Angled or straight Spotting scopes?

[scott_r]

Im looking for a quality spotting scope for hunting purposes and was wanting your opinion on what you prefer? Do you hunters prefer the straight or angled spotting scopes and what are some of the pro's and cons of each?

Cheers!!

 

[jjohnwm]

I'm partial to angled scopes for range use or almost anywhere else, as they allow the tripod to be kept at a lower level and thus improve steadiness. I also think that they're a lot more comfortable for range use, making it a lot easier to shoot, then lean over and take a peek. They do, however, take a bit of getting used to before you are able to quickly find an object in the scope.

For hunting, on the other hand, I think you're better off with the straight model. Most hunting scopes are on the smaller side (50 or 60mm objectives) and many of these don't come in an angled version, so going with the straight configuration gives you more options to choose from. They will allow you to keep a lower profile, say at the top of a hill or over a rock or other piece of cover, exposing less of your head to be spotted by a hopefully-soon-to-be-defunct critter. And a lot of them have a set of rudimentary open sights on top to make it easier to aim them at a small distant target. This last feature means very little if you're the only guy using the scope and are familiar with it, but it helps if you share it with someone else.

My $0.02.

John

 

[dusty61]

I myself like the angled scopes. If you check out all the high end scopes you`ll find for the most part they are angled. I don`t owne a high end spotting scope , but have used them, but some day before I die I`ll get one.

 

[Sakoman]

Straight

For myself I prefer a straight scope especially if I can look down the end of it and see the animal I am looking at. It helps me find it faster. I have not had much luck in the field with an angled scope.

 

[canuckgunny]

Depends on how you're using it. I think if you're a benchrest sort you tend to prefer the straight, bird watching... angled. Think about the position your body is going to be in for your particular use and decide if your neck is going to be twisted... its purely a comfort issue and very individual.
Just noticed you've said you're a hunter... so I guess that wasn't much help ha ha. Try before ya buy.

 

[P of PDent]

Most hunters and gun guys in general seem to prefer the straight spotting scopes so you may find less angled ones in gun shops. I think we only have 1 or 2 angled ones in the whole store. It's just personal preference but the angled ones can be ordered as easily. Phil.

 

[maynard]

If you go to a fullbore shoot about 95% of the spotting scopes on the line are angled. Much easier to stay in position and take a peek through the scope.

 

[Elk man]

I personally prefer the straight models for hunting...much, much easier to aim at distant objects (as mentioned above).

 

[AP]

For long term gazing and/or from the prone position get angled... much easier on the neck muscles... for a quick peek now and again... get the straight... faster to "get on" your viewing target...

 

[grizzlyo]

spotting scope

if i am sheep hunting and i am on top of the mountain looking down and ageing my sheep.i do not sky line myself as much useing a straight scope.for any other purpose i don't think it really matters.

 

[Levi Garrett]

All in what its for, as mentioned above .
Prone f-class (angled)
Bench (straight)
Hunting (both work fine)
I think if your on the ground behind the gun (angled) is best.

 

[MiG25]

don't forget a straight scope would be less likely to have rain pool on the lense.