The problem with binoculars is that they don't distinguish themselves from sniper scopes in any meaningful way.
Maybe if there were going to be binoculars, then there should be some special effects to them (like artillery spotting. You wouldn't need to carry flares and since binoculars can spot farther than flares can be thrown, calldown range is increased. And since there is a lack of flares, the enemy isn't aware of an incoming barrage).
Come to think of it, I think binocs should be a minuteman item, they can definitely see a role in artillery calling being buffed.