Dumb question: binoculars or spotting scope for PRS spotting

[EchoDeltaSierra]

Hey all, I’m going to burn one of my “Ask a dumb question” cards.

I have owned a couple of spotting scopes, current the Bushnell T-series. I’m seriously considering adding the new Sig 3000 BDX binos into my kit and ridding myself of the spotting scope. I’ve also seen folks at matches watching impacts using binos.

My question: do 10x power binos allow reliable spotting of impacts at 1000-1400y distances? I’m thinking that having “stereo” vision might increase the resolution to the point where 40x magnification wouldn’t be necessary.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[just browsing]

I would go 15x-18x at a minimum if you’re able to.

 

[Danattherock]

It's not a dumb question at all and something myself and several others have mulled over.

I use a Bushnell lmss spotter and enjoy it greatly. Mainly use it for reading wind, vegetation, and looking for dust signature. But I use my Bushnell Forge 10x binoculars to find targets in the field and get my game plan together. These are fantastic binoculars by the way.

Some guys will use binoculars as their sole optic, usually mounted on tripod. I've looked through several sets, Swarovski, Canon IS 10x, and my Bushnell Forge 10x, and they're great for a lot of things but I still prefer having a spotter for seeing dust at distance.

With binoculars and far away (800-1200) targets I can't see where the paint is missing or present on the plate in many cases. With that said most of the targets are between 300 and 800 and many folks will find that a 10x binocular will be adequate for that.

So basically what I do is take my 10 x Bushnell Forge binoculars to all matches, and additionally take my Bushnell spotter to 2 day matches or if the conditions are particularly windy.

The Bushnell Forge 15x binoculars are now available and I had gave thought to buying a pair of those and using as my only optic. A high-quality pair of 15x binoculars might be perfect. I looked through a set down a CORE (now Altus) in October, and the Bushnell 15 x Forge are pretty sweet.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We sell a great deal of 15x56's for PRS sighting. Please feel free to give us a call to discuss it

 

[bschneiderheinze]

Binoculars I use 15x and can see hits easily at 1000 yards

 

[Shanerbanner10]

10-15x binos if field of view is your priority (e.i. finding targets quickly and general observing), I prefer 12x. You can spot hits at 1000 with good quality glass yet get an awesome FOV for finding targets quickly.
If you want to measure target width and such to know how much of a variance you have on your windcall then a spotter with a reticle matching your scope's system (mil/moa). I prefer something like the Bushy Legend T or the Leupold Mk4/Golden Ring 12-40 spotters. I do not like the 20-60 spotters unless specifically shooting prone at 1 target far away. The lower range spotters are typically fairly light and give a decent field of view while allowing quick transitioning that is much harder to do with a 20x minimum.

FWIW I run a Mk4 with TMR reticle (looking to go to a Mk4 with an inverted Horus reticle) and its perfect for my needs. I can still easily spot stuff at a mile if needed and mirage isn't horrible.

 

[Diver160651]

I have a set of 10x with mil reticle Leupold binos in the for sales section;

Banos are great for people who din’t Have eye damage in one eye lol. For me a monocular is all I can use

 

[EchoDeltaSierra]

I should have been more clear. I’ve been considering range finder that will integrate with my Kestrel 5700. That said, the Sig 3000BDX looks like it fits the bill but is 10x (I believe). If that will suffice for spotting, then I can consider selling my existing spotter.

That’s the main premise for my question I’m not shopping for other binos. Thanks though.

 

[Sheldon N]

I should have been more clear. I’ve been considering range finder that will integrate with my Kestrel 5700. That said, the Sig 3000BDX looks like it fits the bill but is 10x (I believe). If that will suffice for spotting, then I can consider selling my existing spotter.

That’s the main premise for my question I’m not shopping for other binos. Thanks though.

IMO yes, you can successfully get through a PRS match with 10x binos. Enough to see targets, scout stages, see if people are missing left or right, and maybe get a touch of mirage reading.

On glass alone I’d strongly prefer 15’s, especially if you have to do RO duties. But I know many many top tier shooters who show up with quality 10x42 rangefinding binos and are successful.

 

[mattwaage1]

I much prefer binoculars in the 8-10x range for general use. A high quality Zeiss or swaro will let you see an incredible amount.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I can use 10s to spot at 1k assuming decent lighting conditions, but a good pair of 15s will be far better of an option. I already have a set of 10x, and I will be adding 15s shortly. IMO, binos are better for wind reading and general spotting, especially if I am going to be parked behind them all day, but if you're just using something to eyeball a stage before shooting it, a spotter will work fine.