Hi Danial,
Binos allow for something that a scope doesn't - give objects context within the patch of sky they sit in.
Another is they can show things that can be invisible to a scope, either because the object is too big, or the the extended object is too faint for a scope! Yes, a 10X50 set of binos can actually show things an 8", 10", even a 17.5" scope struggle with.
if you understand that binos are a set of rich field scopes (RFT's is an astro term for scopes with a focal ratio faster than f/5), then you can exploit this to concentrate the patch of light of an extended object to a smaller spot there by making it visible when in a larger aperture scope it just won't.
Two examples are the Rosette nebula & the open cluster M7.
The Rosette's surrounds a bright cluster. It forms a huge ring around it. The nebula's aggregate magnitude is bright, but because of its size it is actually very dim (the listed 'magnitude' of an object is given by the
aggregate of all of its light from its whole surface area, so a 'bright' object can actually appear dim as its light is dispersed over a large area). Most scopes actually won't see it without conditions being exceptional & the use of filters. It can be a real task in my 17.5" at a dark site. But binos will show it without breaking a sweat.
The cluster M7 is an easy naked eye object. It is enormous, larger than the full Moon. Yes a scope can fit the whole thing in its FOV. But that's all. What you miss out on is the surrounding mottled glow of the Milky Way & the fabulous complex of dark nebulae around and criss crossing it. This is something ONLY binos can show.
So don't think that binos are just for picking out individual objects. They are for a whole lot more. And this time of the year with the heart of the Milky Way over head is a great time to scan the sky for the big picture. When do pick out an individual object, spend time looking around it. You will find a whole lot more.
When you looked at M8 & M20, did you spot M21 next to M20? Or glimpse the intense star cloud between M8 & M20? Or see the very opaque finger-like dark nebula reaching out to touch M8? Or how much the background glow of the Milky Way varies here? It is a very busy place & all ONLY visible in binos.
Please don't see this as a brow bash. It is just to open your eyes to the immense power of binos,
