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Message: <blockquote data-quote="RobMorane" data-source="post: 3523891" data-attributes="member: 140783">Hi There,I have to admit that I'm using less and less my scope since I bought 15x56 Binos.I walk/climb through Mountains range and I consider the 5-6Kg combo tripod/tripod head/scope on the heavy side.It's ok in summer, I can easily deal with it, but it's more difficult in winter with the safety and bivouac gear required, and the weight involved. The time to set up the tripod and scope is another minus.As I can't carry tripod and scope "on the shoulder" (because of the type of terrain I'm dealing with), I only get them out when I'm sure I'm going to stay somewhere for a minimum of 30mn.But with the Binos, everything is easier. I use a really confortable Bino pack, and getting the Binos out when needed is a breeze.Of course, I lose 20-60 magnification  but honestly, you're getting used to the magnification you have,and the distance you can watch a subject (or not).Using both eyes is more confortable too.Because of the altitude (and the work out), I can hand held the binos stable for a minute or two,enough to give me a good picture of what I want to identify.If I want to watch for a longer period of time, I sit and support the binos by putting my elbows on my knees.Often I thought that if I had bought the 15x56 Binos first, I wouldn't have bought the scope.Scope is a really useful tool for birding/birdwatching, but it really depends the terrain you have to go through, and for how long.I didn't mind carrying a 25Kg backpack when I was young, I try to avoid it now (a lighter backpack is easier on the knees and when you have to control your skis going down)</blockquote>

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