I have a Vortex HD 4000 rangefinder that works well and I don't need or want binoculars that sync with my Kestrel/Hornady 5700. I prefer to input the range information myself - less things to go wrong. However, I would like a pair of binoculars that I could spot hits on targets from 600 to 1,000 yards. Not sure if I should be looking for a spotting scope to accomplish this task. Any advice appreciated.
Spotting scope or binoculars
- Thread starter Paul1262
- Start date
I use Swaro 15x binos and have no problem spotting hits out to 1250 and beyond. I prefer binos over a spotting scope after using them for over a year.
Keep in mind that great sharpness will easily out perform over more magnification with less sharpness.
It's hard to find specs anywhere but some manufacturers produce optics that exceed what the human eye can resolve. You'll find that in top glass, like Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss and high end Kowa. If price is an issue, I would wait save up for better glass than buy something border line that's affordable today.
Whatever you decide, go with the best resolution so you can spot the subtle details like mirage and don't fall into the trap of cheap high magnification glass expecting to see more, because you wont.
As for bino vs spotting scope, consider eye strain over long exposures. With binoculars, both eyes are in the game and will stay in sync, but with a spotting scope, the eye you are viewing with will strain more than the other eye, then you'll be funky until things normalize.
A spotting scope is fine for brief use, but if you want to stay on it for a long time, the binos can be easier on your eyes. Also with a spotting scope you can get high magnification at levels that are not available in binoculars. So if you just really want to zoom, you might have to accept the eye strain after extended use with a spotting scope.
As for the ideal magnification (assuming you're a PRS shooter) I would try and stay as close as possible to the magnification you use on your rifle scope. That way while you are spotting, you'll be internalizing what you see to impacts in the same way it will look when you're shooting. That way you will be in tune with what you see in the same way between both optics.
It's hard to find specs anywhere but some manufacturers produce optics that exceed what the human eye can resolve. You'll find that in top glass, like Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss and high end Kowa. If price is an issue, I would wait save up for better glass than buy something border line that's affordable today.
Whatever you decide, go with the best resolution so you can spot the subtle details like mirage and don't fall into the trap of cheap high magnification glass expecting to see more, because you wont.
As for bino vs spotting scope, consider eye strain over long exposures. With binoculars, both eyes are in the game and will stay in sync, but with a spotting scope, the eye you are viewing with will strain more than the other eye, then you'll be funky until things normalize.
A spotting scope is fine for brief use, but if you want to stay on it for a long time, the binos can be easier on your eyes. Also with a spotting scope you can get high magnification at levels that are not available in binoculars. So if you just really want to zoom, you might have to accept the eye strain after extended use with a spotting scope.
As for the ideal magnification (assuming you're a PRS shooter) I would try and stay as close as possible to the magnification you use on your rifle scope. That way while you are spotting, you'll be internalizing what you see to impacts in the same way it will look when you're shooting. That way you will be in tune with what you see in the same way between both optics.
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I really appreciate your insight and recommendations concerning this topic.
I've been using the Bushnell Forge 15x binos for ~18 months now to RO and shoot multiple PRS matches, and they've been fantastic. Between the current 29% rebate and the tripod they come with from Bushnell right now, they're hands down the best deal for the money for binos right now.
I've used mine to spot out to 1350 in everything from ideal conditions to heavy mirage to heavy rain and cloud-cover.
I've used mine to spot out to 1350 in everything from ideal conditions to heavy mirage to heavy rain and cloud-cover.
I have owned all the Swaro glass and although the 15x56 SLC is great, I actually get better resolution and clarity with the 12x50 EL at any distance.
If $$ is no object, get the BTX95MM, it is phenomenal - I see detail that is amazing. Additionally you can add the mag extender and run 68x or the single ocular (STX or ATX) with the mag extender and hit 120x! (Mirage withstanding)
I find the fixed 35x with the big 95 or the 12x50 to be a great combo (I have a SLC 8x42 HD for closer or low light work).
If I could only own one it would e the EL 12x50 with the Outdoorsmans tripod stud and tripod mount.
If you buy the 15’s you will love them, just don’t compare them to the EL 12x50 afterwards.
Best bet is to find a way to try them all in all conditions before spending the $$. You will not be able to discern the differences that matter i Cabelas’ parking lot.
If $$ is no object, get the BTX95MM, it is phenomenal - I see detail that is amazing. Additionally you can add the mag extender and run 68x or the single ocular (STX or ATX) with the mag extender and hit 120x! (Mirage withstanding)
I find the fixed 35x with the big 95 or the 12x50 to be a great combo (I have a SLC 8x42 HD for closer or low light work).
If I could only own one it would e the EL 12x50 with the Outdoorsmans tripod stud and tripod mount.
If you buy the 15’s you will love them, just don’t compare them to the EL 12x50 afterwards.
Best bet is to find a way to try them all in all conditions before spending the $$. You will not be able to discern the differences that matter i Cabelas’ parking lot.
First line MOST IMPORTANT. Too often we see the question "how much should I spend on glass?" And sometimes in response they'll be "half that of your rifle" or "enough to satisfy your wants/needs." Imagine you're on a trip of a lifetime--or in your favorite tree stand or squirrel woods--and you're toting a $5000 custom Better-Than-Anything-Else which you fastened the best Tasco... Meanwhile, your buddy Freddie Smyth is packing a Savage 110 with a TT (or ZCO, S&B, Henny, etc.) and Swaro EL 12x50s (or Zeiss G series, Leicas, etc.)... Who do you think will have wider, deeper, and more memorable experience game or no game? Is it more important that you shoot at something or that you see something? The eyes are gateways to what?
I suppose I could blame my parents--espcially since they're gone--for initiating my OCD glassophonic/glassaholic mania (I like making words up too). When I started hunting back in the fifties Santa left a 30x telescope (OMG, made in Japan even). My world was magnified; life became wider, deeper, and surely more expensive. I don't go anywhere without good glass and of eight years ago I don't and won't hunt with anything but the very best (for my eyes) glass. Believe me you really do get what you pay for in glass even today.
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- Apr 23, 2019
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Hey man, so looking for a spotting scope or binoculars is a question I field almost daily for my guys. Obviously size, weight magnification, field of view are the main thing. A 15x56 will work for most applications but you are obviously gonna need a tripod to help stabilize. If this a range optic only, I would save the money and go up to a decent spotter for sure. Just more useful for seeing impacts and spotting. Obviously most people would say Swarovski is going to be the go to but budget wise I'd look at the Meopta stuff because those are really well put together at the end of the day! I've been very impressed by anything with Euro glass!
Unless you are 20 years old and have 20x20 vision do not buy a pair of Vortex Vultures. They aren't horrible, but for another $150-200 you can get a pair of Minox or Meopta that really kick ass in the 15-20x56 power range.
Like he said, get with Doug at Cameraland and get a set of the Meoptas. Absolutely the best glass in that cheaper price range. Keep in mind that they aren’t Swaros but they ain’t bad at all.
thanks for the heads up! I was eyeing these up, but my vision sucks and I wear glasses to see distance.
I have the same problem. I must wear glasses! Unless I am reading ingredients on a label. Then I need a magnifying glass.
See below...
Thanks for the assist.
