What power binocular use at the range?

[solman]

So I wanted to get a pair of binoculars for general use and to use at 50&100 yards at the range. I have a spotting scope but I would like a set of binoculars anyway. I figure they could do double duty for range use. I figure maybe up to $150 or so for the budget. I was wondering what power to get. I was thinking maybe some of the variable power ones by Nikon or Bushnell.
What power magnification do you use?

 

[mdauben]

I have an 8x42 set for field use, but if I was buying a set specifically for the range I would probably go for a 10x42 set.

 

[Deanimator]

I don't use binoculars, and most of the shooters I know don't either.

A basic spotting scope is a much better tool for a shooter.

You can adjust the tripod to be at a convenient place so that you only need to move your head slightly to check your target.

For pistol shooting, I have a pistol box with a small spotting scope attached to the lid on a pivoting arm.

 

[gbran]

10X isn't quite good enough to check bullet holes at 100yds. 12x+ would be my minimum. 15-20 is better, but scope or binocs, you really need a tripod.

Your eyes may be better than mine.

 

[lysanderxiii]

Spotting scope.

 

[GarySTL]

Another Spotting Scope vote here.

 

[Bang!]

He says he already has a spotting scope.

Do you just want binoculars and your trying to find some way to justify them? I do that. Heck, we all do.

But like some are pointing out, kinda' hard to see those little holes without good magnification and a steady rest.

 

[chicharrones]

What power magnification do you use?

If you count the old cheapies, I have 8x, 10x, probably a 12x, and a variable 10-22x. The 8x23 are compact Nikons and the 10-22x50 are heavy Nikons.

The 8x compact Nikons are great for everyday use for anything you could imagine that doesn't require great detail at far range.

The 10-22x are nice when you are mostly stationary as they are heavy on the neck. Dialed up to 22x they are okay for 50 yard use at a range, but at 100 yards everything has to be just right for you to see small bullet holes. That means your eyes have to be fresh, the sun has to be perfect, and sunlight has to be behind the target so you see the light coming through the bullet holes. At best it gets your gun on paper in that situation, but you can't pick out separate holes in a tight group.

After trying out the 22x at the range, I just stick with using binoculars for looking at stuff and use spotting scopes for looking at little holes far away.

 

[solman]

OK I think I will just stick to using my scope at the range.
I thought I had a better mousetrap but I guess not

 

[jmr40]

$150 isn't going to get you a very good pair of binoculars, probably not good enough to be better than your scope for this purpose. If you want a good set of binoculars in that price range for general field use I like these.

http://swfa.com/BX-1-Yosemite-C3461.aspx

They are almost 1/2 your budget, but honestly they are better than anything else I'd recommend selling for less than $250. The 6X30's are the way to go, I know a lot of people who use these. The 8X30's are just OK, not great. I have 2 sets, I keep one in each vehicle, and they go hunting with me more often than others I own. Some costing over $600, simply because they are always in the truck. I've never felt handicapped and if they get stolen from the truck I haven't lost a whole lot.

 

[entropy]

Spotting Scope, plus a pair of cheap 10x25 for lenders.

 

[Rembrandt]

What power magnification do you use?

Would certainly bust your budget, but 10x42 here, with doublers it then becomes 20x42 power. But for seeing bullet holes at the range, I use a spotting scope.

 

[P5 Guy]

http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/sport-optics/binoculars

Best bang (pun intended) for the buck here. I have used Celestron binoculars for decades. They are bright and have fine glass and coatings.