Binoculars

A UNSC spotting scope.

Binoculars are a device which allows the user to view distant objects by magnifying them via a system of lenses and prisms.^[1] A spotting scope is a specific variation of the device commonly employed by the UNSC.^[2]

Use

Human

Binoculars are generally used by United Nations Space Command military forces to observe the battlefield, gather information and locate enemies. Marine sniper-spotter teams have spotters with spotting scopes to observe and locate targets for the sniper.^[1] Certain sets of UNSC binoculars have a digital display, which shows the temperature, as well as the distance to the target.^[3] The UNSC spotting scope is equipped with a stand to keep the device steady.^[1]

Covenant

The Covenant ground forces use magnifying monoculars to observe the battlefield, filling a similar role as the binoculars.^[4]

In-game

MJOLNIR Mk VI featured in Halo 2 was the first armor to have magnification system in-game. The MJOLNIR armor's binocular system featured in Halo 3 has the same radius as the one in Halo 2. The only difference is that it is more detailed and that it shows distance to the target. The Sangheili combat harness also has a built-in magnification system. Otherwise similar to the MJOLNIR's binoculars, it has a slightly different visor shape. Subsequently, the ODST armor from Halo 3: ODST, MJOLNIR Mark V from Halo: Reach and MJOLNIR GEN2 from Halo 4 all feature a built-in magnification system.

Gallery

A UNSC Marine using a spotting scope.
View through a set of UNSC binoculars.
A marine sniper-spotter team with a spotting scope.
Master Sergeant Frost using binoculars on Ariel.
Cal-141 using binoculars to scope out the ruins on Heian.
Scanning the tower in the ruins.
An Unggoy Minor is detected scouting the ruins.
Observing three Kig-Yar standing guard.
Commander Sarah Palmer utilizing binoculars on Aktis IV.

List of appearances

Halo: The Fall of Reach (First appearance)
Halo 2
Halo 3
Halo Wars
Halo: Helljumper
Halo 3: ODST
Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe
- Blunt Instruments
Halo Legends
- Homecoming
- The Babysitter
Halo: Reach
Halo 4
Halo: Escalation

Sources

^ ^a ^b ^c Halo 2
^ Halo 2, 3D model data
^ Halo Wars level Relic Approach
^ Halo: The Flood, Chapter 6, page 150 (2003 paperback); page 166 (2010 paperback)

[h2-1] Halo 2

[2] Halo 2, 3D model data

[3] Halo Wars level Relic Approach

[4] Halo: The Flood, Chapter 6, page 150 (2003 paperback); page 166 (2010 paperback)

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