You’ve undoubtably seen professional photographers and scientists viewing wildlife with their long telephoto lenses or spotting scopes. Though spotting scopes are by far the biggest and heaviest of the three optics that I’m comparing, don’t discount using spotting scopes for travel. There are plenty of opportunities for any traveler to enjoy using spotting scopes.
Welcome to Part 3 of our 3-Part Series Comparing Travel Binoculars
The three-part comparison series examines three types of optics specifically for traveling:
- Part 1: Pocket binoculars for sightseeing and everyday exploring (read the post)
- Part 2: Full-size binoculars for serious wildlife watching (read the post)
- Part 3: Spotting scopes for trips where you can settle in and enjoy the view (you are reading this post!)
Each type of binocular has its advantages and trade-offs. Over this three-part series, I’ll share what I’ve used, what I’ve seen, and what I’ve learned. With this practical guide you can choose the right option for your own travels.
We will end our comparison with one that is a little different–spotting scopes!
Spotting scopes pair perfectly for travel when…
- There’s extra storage space to haul the bulk of a spotting scope and tripod such as a road trip or camping trip
- Countryside vacation rentals when you have time to slow down
- Viewing situations in which the subject stays in the same area for an extended period of time.
- Activities for the whole family to enjoy are appreciated
What are the Advantages of a Stationary Spotting Scope?
With pocket binoculars as the perfect lightweight option for viewing at a mid-range… (read the post)
Spotting scopes are an excellent option for wide range of users and a variety of uses. The stability of a spotting scope makes it an enjoyable activity with a high level of success for the whole family on travels.
Because spotting scopes are heavier and with one long tube, the scope must be mounted on a tripod. But this is the advantage! Spotting scopes are the steadiest optics. Once set up, users don’t have to continue to manually hold the view.
This Makes a Spotting Scope Enjoyable for a Wide Variety of Users:
- Avid hobbyists and professionals can study the view for an extended period of time, sitting or standing, without tiring
- Children with little understanding or attention span for using binoculars will have success when looking through a scope since the positioning is set and distance is dialed in for them
- Adults with shaky hands can enjoy the view of high magnification without the frustration of a shaky view
What are Some Opportunities for Using a Spotting Scope for Travel?
Like the full-size wildlife watching binoculars, a spotting scope is best for wide open landscapes with subjects in the far distance. The three opportunities I use a spotting scope for are:
- Wildlife
- Large scale human activity
- Dark sky stargazing
Using a Spotting Scope for Nature and Wildlife Viewing
Spotting scopes are most used for viewing wildlife that are lingering at a favorite food or water source. Such as a herd of bison in a meadow, a flock of sandhill cranes at a marsh, or elephants bathing in a river.
At natural scenic viewpoints, such as national parks and coastlines, we might find permanently installed spotting scopes.
Remember the general rule of thumb for being around wildlife: If you can cover the wildlife with the thumb of your extended arm, you are safe from wildlife and wildlife is safe from you. This guideline is also a perfect gauge for using your spotting scope for travel.
The spotting scope will be powerful enough to get a detailed view of the wildlife while also letting the wildlife feel safe from you so they can go about their own business. That’s what we came to see them do, not to see them flee in fear!
Using a Spotting Scope for Large Scale Human Activity
A bridge or high-rise being built. Naval maneuvers. Mega-trucks hauling dirt. When massive projects are being worked on, companies and governments will often involve the public interest by installing a mounted spotted scope so people can see the action.
You can have your own!
Spotting scopes become interesting learning opportunities for you. And become moments to share with family members especially children and students who can see the work firsthand rather than just through a recording.
Using a Spotting Scope for Dark Sky Stargazing
Another excellent use of a spotting scope on your travels is dark sky stargazing. While it is possible to use binoculars, even pocket binoculars, to see the stars, you do wind up seeing… more stars. I don’t know about you but all stars look alike to me.
Keeping your hand-held binoculars steady on a particular constellation or planet is tough. The stability of the spotting scope solves that problem while also giving you the opportunity for daytime use. This is what makes a spotting scope different than a telescope.
Is The Weight and Size of a Spotting Scope and Tripod a Hinderance to Use?
Think of it as an advantage!
