SafeTFirst
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Often there’s no room for my spotting scope (with tripod) on a bench and/or just shooting to 25 or 50 yards, so looking for something that fits in my range bag. Any suggestions? Thanks!
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Binoculars or Monocular Ideas When Spotting Scope is Overkill
- Thread starter SafeTFirst
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Sure, just get a small/compact pair of binoculars. If you don't have any lying around the house, they're available anywhere from around $20 to well over $K.
For 25 or 50 yards a small pair of binos should do just fine 8X. I bought a cheapo pair at Big 5 years back marked S&W, a copy from China. Still works fine for close work.
+1 for binoculars for short range shooting. 
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I keep a Monocular in my range bag. You could fit two of them in an empty cardboard 50 round ammo box. Takes up very little room. It's a Tasco 10x I got years ago but I see a lot of brands for sale everywhere for less than $20. Comes with a storage pouch.
Oh, mine's $10 on Amazon. Mine is like 8 years old and works like new.
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/TASCO-Essentials-10x25-Compact-Monocular/dp/B0001DZ38U/ref=sr_1_3?hvadid=233483717757&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9027631&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17456549406123121797&hvtargid=kwd-3231010483&hydadcr=18472_10281615&keywords=tasco+10x25+monocular&qid=1702596559&sr=8-3[/ame]
Oh, mine's $10 on Amazon. Mine is like 8 years old and works like new.
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/TASCO-Essentials-10x25-Compact-Monocular/dp/B0001DZ38U/ref=sr_1_3?hvadid=233483717757&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9027631&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17456549406123121797&hvtargid=kwd-3231010483&hydadcr=18472_10281615&keywords=tasco+10x25+monocular&qid=1702596559&sr=8-3[/ame]
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I have a spotting scope but most times leave it home and use binoculars.
Interesting question. In 1976 an accident required the total removal of my right eye, so for the last 47 years I've had a eye on the left and a hunk of $$$$ plastic on the right side. You'd think a monocular would be what I need. NO. I use binoculars. Sounds silly doesn't it. The monoculars that are available don't have the light gathering ability that binochs do, and it is obvious immediately. Spotting scopes are much better, but clumsy. I have a bag of several different brands and sizes of monoculars, but none of them can hold a candle to even the cheapest pair of binocs. Oh, and don't forget to always wear safety glasses. Artifical Eyes are rather expensive.
rockquarry
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You'll quickly tire of a monocular if you use it much.
Cheap Scope
I keep a cheap scope handy.
Usually easy to find a decent $10 scope at a gun show.
I keep one in the truck.
Bekeart
I keep a cheap scope handy.
Usually easy to find a decent $10 scope at a gun show.
I keep one in the truck.
Bekeart
smoothshooter
Member
My somewhat limited experience has been that with binoculars and smaller spotting scopes is that bullet holes are easier to see with a lower magnification scope or binoculars of higher quality than with higher magnification of low quality. Most people know nothing about the story behind them and how good they are, dismissing them as just another cheap quality pair of binoculars, and pass them by with hardly a glance when seen for sale on a table at a gun show or flea market.
For example, I can see holes easier with my Zeiss 8x30 binoculars than with most 10 to 12 power optics of lesser quality.
I have 2 pairs of 7X Japanese “Occupation Binoculars”. One pair I got for $10 at a small outdoor swap meet, and the other pair I got at a gun show for $25, I think. Cheap price, high quality.
Occupation binoculars were supposedly made with the same styling and tooling the high quality WWII Japanese military issue ones were made on by mostly the same workers. Immediately after the end of the war, Japanese industry leaders were encouraged by General MacArthur, commander of the American occupation forces, to get Japanese manufacturing going again as soon as possible, channeling their efforts away from supplying the war effort and focusing on production of commercial goods for export sales.
The optical quality of these binoculars is as good, or almost as good, as some of my Leupold or Burris optics are.
For example, I can see holes easier with my Zeiss 8x30 binoculars than with most 10 to 12 power optics of lesser quality.
I have 2 pairs of 7X Japanese “Occupation Binoculars”. One pair I got for $10 at a small outdoor swap meet, and the other pair I got at a gun show for $25, I think. Cheap price, high quality.
