Spotting Scope Straight or Angled

T

TrevorMack

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Nova Scotia
Considering getting a spotting scope this season. What are the pros and cons of each straight and angled, what would everyone recommend. Is it personal preference or does one have an advantage over the other.
 
It really all depends what you are going to be using it for. And if you're hunting, what kind of terrain you'll be hunting in.
 
If shooting prone an angled one is best. Most will rotate so that the eye piece can go at a 45 degree angle towards your eye so you don't have to move your head a lot when checking targets. Hunting is a bit different and straight or angled will work. You will need a decent tripod if you want your scope to not jiggle all over when looking through it. If shooting prone a decent short tripod should cost $50 or so. A good tripod (3 section) for standing may cost $150 or more. I use a pan (video) head with my tripod if not shooting prone as it gives better control of the scope movement. Some of the better tripods have a connector that stays attached to the scope so that it fits quickly to the tripod. Better tripods are usually sold without a head to attach the scope to - something else to buy! I have 2 tripods one for shooting prone and another for standing. Either way it will be more stuff, scope included, for your range bag!
 
If you're spotting for someone and standing or sitting upright (tailgate of a truck), then straight spotters on a weighted tripod work nicely. Personally I find the angled spotters more versatile especially when shooting solo. They work great prone, or off the bench with a table top tripod.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
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