• Binoculars have two optical viewing lenses to spotting scopes' one.binoculars image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  Binoculars and Spotting Scopes have some distinct similarities. They are both used for viewing distant objects and fundamentally use the same basic optical principles to magnify them. However, differences in design and the purposes for which they are typically used make spotting scopes and binoculars two very different devices, each with their own characteristics.
  
  

Design Differences

• The most noticeable difference between binoculars and the spotting scopes is their appearance. Binoculars have two parallel optical tubes that are connected in the center, allowing for each of the viewer’s eyes to simultaneously observe a magnified object. A spotting scope has one optical tube that is looked through with only one eye.
  
  

Stability

• The stability of these two devices is very different. Spotting scopes are typically mounted on a tripod, providing the viewer a stable image. Binoculars are almost exclusively hand-held and the image is subject to the unsteadiness of natural hand movement. Due to the instability of binoculars, a prolonged viewing can be difficult and cause eye strain.
  
  

Versatility and Application

• Spotting scopes are designed for outdoor use in semi-stationary positions, which is to say that once they’re set up the viewer will be using the scope to watch a specific--and likely stationary--object. Spotting scopes are popular for activities such as target shooting, with a stationary target, or nature watching--objects such as birds’ nests. Binoculars are designed for quick target acquisition and can be used to look at multiple objects in quick succession. Binoculars can be used indoors or outdoors and can be used to follow moving objects. They are practical in situations that require a quick closer look at an object.