Binoculars or Spotting Scopes?
- Thread starter Smis Five Creedmoor
- Start date
Spotting scope for the range , no question.
I tend to use both when setting up for long range in hunting situations but always have my Leicas with me when still hunting
Cat
OkayShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Why not both? Not like spotting scopes are too expensive. Smaller caliber the extra power is useful
I just bought a Bushnell Spacemaster 2 15-45x60 for 100$
I just bought a Bushnell Spacemaster 2 15-45x60 for 100$
For the shooting range, I would suggest a good spotting scope with a solid tripod base. The 40x spotting scope on a good base will see bullet holes on target significantly further than a 15x binocular.
That said, a 15x binocular (again a solid base of a tripod would be recommended). Will see 30 cal bullet holes pretty good out to about 300yds. Because you are using both eyes, typically people see better resolution with a binocular of somewhat lesser magnification than a spotting scope. A good binocular would be far handier for other activities like hunting, hiking, scouting, etc.
No matter what you decide, buy good quality, brand name glass and enjoy the view.
That said, a 15x binocular (again a solid base of a tripod would be recommended). Will see 30 cal bullet holes pretty good out to about 300yds. Because you are using both eyes, typically people see better resolution with a binocular of somewhat lesser magnification than a spotting scope. A good binocular would be far handier for other activities like hunting, hiking, scouting, etc.
No matter what you decide, buy good quality, brand name glass and enjoy the view.
Nothing like a nice spotter and phone adapter to video your range time. Way easier than just a spotter!
Use a kowa with the doubler for range time. When hunting the doubler comes off to get better width of view.
A nice tripod and compared to optics a mag view adapter is cheap. Great way to watch your range time, and can always delete after if not necessary.
Like I said I record my range time, and then can sit at home and asses the targets, add speed data, environmental etc right onto the targets. Then file them.
Use a kowa with the doubler for range time. When hunting the doubler comes off to get better width of view.
A nice tripod and compared to optics a mag view adapter is cheap. Great way to watch your range time, and can always delete after if not necessary.
Like I said I record my range time, and then can sit at home and asses the targets, add speed data, environmental etc right onto the targets. Then file them.
Only used binos at range when I was too lazy or had too much stuff to haul the scope and tripod. I used a short tripod and angled scope close on the bench so that I could keep my shooting set up steady and just move my head slightly to the scope eye piece. That’s when I wanted to do picky shooting, others would be less inclined for this which is why I purchased a phone adapter for my scope for a bigger picture and potential recording.
I don’t end up using binoculars at the range much but they’re great for birding and wild life where the scope is the back up.
Invest in a good tripod with a good head and it will be worth it.
Enjoy!
I don’t end up using binoculars at the range much but they’re great for birding and wild life where the scope is the back up.
Invest in a good tripod with a good head and it will be worth it.
Enjoy!
I don't really think this is a buy one or the other question. A spotting scope would be horrible in the field, and bino's would only be moderately useful at the range. If it were me, I'd decide which activity is more important to me, hunting or range time, and buy that one first. Then buy the other when available $$ allow.
Its all about the right tool for the job.
I find my 10x50 Nikons too heavy and too much magnification for bush hunting here in BC. I used my Dad's old wide angle 7x35 Tasco until the collimation went. Now I have 8x Vortex.
350tracker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Interlake Manitoba
I just purchased a used set of Nikon Monarch 12 x 42 and work very well. Nice and light and easy to use.
Couple of quick thoughts … for the range an angled spotting scope is generally more practical and is often more desirable even for field use.
Binoculars for hunting (unless you like sitting in a stand) need to be light weight also there are two purposes for binos when hunting … either to find game or to study it.
If you want to ‘find’ something then you need to understand ‘why things are seen’ … and the three reasons folks ‘see’ (detect) things in the field are: shape; colour; or movement.
You improve your chances of observing this if your optic has a wide field of view as opposed to a high magnification. That is why a highly underrated option are 6x,30 binos … light weight and wide field of view comparatively. Plus they are easier to use over a prolonged period of time.
During WW11 6x,30 binos were a standard issue for German infantry and 6x or 7x were very common with Allied infantry…. For a very practical reason.
Usually people will read the above and immediately go out and purchase a 10x or 12x binocular … its your money but I strongly suggest for hunting purpose at least try a lower power and consider the advantages of weight and FOV
Binoculars for hunting (unless you like sitting in a stand) need to be light weight also there are two purposes for binos when hunting … either to find game or to study it.
If you want to ‘find’ something then you need to understand ‘why things are seen’ … and the three reasons folks ‘see’ (detect) things in the field are: shape; colour; or movement.
You improve your chances of observing this if your optic has a wide field of view as opposed to a high magnification. That is why a highly underrated option are 6x,30 binos … light weight and wide field of view comparatively. Plus they are easier to use over a prolonged period of time.
During WW11 6x,30 binos were a standard issue for German infantry and 6x or 7x were very common with Allied infantry…. For a very practical reason.
Usually people will read the above and immediately go out and purchase a 10x or 12x binocular … its your money but I strongly suggest for hunting purpose at least try a lower power and consider the advantages of weight and FOV
- Location
- Delta B.C.
Unless your talking about specialty bino's with built in gear.. this question doesn't make sense. Spotting scope all day every day.
This is the advantage to the Bino...
