Spotter or Binos?
- Thread starter Hawk45
- Start date
Re: Spotter or Binos?
What circusmstances will you be using the spotter or binos? Range only? Hunting? Dragging it around in the field? What specific targets will you be spotting (i.e. - deer, etc. sized animals or trying to spot tiny holes in paper, etc., etc.)? What's your budget when you "upgrade?"
What circusmstances will you be using the spotter or binos? Range only? Hunting? Dragging it around in the field? What specific targets will you be spotting (i.e. - deer, etc. sized animals or trying to spot tiny holes in paper, etc., etc.)? What's your budget when you "upgrade?"
Re: Spotter or Binos?
Both have their place. If mainly for the range, a spotter shines since it's used on a tripod and much more steady. Another plus is your magnification range is usually much larger.
Before I bought my Vortex Razor scope, I just used my 10X binos at the range. Even at 100 yds I personally had a hell of a time seeing the bullet holes.
Both have their place out hunting. It all depends on they type of terrain you operate in. Do you set up in a tree stand and glass just in the woods, or are you humping around in the wide open spaces glassing way out there?
What do you want to carry when out hunting, that will determine if you want to take a scope & tripod along in a pack or does it just work better to have a pair of binos around your neck.
I like the scope for the range, and in my truck while out spotting. The binos go along when I'm out on foot most of time time. I can honestly say I like and use both.
Both have their place. If mainly for the range, a spotter shines since it's used on a tripod and much more steady. Another plus is your magnification range is usually much larger.
Before I bought my Vortex Razor scope, I just used my 10X binos at the range. Even at 100 yds I personally had a hell of a time seeing the bullet holes.
Both have their place out hunting. It all depends on they type of terrain you operate in. Do you set up in a tree stand and glass just in the woods, or are you humping around in the wide open spaces glassing way out there?
What do you want to carry when out hunting, that will determine if you want to take a scope & tripod along in a pack or does it just work better to have a pair of binos around your neck.
I like the scope for the range, and in my truck while out spotting. The binos go along when I'm out on foot most of time time. I can honestly say I like and use both.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
Based on primarily needing a range optic for spotting hits on targets (paper and steel) out to a max range of 600yds...I'd stick with a spotting scope personally.
Binos are great for general observation and viewing hits on paper targets at closer ranges (and even on steel at somewhat longer ranges). They are also excellent given their size/weight for ease of transport/humping them around the woods and up/down mountainsides while hunting, etc. However, for your purposes, I think a spotter would serve you better. This is based on several factors, but primarily one of magnification, optical quality, and stability which all improve the quality of the image you'll attain at longer distances. Even the best binos, including the higher end options, are going to get you into the 8x-12x magnification range...maybe 15x if you go a little bigger (that is, unless you go with a set of Big Eyes which would be tripod mounted, heavy-duty, etc....and HIGHLY expensive). That simply isn't enough juice to spot hits on paper at extended ranges even with ideal environmental conditions, a stable platform to brace the binos to, etc., etc. On the other hand, it is possible to get a decent spotter with magnification ranges into the 35x and higher ranges while maintaining excellent imagine quality, color resolution, etc. With the spotter, you also get bigger, often brighter glass.
Anyway, I am sure one of the optics gurus can better explain all the details/specifics better than I can, but personally, I'd opt for a spotting scope if I were in your shoes and I'd certainly grab my spotter over my binos for long-range work at the range.
Based on primarily needing a range optic for spotting hits on targets (paper and steel) out to a max range of 600yds...I'd stick with a spotting scope personally.
Binos are great for general observation and viewing hits on paper targets at closer ranges (and even on steel at somewhat longer ranges). They are also excellent given their size/weight for ease of transport/humping them around the woods and up/down mountainsides while hunting, etc. However, for your purposes, I think a spotter would serve you better. This is based on several factors, but primarily one of magnification, optical quality, and stability which all improve the quality of the image you'll attain at longer distances. Even the best binos, including the higher end options, are going to get you into the 8x-12x magnification range...maybe 15x if you go a little bigger (that is, unless you go with a set of Big Eyes which would be tripod mounted, heavy-duty, etc....and HIGHLY expensive). That simply isn't enough juice to spot hits on paper at extended ranges even with ideal environmental conditions, a stable platform to brace the binos to, etc., etc. On the other hand, it is possible to get a decent spotter with magnification ranges into the 35x and higher ranges while maintaining excellent imagine quality, color resolution, etc. With the spotter, you also get bigger, often brighter glass.
Anyway, I am sure one of the optics gurus can better explain all the details/specifics better than I can, but personally, I'd opt for a spotting scope if I were in your shoes and I'd certainly grab my spotter over my binos for long-range work at the range.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
Hunting-binos, range-spotter, but dont waste your time on a cheap spotter as you wont see s**t unless is .50 holes. Save the money an spend it on a higher quality scope. 2 birds-1 stone
Hunting-binos, range-spotter, but dont waste your time on a cheap spotter as you wont see s**t unless is .50 holes. Save the money an spend it on a higher quality scope. 2 birds-1 stone
Re: Spotter or Binos?
I was just getting ready to ask this question myself.