Remember how we talked about the size of the lens at the end of the tube? The larger the second number, the bigger the objective lens = The longer the tube from the lens to your eye.
With an objective lens of x80 or more…. That’s one long tube! And the difference is easy to see when you compare optics side by side.
Since that tube is going to be long anyway, magnification tends to be higher too. 20x magnification is a common starting point. That long tube and big lens of the spotting scope allows in even more light, giving an even clearer and closer view.
The trade-off to all that power? Weight and length.
Stability is vital.
And that means including a tripod with your spotting scope when you travel.
The combined weight of both the spotting scope and tripod makes this combo fall into “break the back” category so this is best for situations in which storage capacity is not limited.
Our spotting scope lives in our camper, ready for opportunities that we experience on camping trips—big vistas and wildlife.
Our scope and tripod combo is just over 6 pounds which isn’t “too” heavy but at over 2 feet long in its compacted state, it is bulky. Both the scope and the tripod come with carrying cases, but we don’t carry them far. We typically set up the scope right at our campsite.
Spotting Scopes as an Activity
If you are traveling with friends and family, setting up the spotting scope within the campsite or porch of the vacation rental is the most convenient place and the best way to keep it a social group activity.
Once the scope is set up, it stays put. We can sit and enjoy the view through the lens for a while, allowing hands-free appreciation of the view for everyone.
How to Set Up a Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes are a little more work for the brain. Since the spotting scope will be stationary once set up, planning where to set up seems to be what takes me the longest amount of time. Then comes the installation of the scope which is often in two pieces. And finally, it’s time to enjoy.
The whole process should take less than 5 minutes.
Planning Where to Use the Spotting Scope
First, I set up the tripod to the height that I need. A full-size tripod will typically have two extension sliders for each of its three legs. This will allow the tripod to collapse for easier carrying and storage and extended for standing use. Make sure to use a tripod that can easily handle the weight of the scope plus any buffeting from the wind.
Which Direction will the Scope Point? How Tall Should the Tripod be?
- Standing up?
- Sitting down or at child level?
- Pointed across the landscape for wildlife?
- Pointed downward at the dam being built when I am above the action?
- Pointed upward for looking at the moon?
Doing this planning keeps me from having to reposition the scope. Also, make sure the ground will support all three legs of the tripod. Don’t worry if you do have to reposition the scope, that’s not hard to do once the scope is set up.
Installing a Spotting Scope
Next, I attach the scope to the tripod. The tripod will include a “shoe” that is screwed on to the scope and clipped on to the tripod. You can simply keep that shoe attached to the scope when you take it down so you don’t have to screw it back on every time.
The eye piece to the scope is often separate which helps keep the scope more streamlined for storage and carrying. Eye pieces are easily screwed on to the main body of the scope.
Lastly, dial it all in. Point the scope in the direction of the action. Most spotting scopes will have three dials. One dial will increase the magnification. Another dial adjusts the eye piece. And another dial will fine tune the clarity.
Looking Through the Spotting Scope
Most users hold their hands behind their back so they don’t accidentally jiggle the tripod. With a stationary scope, users can sustain “glassing” (the term for looking through a scope or binoculars for an extended period of time) of wildlife not bothered by the paparazzi of tourists watching them. For viewing the night sky, setting the position is crucial.
How Much do Spotting Scopes Cost?
These look high-end, but spotting scopes start at a surprisingly affordable price point of around $300 for a starter kit.
Prices vary tremendously beyond the introductory levels. Spotting scopes come with a variety of technologies which make them overlap with telescopes and digital cameras in capacity from features that track movement to finding a specific star or planet in the night sky.
My Recommendation for a Spotting Scope
The brand I recommend, Celestron, is a fantastic entry point for those new to spotting scopes for travel. These are hobbyist-level power at an affordable price point.
If the spotting scope sounds like it might be a fun activity for you and your travel companions, check out this one. See current pricing here.
Don’t forget a tripod. You’ll find a basic, lightweight model here.
Unlike the full-size binoculars, I imagine that as I get to know spotting scopes, this one might not be our last, but it’s an excellent place to start.
