine even a good scope would have that wiggle but the glass quality might make up for it. My scope is useless at 100yards (like I said it was cheap and it was also free to me) I am thinking technology might be better for shooting at a range although I would be afraid of it getting hit by bullets.

A good stand will make a cheap scope useable and a quality scope will become great. I just upgraded a 5/8" Freeland stand (very serviceable but somewhat subject to vibration) to the Gearbuggy. It was like I attached my Kowa to a telephone pole. The right stand eliminates alot of the wiggles. Now I can tell what is mirage, and what (was) vibration!!!

[Paperchasin]

I am using a tri-pod that I bought for my DSLR setup. Its been working great. I was just curious about binoculars because I don't own a pair and needed an excuse to buy some.

[JMP]

Binoculars are more for scanning where the spotting scope is for a more focused viewing. If you are looking for a use for binoculars, you probably do not need them (and vice versa with a spotting scope). Some people couple their binocular needs with a ranging device as they are commonly 7x--that eliminates the need for one instrument.

[Paperchasin]

Binoculars are more for scanning where the spotting scope is for a more focused viewing. If you are looking for a use for binoculars, you probably do not need them (and vice versa with a spotting scope). Some people couple their binocular needs with a ranging device as they are commonly 7x--that eliminates the need for one instrument.

Thats exactly what I was thinking as well. I only pull out my spotting scope whenever I need to zero in a new optic or help friends zero in their optics. But once thats done, it sits there not being used. I just don't shoot far enough to need to use it more frequently.

[bluzman]

Since I'm always shooting at 100yds or less at the range, I found these work well.

Nikon Action EX 8x40 CF

http://www.nikon.com/products/sportoptics/lineup/binoculars/standard/ex_x35x40x50/spec.htm

[sonofeugene]

That bullseye system mentioned above though seems much less expensive than a good spotting scope. I have a cheap scope (and I am well aware you get what you pay for) and even on a tripod the wiggle makes it unusable at 100 yards, I would imagine even a good scope would have that wiggle but the glass quality might make up for it. My scope is useless at 100yards (like I said it was cheap and it was also free to me) I am thinking technology might be better for shooting at a range although I would be afraid of it getting hit by bullets.

Check this thread out: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1146280

Scroll down to post number 37 to see what I made for my scope. Very stable.

[tonyxcom]

I use one of these for my Vortex spotting scope.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DRA4BLY?keywords=mefoto&qid=1456340872&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4

Folds up nice and small, it very stable and works for both bench and prone.