Binocular or spotting scope?

I have talked to many customers who have been to Yellowstone and, while there, saw the wolves. Naturally, these folks want to see them up close in more detail, so they ask whether binoculars or spotting scopes are the better choice for their next trip. At the risk of sounding like a pushy salesperson, I tell them they should really take both a binocular and a spotting scope.

A binocular should always be your first tool for wildlife watching. You will be using a binocular far more than you will use a spotting scope, not only because it is more convenient to use than a spotting scope, but also because a binocular is much easier to use than a spotting scope. A binocular is what you use to locate wildlife and a spotting scope is what you use if and when you need to take a closer look, but it all starts with a binocular. You have to spot wildlife first and nothing beats a binocular when it comers to scanning the meadows and pastures for wildlife. As far as how to choose a binocular for wildlife watching, you can always go to a 10x binocular, but if you plan to team a binocular with a spotting scope, 7x or 8x is more than adequate magnification and a 7x or 8x binocular is easier to use than a 10x binocular.

As far as how to choose a spotting scope, most spotting scopes are pretty much the same. What distinguishes one spotting scope from another is performance and that is directly a function of optical quality and that, in turn, is directly related to price. When you start shopping for a spotting scope, though, remember that you must use a tripod – you cannot hold a spotting scope by hand due to the high magnifications – so be sure to budget for a good tripod. Another option for securing a spotting scope, especially in a park like Yellowstone, is a car window mount, so you can use your spotting scope without leaving your vehicle.

Bill and I plan to travel west this summer and we will be carrying both binoculars and a spotting scope, not to mention cameras, fishing gear and …