It seems as if the spotter is going to be better at specific uses but the binos are more useful over a broader range.
Best answer I guess is to get both and use as required.
I was just getting ready to ask this question myself.
It seems as if the spotter is going to be better at specific uses but the binos are more useful over a broader range.
Best answer I guess is to get both and use as required.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> <span style="font-size: 11pt">
I'm considering the same thing right now. I'm about ready to buy a pair of Vortex 15X56 HD binos for tripod use in the field. I carry Swaro 8X30 binos while hunting but want higher power binos for extended glassing times in the field mainly for judging antelope and deer. What's the downside, other than power, to tripod mounted binos vs spotting scope?
Bob </span> </span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> <span style="font-size: 11pt">
I'm considering the same thing right now. I'm about ready to buy a pair of Vortex 15X56 HD binos for tripod use in the field. I carry Swaro 8X30 binos while hunting but want higher power binos for extended glassing times in the field mainly for judging antelope and deer. What's the downside, other than power, to tripod mounted binos vs spotting scope?
Bob </span> </span>
Re: Spotter or Binos?
Not really too many downsides between the two... the binos give you a larger field of view so there's an advantage for ya.
Not really too many downsides between the two... the binos give you a larger field of view so there's an advantage for ya.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
Spotter if your shooting paper mostly.
Binos are great for hunting, but not so much so for paper punching.
Spotter if your shooting paper mostly.
Binos are great for hunting, but not so much so for paper punching.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
spotter/tripod great for the range and observation but if you gotta hike uphill/mountains, any little thing add to the overall weight..I usually pack small army binos M24 when we go hiking/shooting.
spotter/tripod great for the range and observation but if you gotta hike uphill/mountains, any little thing add to the overall weight..I usually pack small army binos M24 when we go hiking/shooting.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
I use both. Binos for scanning and extended observation. Spotter for shot and impact tracking plus mirage reading.
I use both. Binos for scanning and extended observation. Spotter for shot and impact tracking plus mirage reading.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">
I did buy the Vortex 15X56 Kaibab binos about 6 weeks ago. They've been great so far. I'll have an in depth review soon. I'm headed to a long range PR class next week followed by a week camping at 10K ft. This will give me the best chance to wring them out spotting elk and moose. More to follow.
</span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">
I did buy the Vortex 15X56 Kaibab binos about 6 weeks ago. They've been great so far. I'll have an in depth review soon. I'm headed to a long range PR class next week followed by a week camping at 10K ft. This will give me the best chance to wring them out spotting elk and moose. More to follow.
</span>
Re: Spotter or Binos?
+1 ORD and NoveSPR
Spotter is a lot better for range work, you can see your holes. I prefer a straight body spotter just so I don't get a crick in my neck. If you can afford Big Eyes, then buy em!! If you use a spotter and close one eye (try to keep both eyes open), you will get headaches and alike caused by eye strain. Also, get the largest objective lens in order to allow more light which seems to help relieve eye strain also.
I use binos on hunting, have 15x on tripod and sometimes carry a spotter but the binos are more comfortable to use for long periods of time. This is also where the big eyes come in to play, if you can afford them... you can see a lot better thru both eyes than one and your eyes will not get strained if used all day (at least not as badly).
These are just my opinions, I am not trying to say that i know everything. Buy the clearest, best optics you can afford...
Good luck!
+1 ORD and NoveSPR
Spotter is a lot better for range work, you can see your holes. I prefer a straight body spotter just so I don't get a crick in my neck. If you can afford Big Eyes, then buy em!! If you use a spotter and close one eye (try to keep both eyes open), you will get headaches and alike caused by eye strain. Also, get the largest objective lens in order to allow more light which seems to help relieve eye strain also.
I use binos on hunting, have 15x on tripod and sometimes carry a spotter but the binos are more comfortable to use for long periods of time. This is also where the big eyes come in to play, if you can afford them... you can see a lot better thru both eyes than one and your eyes will not get strained if used all day (at least not as badly).
These are just my opinions, I am not trying to say that i know everything. Buy the clearest, best optics you can afford...
Good luck!
Re: Spotter or Binos?
I would say spotte if you use paper targer to see the bullet holes. Some good rifle scopes can do it to 300-400 yards. If you use strictly metal target, then I would just stick with rifle scope, if the quality is good. I used to carry a spotter and all. Now, just my rifle scope.
I would say spotte if you use paper targer to see the bullet holes. Some good rifle scopes can do it to 300-400 yards. If you use strictly metal target, then I would just stick with rifle scope, if the quality is good. I used to carry a spotter and all. Now, just my rifle scope.
Re: Spotter or Binos?
If you are punching paper, the Spotting scope is the way to go. As others have said, Spotting scope is alot easier, and steadier.
Now if you are hunting, a good pair of binos is hard to beat while scanning for game. Once you have spotted them and want a better look, break out the spotting scope. If weight is an issue in the field, go with the binos.
If you are punching paper, the Spotting scope is the way to go. As others have said, Spotting scope is alot easier, and steadier.
Now if you are hunting, a good pair of binos is hard to beat while scanning for game. Once you have spotted them and want a better look, break out the spotting scope. If weight is an issue in the field, go with the binos.
Similar threads
