Binoculars for spotting

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Hi all,
I am getting into Long range shooting and competitions. Will I be able to spot splashes in a berm with good 12x binoculars at 1000 yards? Or do I need more magnification? I know a spotting scope offers the magnification, but I am trying to avoid the size / weight of a spotting scope.
Thanks,
Bang

 

[MilDot1960]

1k would be stretching it a bit, for that sort of range I use my spotters set to about 22x, Some days if you crank it up all you will see is mirage so about 22x is a happy medium, 2 of my scopes start at 12x and one goes up to 36x and the other goes up to 40x, I could run them higher but I like the field of view at 22x.

So to answer your question is "No" 12x would not be enough,

hope that helps.

John.

 

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Thanks John

 

[Sheldon N]

12x binos will be tough spotting misses in a dirt berm, assuming wet dirt. Might make it work depending on how much movement there is. Dry dirt where dust gets kicked up I think it would work fine. I looked at the 12x50 Razors as a possible option, good glass and still pretty light. Swaro EL 12x50's would be great too, but not cheap.

You'd need to have the binos on a steady tripod with a good mount.Can't emphasize enough the difference between hand held and tripod mounted binos. If you're thinking of spotting with them you really need them locked down solid. Hand held would not be possible IMO at 1k yards.

I ultimately ended up with a set of Swaro 15x56 HD's on an Outdoorsmans tripod mount on a sturdy Gitzo CF tripod. Very viable alternative to a spotting scope for spotting out to 1000+ yards, really stunning optics. A bit on the heavy side but I think they're worth packing around for competitions and range days.

As far as spotter vs bino, a good rule of thumb is that assuming good binos on a tripod (and good eyesight) you can see a level of detail that is roughly twice the magnification equivalent on a spotter. My 15x56's are about like looking through 30x on a spotter.

 

[MilDot1960]

Thanks John

Your welcome,

One thing to remember is that high powered Bino's are a devil of a thing to hold still, So it does not matter if you use 12 or 15 or 20x bino's they will have to be mounted on a tripod, 10x is about the limit that most people can hold still enough were as 7x or 8x are about the best for general glassing,

Spotters are made to do the job your after, Yes it can be done with Bino's but that is not the route I would go,

John.

 

[Kopfjager1]

Just to be the devils advocate, Ive spotted for a friend out to 900m +/-10m, close to a grand; with 10x binos in the sitting position using the inside of my knees as support. I was able to make accurate wind calls, see impacts and vapor, which I was able to see vapor through the entire FOV, unlike only being able to see it after its max ord. (last 1/3 to 1/4 of its trajectory) in most spotters Ive used. And you get less eye fatigue after long periods of observing, whether its from trying to keep one eye closed to look through a spotting scope, or seeing 2 different images, one non magnified and the other magnified.

That being said, 10x or 12x binos are pretty limited to what they can do, some dont have the capability to mount to a tripod unless you use a rest or a HOG Saddle to clamp it, youre unable to zoom in to see actual precise impacts on steel (most binos at least, unless you get variable power binos, I have never used them), and you can barely see impacts at 200-300 on paper.

Image stabilizing binos are awesome for spotting, even more so with a tripod as it wont pick up the small, but visual vibrations from the wind. Unfortunately theyre quite expensive.

Trying to spot impacts for short periods of time, or observe mirage right before you shoot, Id rather have a spotting scope, spotting for a group of people on steel targets for longer periods of time, Id rather have binos in the 12 to 20 magnification range.

Also, food for thought, it can be more difficult to get on target or find the object youre going to observe with an angled spotting scope versus straight spotting scope scope or binos.

 

[BANG...ping]

Thanks everyone for the great responses. I asked about 1 k because that is generally the longest distance I shoot at a match. Most of the shots are 400 - 700. Bino's should be good for wind calls at those distances. I used a friend's Vortex spotting scope over the weekend (20-60) and the glass is great but it is big and would be tough to lug around a match all day. I'm thinking that good binoculars on a good tripod may be the best option for spotting dust splashes / mirage at intermediate ranges. Great info guys.

Thanks,
Bang.

 

[hondo1312]

For steel targets in matches, I've transitioned to using 10x42 Leicas mounted on a tripod. I haven't had any issues spotting hits on steel out to 1000. Out to 1400 is doable most of the time. I've found the binos much easier on my eyes and the wider FOV is greatly appreciated.

 

[JayOpticspecialist]

at the grind last year, the SLC 15x56 was at pretty much every station iirc. best way to go for spotting.

