It is a common misconception that binoculars and spotting scopes can be used interchangeably. Spotting scopes offer magnification in excess of 20x up to 60x or even 80x. The object will be magnified at 60-80 times it original size. Such high levels of magnification will render the binocular impossible to use. Further, image clarity will deteriorate rendering the device useless. Spotting scopes are more comfortable to use and offer better clarity at higher magnification.

A 6-hour birding trip can become a painful experience if one has to hold the binoculars up to the eye at all times. On the other hand, a spotting scope fitted to the tripod will leave the hands completely free. Further, it is possible to adjust the tripod depending on one's posture. Using the binoculars when lying on the ground can lead to a crick in the neck. This problem can be avoided when using a spotting scope.

Spotting scopes work on the same principle as binoculars. The power is indicated by the 20x100 figure referring to magnification and objective lens size. More expensive options come with special coating on the lenses to maintain image clarity at very high magnification levels.

Spotting scopes also facilitate digi-scoping where a digital camera is fitted to the eye piece to take high magnification images without any loss of clarity. This option is not available when one is using a pair of binoculars. Spotting scopes are more expensive and require higher maintenance. This is why beginners are advised to use binoculars before moving on to this more expensive option suited for experts and serious enthusiasts.