Choosing the right optics to carry in the field is an important choice. Of all the gear you take on your adventures, optics are an important consideration when it comes to weight and space. If you are expecting closer encounters within a few hundred yards, a good pair of 8-10x binoculars may be all you need. For long range applications, a spotting scope is a great choice if you can handle the added size and weight. For the ability to cover all distances and situations, a pair of 8-10x binoculars and spotting scope combination is a very effective combination. Some hunters, nature viewers and even precision rifle competitors are compromising and going with a pair of higher power binoculars to fill both roles.
Pros & cons of binocular & spotting scope combination
The main benefit of using a pair of 8-10x binoculars and spotting scope combo is the overall versatility. This is the most optically capable combination for most situations since the spotting scope and binoculars complement each other’s strengths. From close to long range, nothing is out of reach with this optic combination.
There are a few cons to packing a combination of optics like this. First is the additional weight, while most binoculars in the 10×42 size range are fairly light and compact, spotting scopes on average are anything but. Spotting scopes are not exactly compact (unless you are using one of the compact spotting scopes available, the tradeoff being that those small spotters typically lack the performance of their full-size counterparts) and how you will carry the optics certainly has to be considered.
If you are planning to use a binocular & spotting scope combo, you will likely need some kind of binocular harness as well as a pack to carry the spotter and tripod. Since the spotting scope and binoculars fill different roles, there is additional time for setting up and break down of equipment every time you move to a different position.
Pros & cons of high power binoculars
Binoculars around the 15x range represent a compromise for long distance and shorter-range viewing. Optically they cannot compete with a spotting scope at extended range, and up close they are too powerful to be stable compared to 8x binoculars. However, in the right hands they can be a jack of all trades. While they lack the overall range of lower power binoculars and a spotting scope combo, they are a way to meet in the middle in a minimalist style.
Much lighter and more compact than packing 2 optics. Better at long range than the lower power binoculars, and better at short range than the high power spotting scope, high-power binoculars may just be the goldilocks zone for many users. Another benefit is binocular vision compared to a spotting scope. Some people find it difficult or uncomfortable to use a spotting scope for extended periods due to its single eyepiece. High-power binoculars can make for a more comfortable experience in that case since both eyes are used.
Using a tripod
One accessory that is mandatory when using a spotting scope is a tripod since spotting scopes are not intended to be used as handheld optics. The power is simply too high for a steady image while unsupported by a tripod. Low and high-power binoculars greatly benefit from the use of a tripod as well. A tripod not only provides a solid mounting platform to increase image stability, but it also takes some of the strain off of the arms making long glassing sessions more comfortable.
For those minimalists that want to limit the overall amount of gear being carried, keep in mind that a spotting scope is automatically going to add a tripod. If you want the benefits of higher-powered optics that do not require a tripod, 15x binoculars could be the right choice for you. Just be aware that 15x handheld optics can be shaky and will be more difficult to use for long periods of time. In the end, there is no right or wrong answer, optics choice depends on your situation, and they all have strengths and weaknesses. No matter what style of optics you choose, get the most out of your experience by using digiscoping products like MAGVIEW®.
