Spotting scope vs Binoculars - which to choose?
Making observations in the field is easier and much more effective when we are provided with the right equipment. This is usually done using binoculars or a spotting scope, which is a refracting telescope. Both of these tools have a similar design of the optical system, but they vary in construction, and these very differences mean that they will not necessarily work well for the same observations. So, if you are wondering which equipment will be best in your case - binoculars or spotting scope, you must first of all consider what kind of observations you intend to make with it.
Binoculars and scopes - how do they differ?
Binoculars are actually two spotting scopes connected to each other. The optical system of both these tools consists of eyepieces and lenses, and its function is to magnify the observed image. So, whether you choose binoculars or spotting scope, you must take into account its parameters, such as the field of view, the diameter of the lenses, or just the magnification. However, there are also fundamental differences between the two devices that affect their capabilities and use.
Construction & using a spotting scope and binoculars
Let's start with the size of the spotting scope and binoculars. The tube of a spotting scope is much longer than the tubes that binoculars are made of. Usually, the diameter of the lens in the telescope is also larger, and this makes the size and weight of the whole device increase. For this reason, a spotting scope is mainly designed for stationary observation that does not require much movement. It is put on a tripod and thus it is possible to conduct even many hours of study of a particular object. Smaller observation binoculars allow you to be more mobile. You can even be on the move with it and still comfortably observe a particular object. Such differences in size are what usually distinguish a spotting scope from binoculars, but a lot also depends on the specific model. In stores you will also find small and handy telescopes, as well as large astronomical binoculars that require the use of a tripod.
Binoculars are equipped with two eyepieces, so you can use them to make both-eye observations - as opposed to a telescope. On the one hand, this is more comfortable, but it requires proper settings on each eyepiece, and in addition, these eyepieces must also be well aligned with each other. Otherwise, we will see the image twice, which may even end up with headaches and dizziness. In this aspect, a spotting scope is a tad easier to use.
The size and design of a particular observation device also determine its capabilities and performance. Even the best binoculars are usually characterized by a lower magnification than that provided by a spotting scope, so spotting scope or telescope is usually chosen for observing very distant objects. With increasing magnification, in turn, the field of view decreases. Although binoculars do not have the ability to magnify the image as many times as a spotting scope/telescope, they can offer you a wider field of view.
Spotting scope for astronomy
A spotting scope is an instrument that is mostly used for astronomical observations - for watching the Moon, stars and planets. These are very distant objects, so they require high magnification and a large amount of light, which is precisely what a spotting scope for sky observation can capture. This is possible thanks to the large lens - the more light enters the lens, the sharper and brighter the image of celestial bodies we can obtain. Thus, the larger the diameter, the greater are also the capabilities of a given equipment - this is where the large size of spotting scopes comes from. They also allow to obtain even several hundred times magnification of the observed object. If you are an astronomy enthusiast and want to admire the planets and the Moon, the equipment you need is a spotting scope.
When is it worth choosing binoculars?
Binoculars, on the other hand, are very good for any ground observations. There are very small binoculars on the market, whose magnification is several times, and you can use them, for example, during sporting events or outdoor concerts. You can also travel comfortably with binoculars, so they are also useful for sightseeing. Binoculars are also used for nature observation. If you want to watch animals in their natural habitat, that is, objects that usually move all the time, then with binoculars you will be able to keep up with them. in such observations binoculars have an advantage over telescopes. They are perfect for observing all sorts of objects during the day, but it is important to adjust their parameters properly. You can also use binoculars at night, but then it is necessary to choose a model with larger lenses.
Binoculars for astronomy
Sometimes binoculars can also be used by you for basic astronomical observations. For example, to watch the Moon, which is closest to us, so you can use binoculars to look at its surface. Or for observing a passing comet or a meteor shower. These are moving objects, so following them with binoculars seems to be more comfortable, and thanks to the larger field of view, you can locate them more easily in the sky.
Also nebular objects, the observation of which requires the widest possible field of view (magnification is not so important here), as well as a bright image with high resolution, can be observed with binoculars. For such purposes, a 20x50 binocular is very often used, that is, with a magnification of 20 times and a lens diameter of 50 mm. The choice of binoculars with a larger diameter will be even better, but remember to buy a tripod along with it as well. Same as for binoculars with magnification greater than 15x.
Binoculars are often used as the first tool for observing the night sky. It can at least serve you to gain the basic skills and knowledge that are essential for astronomical observations. With binoculars, you can, for example, learn how to locate objects in the sky. With it this is easier than with a telescope, because it provides a wider field of view.
Which binoculars or spotting scopes should I choose?
Since binoculars and spotting scopes are very similar designs, the process of choosing a particular model of each device is also similar. The most important thing about them is the quality of the optics, which means high-quality eyepieces that provide a wide field of view, as well as glass lenses that allow you to get a clear image. Another important point is the parameters of the lens. The larger the diameter of the lens, the more light is captured by the lenses of both these observation tools, which results in a brighter image and greater capabilities of a given binocular or spotting scope. However, you need to take into account the fact that with the diameter the dimensions of the device also increase, but we can recommend some universal parameters for binoculars and spotting scopes.
8x40 binoculars are popular models, as they allow you to conduct a variety of observations, while still remaining comfortable to use. As for the spotting scope, its diameter should be at least 70 mm, as it will allow you to see all the most interesting objects in our Solar System. Such equipment works very well for amateur use - you will get a good quality image with it, and you can find many good quality models at an affordable price.
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