 

[DetroitRearView]

I just Ro'd a match for 6 hours straight and used my Swaro 15x56 SLC HD and it was fabulous...that being said, this will be the real game changer in the spotting field: https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...devices/6367046-swarovski-btx-bino-attachment

 

[Sheldon N]

I just Ro'd a match for 6 hours straight and used my Swaro 15x56 SLC HD and it was fabulous...that being said, this will be the real game changer in the spotting field: https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...devices/6367046-swarovski-btx-bino-attachment

Well I'll just say... go big or go home!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/co...&c3api=1876,{creative},{keyword}&Q=&A=details

 

[DetroitRearView]

The Kowa combo, nice alright @ 17#; however I pack in quite a distance into the backcountry @8-11000', so I sold my spotter and the 15's and have the BTX/65MM/85MM combo on order. 10x42's for general glassing and the BTX my LR glassing.

 

[Sheldon N]

Nice, that does look like a killer setup. I'd want a sherpa if I had those giant Kowas.

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Contrary to popular belief with 12x binos you shouldn't have a problem spotting impacts or misses. I use 8x 300$ binos and have terrible vision and have no problem seeing impacts or misses on a berm at 1050. I have used 8x binos to spot 6.5 impacts and misses as far as 1320 yards. Its it the best for the job, absolutely not. I find that 8-12x is perfect for PRS type stuff. It gives a large field of view to find targets and also get good wind calls.
I use my binos in a pigsaddle and have the RRS TA-U-LC. Makes quick and easy work for finding or changing targets or switching over to using my bolt gun on the tripod.

I think the only time you'll have issues is guys shooting .223's, or slow 6's. 6.5's and 30's tend to move some material (dirt or splash on the target).

 

[sandwarrior]

Quality of the binos here is almost everything. The other component is how well you can keep them still. That's on a dirt backdrop where you can see splashes. I've spotted with my Steiner 15X's but been unable to with my Nikon 10-22X.

In wet dirt, it's often hard to spot misses no matter what. Especially in a berm, as the dirt doesn't kick up so readily and you can see a "splash". The bullet just goes straight in. If it's angled or flat enough, dirt will kick up. Again though, it's harder to see as nothing hangs in the air. Dry dirt is easiest and you can spot with anything decent. Easy to do out here in the West. Not so easy where the country gets more rainfall and dew.

I recommend getting a tripod with a bino adapter. That way you can use either bino's or a spotting scope. But, it gives you something to stabilize the optic much better. Short of doing that, take a pack with you and get proficient at using it or another object to stabilize your optic. I've used blankets, folded up gun carrying cases, sandbags, the top of your rifle scope on a bipod. It doesn't matter as long as you can get it stable.

 

[EternusVigilantia]

Binos are great for spotting game and movement. Looking to see splash at 1000 yards is going to be dificult if not impossible for most eyes at 12x. JMHO.

 

[Lofty]

I have a pair of 15x56 Swaro SLC's.

They are the best piece of shooting gear I have added to my kit in years. Spotting out to 1000 and past is no problem. I was at a match a few weeks back that I was the only one that could pick up hits on a target at 1100 yards because of wind and rain.

They are absolute money. The visual quality and depth of field is unparalleled. Use them once and you will not go back to anything else.

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Binos are great for spotting game and movement. Looking to see splash at 1000 yards is going to be dificult if not impossible for most eyes at 12x. JMHO.

I've spent a ton of time on 8x binos spotting as far as 1320 and never had an issue seeing most impacts or misses in berms or without. My eyes are terrible and I don't have an issue seeing impacts/splash. Quality of glass is going to make a big difference. My binos are nothing special, some Leica 10x's would be perfect for the PRS world. Many others have used mine at matches to spot without issue. Just gotta know what to look for.

 

[wahootwo]

Why not spot with your rifle scope? Not as comfortable as a spotting scope, but still usable. Easier to hold still than a pair of binos (though I've seen guys mount their binos on tripods).

 

[Lofty]

Why not spot with your rifle scope? Not as comfortable as a spotting scope, but still usable. Easier to hold still than a pair of binos (though I've seen guys mount their binos on tripods).

Because you dont get close to the field of view of a good pair of binos, nor is the clarity and detail even in the same ballpark.

 

[icu812]

Ive been using a 27-60 vortex razor for a year or so. My last two matches I've been able to put some time in with a pair of Swaro 15x56 slc's. I couldnt believe how much more comfortable they were to sit behind for extended periods. The razor is nice but I get eye fatigue pretty quickly when im using it. I made the decision after my last outing a couple weeks ago to make the switch. The slc's are just so comfortable to sit behind and the clarity and extra field of view are awsome for seeing bullet trace and impacts.

 

[Mopar man]

cannon image stabilizing 18x works great you can see trace like no other