What is the difference between Binoculars and a Spotting Scope, which should I buy for my use?

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 3:02 pm

Question by Adrian: What is the difference between Binoculars and a Spotting Scope, which should I buy for my use?
I live on the 16th floor, I can see for miles out of my window and I would like have either binoculars or a scope to look out my window. That would be my main use. Which would work better for this use; binoculars or a spotting scope, and what is the difference?

Best answer:

Answer by targetbutt
Binoculars are more compact, generally have less magnification, and primarily used to scan large areas. Spotting scopes have to be mounted on a tripod and is better at looking for details, more magnification and simpler optics, but not as portable as binoculars. I use my optics to shoot, when I shoot short distances, I use my binoculars, easier to use, no hassle of setting up the thing. But when I shoot long distances, I shoot my bows out to 100 yards, then I will use my scope. It can tell me which arrows are mine and which are my friend's.

So if you want something you can easily bring along with you, buy a compact binocular. But if you just want the thing to stay by your window and you like to see details of objects far away, get the scope.

Give your answer to this question below!