During the ‘50’s when I grew up in the open country of Nevada and Arizona, a pair of Zeiss 15x60 binoculars mounted on a tripod was a popular alternative to a spotting scope. The optics were superb, and you could use them for a lot longer than a spotting scope without eye strain, since you could keep both eyes open and relaxed. After I grew up and had the money to afford such things, I bought a pair for myself and used them for many years for all kinds of things. Then one day I wanted a fancy camera I couldn’t justify buying otherwise, so I sold the binoculars and bought the camera. The camera is long gone, but I still kick myself for selling those binoculars, especially since they don't make them anymore.