Will a Spotting Scope Break the Back, Bank, or Brain? The Out This Door Verdict…
If your travels include
- Pretty much unlimited luggage capacity
- Time to enjoy the view
- Epic subjects such as wildlife or big scale human engineering
- Seeing things that are far in the distance
Pair your trip perfectly with a spotting scope that
- Can be moved around but is mostly set up/stay up
- Powerful enough to see detail at low light and far distances
- Becomes an activity for the whole family to share
Will a Spotting Scope Break the Back?
A spotting scope and tripod combo comes with carrying cases but they are not meant for taking on a long hike. Set up it up close to where the group is so everyone can enjoy on their own time.
Will a Spotting Scope Break the Bank?
Surprisingly affordable, even a beginner set will give you 20-60×80 power. Move up in the price range from there if this activity is a regular part of your travel fun.
Will a Spotting Scope Break the Brain?
Setting up the tripod and scope will take less than 5 minutes. Use the instructions the first time and then it becomes routine.
Final Thoughts on Using a Spotting Scope for Travel
In preparation for this comparison, I spent more time getting to know our scope by focusing on the moon. The view was so clear, that I found myself wanting to know the names of the craters, as if I was going on a visit.
When I say that a whole new world opens up when we get into the habit of using binoculars, I am still learning that new worlds (plural) are now within my grasp!
A Practical Comparison of Travel Binoculars
This series compares three types of optics for traveling.
Pocket binoculars are an easy win for bank and back and brain — affordable and lightweight. Great for newbies and travelers on sightseeing trips who want to keep it simple.
Full-size binoculars are the clear winner for serious wildlife watching. A chest harness will keep these from breaking the back but don’t expect them to be packable in the carry-on suitcase. Expect to put some pressure on the bank with these but it’s worth it for a big wildlife expedition like a safari, Antarctic cruise, and of course your weekend birding obsession.
Spotting scopes are the smart choice if you’re staying put for a time during road trip travels and camping trips — more affordable than you might think, but it will take some time and brain power to set up and take down but worth it as an activity that everyone can participate in.
Which are the best optics for travel?
The best travel binoculars for you are the ones that
- Pair with your trip and your way of travel
- Fit in your budget
- Add the benefit of additional sight rather than just adding weight around your neck
- You will actually use
- Open up new worlds of experience to learn and enjoy your travels
Fine Tuning Your Travel Binocular Lifestyle
You will also notice that these travel opportunities I have suggested through this series often have competing interests. In Scotland, we only brought a carry-on suitcase. I knew I would miss my full-size binoculars when we were on the ferry and the beaches, but I decided that the weight and packability were priority for me and the big pair would be overdoing it while enjoying the old city in Edinburgh.
While we hike and on daytrips in the car, CT now uses the pocket binoculars as his preferred choice because the lower magnification provides a more stable view. Since I am in love with my full-size binoculars, we don’t have to share anymore!
Our spotting scope doesn’t get as much use, because we seem to be on the move most of the time. But that’s just for now; our travels are always evolving.
Get into the Habit
Once I got into the habit of using binoculars, it became addictive, especially as my eyesight has deteriorated!
In fact, I find myself choosing travel destinations that are binocular-friendly!
If you’re new to binoculars, my best advice is simple: Pick up a pair and start looking. You don’t have to be a birder or a wildlife expert. Look at where the road goes off into the distance, your dog playing in the yard, or your roof after a storm. Give yourself a reason to use them.
Once you build that habit, you may find that binoculars don’t just bring distant things closer: Travel binoculars give you more opportunity to satisfy your curiosity about the world around you.
Please comment, I’ll be happy to answer more questions you have and I love to read your travel binocular stories!
Previous Posts in This Travel Binocular Comparison Series
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Pocket Binoculars for Travel: The Best Choice for Sightseeing?
Pocket binoculars are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel. They allow for enhanced sightseeing by bringing distant details closer without the bulk of full-sized binoculars. This guide highlights their affordability, ease of use, and suitability for various travel experiences, urging travelers to incorporate them for richer adventures.
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Full-Size Binoculars For Travel: Are They Worth It?
This article discusses the advantages of full-size binoculars for wildlife watching during travel, highlighting their higher magnification and larger objective lenses compared to pocket binoculars. While they are heavier and more expensive, they enhance the experience of observing distant wildlife and scenic vistas. Proper fit and stability techniques are essential for optimal use.
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