Occupation binoculars were supposedly made with the same styling and tooling the high quality WWII Japanese military issue ones were made on by mostly the same workers. Immediately after the end of the war, Japanese industry leaders were encouraged by General MacArthur, commander of the American occupation forces, to get Japanese manufacturing going again as soon as possible, channeling their efforts away from supplying the war effort and focusing on production of commercial goods for export sales.
The optical quality of these binoculars is as good, or almost as good, as some of my Leupold or Burris optics are.
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Telecaster
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This cheapo monocular has surprisingly good optics, and comes with a small tripod and iPhone mount.
Viajero 12x56 ED Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter Tripod Low Dispersion IP68 Waterproof Monocular for Adults BAK4 Prism FMC Lens with Clear Low Light Vision Bird Watching Stargazing Hunting https://a.co/d/2R2z5nX
Viajero 12x56 ED Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter Tripod Low Dispersion IP68 Waterproof Monocular for Adults BAK4 Prism FMC Lens with Clear Low Light Vision Bird Watching Stargazing Hunting https://a.co/d/2R2z5nX
I think military surplus binos are the best. They're high quality and built tough. They're inexpensive compared to what you're getting. 7x30 would probably work for you.
I have a US, German, and Russian/Soviet. I think Soviet era are the best bang for the buck.
I have a US, German, and Russian/Soviet. I think Soviet era are the best bang for the buck.
smoothshooter
Member
I also have a pair of Soviet (East German?) 7X military binoculars with stadia marks in one of the lenses that are very good.
You can get a 10X50 porro prism binocular by Nikon for about $100. Probably could easily see .22 caliber holes at 50 yards.
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I had 5 pair of binoculars and about 25 years or so ago I discovered Canon Image Stabilized Binoculars. WOW!!! They have a mini gyroscope in them and all you do is push a button and they are so stable you can track a bee, bird, or anything in flight with perfect clarity. They are great for star gazing, shooting sports and of course watching different things at the beach - LOL!!! You never get dizzy, eye strain, or headaches after using for long time periods either.
They Canon Images Stabilizer's are available in different configurations, powers and sizes, and some are waterproof as well. They run on two AA batteries which last a very long time, and worse case scenario is if they run out, the binoculars revert to standard operation. I always carry 2 extra batteries the the case but almost never need them. Mine are the 10 X 42 rubber coated and I would highly recommend them. I like them so much that I sold my pairs of Zeiss, Nikon, Minolta and Pentax because I no longer used them. I also almost never take my spotting scope anymore as the Canon IS Binoculars work that well.
So that is my alternative to a spotting scope 95% of the time and they are small enough that I always take them - great for other uses as well! Great Binoc's!!
They Canon Images Stabilizer's are available in different configurations, powers and sizes, and some are waterproof as well. They run on two AA batteries which last a very long time, and worse case scenario is if they run out, the binoculars revert to standard operation. I always carry 2 extra batteries the the case but almost never need them. Mine are the 10 X 42 rubber coated and I would highly recommend them. I like them so much that I sold my pairs of Zeiss, Nikon, Minolta and Pentax because I no longer used them. I also almost never take my spotting scope anymore as the Canon IS Binoculars work that well.
So that is my alternative to a spotting scope 95% of the time and they are small enough that I always take them - great for other uses as well! Great Binoc's!!
kozmic
Member
Considering the versatility of binoculars, I suggest leaving a pair in your vehicle and pulling them out at the range. I often pull over and look at birds and wildlife when out and about.
I got them for Prairie Dog shooting, where you spend a lot of time looking through the Binoculars. 10X42 Nikon Monarch. Clear as a bell, and powerful enough for out to several hundred yards for spotting. Are also great for birding.
I have a bag for My spotting scope and tripod. I always take the time to set the scope up close to the shooting bench, or on the shooting bench if there's room. Binocs are hard to use for small caliber holes.
OP
SafeTFirst
Member
Wow! Lots of interesting input. My plan is to find some used surplus binocs and put stabilized binocs on next year’s Christmas list. Maybe pick up a cheap monocular to play with, but it sounds like the fatigue factor would be a negative for me. AND shoot more (semi) wadcutters.
