straight vs angled spotting scope

TrollGRG

TrollGRG

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I am divided on which scope to get. I can get just about the same thing in both versions (lenses, magnification etc) but I don't know whether or not to go with the angled design. I would be using it for range, identifying game (not to any great distances), watching passing ships and occasionally looking at the moon.

As I said, the magnification and lenses are the same. The difference is only in the angle for viewing. Any BIG NO NOs that are well known in either format that I should be aware of?

Thanks
 
The angled ones are easier to use if you are shooting and spotting for yourself in the prone. Can position it so you can look through and not break your body position.
Other than that, no real difference.
 
Angled spotting scopes are a little harder to find something in if you're use to looking straight at something and then bringing the scope, binos, etc, to your eyes. That being said, I had used a straight spotting scope for 24 years up until this year when I bought a Angled Vortex Razor. Took me about 2 days of using it and now I prefer it over the straight ones. It's much more universal I can use it easier off a tripod than a straight eyepiece.
 
Angled scopes have at least one more element within them when compared to straight scopes. Every element you put in between your eye and the subject affects image quality. That being said I faced the same decision a number of years ago and chose to go with an angled scope for ease of use off the bench and when prone. Using a straight scope you will need a tripod tall enough to view comfortably. Depending on the ground you are on this may be slightly tricker to ensure stability with the scope held up high versus with an angled one that you can keep closer to the ground. Lower center of gravity keeps things steadier, and also protects your expensive scope should it take a knock and fall. A shorter fall when closer to the ground/bench. With my angled scope I use a very small table top tripod and full sized ball head and simply look down and to the left.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
savagelh said:
The only thing that I can contribute is that it can be a real pita to find something with a 45 degree eyepiece. They are just harder to line up on target.
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Not all, but quite a few angled scopes (including the ones I have owned) have guide lines or 'sights' that allow you to point the scope at the subject without looking through the optic. Gets you pretty much on point, then adjust from there.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
IMO angled all the way. I own a straight pentax, and i wish like hell it was angled. Straight is only comfortable if you're standing directly behind it. Prone is a pain in the neck with straight. You can't have the scope off to the side with straight if you're on a range bench or prone.

Angled, but that's just my opinion.

GGG
 
I advocate for the angled ocular. In addition to being superior for bench shooting, the angled optic makes looking at astronomical objects much easier. This is particularly true when looking at high azimuth celestial objects (which most are). My Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65mm is angled. Get the scope coat, too.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I decided that I will go with the angled scope. Now the only problem is how much do I want to spend.

Oh woe is me

Gerry
 
I have an older, but quality Bausch & Lomb Elite SS that I got for a VERY good price years ago. I love everything about it, but often find myself wishing it were and angled eyepiece. It will likely get replaced at some point for something newer that has an angled eyepiece. Personal preference thing at the end of the day I think.
 
TrollGRG said:
Thanks for the input guys. I decided that I will go with the angled scope. Now the only problem is how much do I want to spend.

Oh woe is me

Gerry
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Good choice imo... I have two pretty good 'straight' scopes....and wish they were angled!
 
You guys convinced me to go with the angled scope now you have me at another decision.

There has been a lot of talk about the lenses. You say the glass is more important than the magnification. I understand that and it makes sense but how do you differentiate between the different scopes? Do you just rely on the company name? Is there a term or word in scope write-ups that tells you? Don't big name companies also produce inferior/cheaper products for the "poor folk"?

Another thought - I know binoculars have advanced a lot in the last 12-15 years (where a 8x pocket pair is a lot better than they were say 20 years ago). Is it the same for spotting scopes?

Awaiting your thoughts with worms on my tongue.

Gerry
 
Yes, new glass is usually better than the stuff that was put out 20 years ago even in spotting scopes. I've said it before and I'll say it again, when it comes to optics, you get what you pay for. The higher the price, the better the glass quality.

What is your budget for this spotting scope? Then we can start giving you some recommendations on brands and models to look at. I would recommend buying the best you can afford because you don't want to buy this year and then be disappointed and upgrade 3 years later. Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica are generally known as some of the best glass out there. I really love my Vortex Razor spotting scope and got it for a pretty good price because it was on sale due to the new model coming out.

Also, the larger the objective lens, the more light it will gather and make images brighter in low light situations.
 
Good choice on the angled eyepiece, my thoughts are the same as the others vs the straight. Get a Swarovski (if it's in the budget) and you will not be disappointed.
 
Clocked92 said:
Yes, new glass is usually better than the stuff that was put out 20 years ago even in spotting scopes. I've said it before and I'll say it again, when it comes to optics, you get what you pay for. The higher the price, the better the glass quality.

What is your budget for this spotting scope? Then we can start giving you some recommendations on brands and models to look at. I would recommend buying the best you can afford because you don't want to buy this year and then be disappointed and upgrade 3 years later. Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica are generally known as some of the best glass out there. I really love my Vortex Razor spotting scope and got it for a pretty good price because it was on sale due to the new model coming out.

Also, the larger the objective lens, the more light it will gather and make images brighter in low light situations.
Click to expand...


To put it in more appropriate context... I retired from the military 25 years ago. Now live on the military pension.

I looked at Swarovski and the rest. They range from $200 to over $2000. I hear a lot of you talking about the Vortex Razor. They are also in that range. Realistically I live in the lower 1/4 of that range.

Gerry
 
I have a Vortex Razor 11-33x50 that was $800US when I got it. That's all I could afford. It is better than the Tasco 20-60x80 that it replaced. Lighter too.
It is enough for me to see 22 holes at 200m. Never tried it farther than this.
Some will chime in with cheaper but still good alternatives.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-razor-hd-11-33x50-angled-spotting-scope

$699US now at Eagle Optics
 
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