Before I buy spotting scope...

[TimActual]

Hello,
After reading an article by Chuck Taylor, I am looking to purchase the following to use as a spotting scope, (on a tripod).
Steiner Military 20x80 Senator Binocular

I am interested in knowing if any of you have had any experience with these, or may own a pair where you could comment on how you like or dislike them. Mr. Taylor advised that one of the reasons that he likes them is you get a better sense of depth perception with a binocular. As they are pretty expensive I thought I'd ask ya all what you think about them, if you have had the opportunity to use them before . The article as a whole was about long range shooting and I felt that the guy knows his stuff.

I'm shooting .308 and of course wanting to reach out there as far as possible, along with a partner to spot for me.

Thanks for your thoughts.

T.

 

[bh-ltr]

When it comes to a long range field observation device for shooting I don't really think that additional depth perception is all that valuable. When you're trying to spot live targets then its a bit more valuable. That being said I would require a reticle in any spotting device to be used for long range shooting. I also prefer the ability to zoom preferably with a first focal plane reticle. However I'd give up zoom for a reticle if I had to choose between the two.

~Brett

 

[bh-ltr]

On second thought I do see value in depth perception as its helpful in spotting trace. However that being said a reticle is much more important to me.

 

[bobtodrick]

Actually I've read that at anything beyond 100-200 yds the spotting scope is better for detecting mirage. The increased magnification one usually gets with a spotting scope outweighs the depth perception of the bino's, which tends to be minimal at longer ranges. (for this, nothing beats a rangefinder).
I look at it this way...military users tend to have liberal budgets and buy what best suited.
They (the spotters) pretty much all use scopes.
Gotta be something to that.
I'd research this well...as you say the bino's you're looking at are pretty darn pricey.