Straight or Angled Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes are available in two main designs; angled and straight design. The two spotting scope designs have their advantages and their disadvantages.
In this article, we will be discussing the two spotting scope designs to help you determine which spotting scope design is best for your situation or requirement.
The angled vs straight spotting scope is a common discussion that has been there for a long time. The best spotting scope design depends on the kind of activity you want to participate in.
We will be providing you with details about angled and straight spotting scopes as well as a comparison of the two spotting scope designs to help you make an informed decision of which spotting scope is ideal for your situation.
Prior to providing you with a comparison of the two spotting scope designs, we will discuss each type of spotting scope design to help you have a better understanding of what you should expect from the spotting scope design.
Straight Spotting Scopes
Spotting scopes with a straight design have a body and an eyepiece. The eyepiece of the spotting scope can be on the same horizontal optical plane as the body or it can be at a level higher than the body.
However; despite the scope having an eyepiece that is at a level higher than the body, it still maintains a horizontal optical design.
A straight spotting scope is a great hunting spotting scope that can be used by hunters of all skill levels. Most scopes in this design are user-friendly and very intuitive thus they can be a great selection for beginners since they are easier and quicker to spot and track moving targets.
Spotting scopes with a straight design are ideal for regular hunters who hunt from tree stands, blinds, ridge-lines, and from car mounts. They can also be ideal for nature-observers and marine-watchers.
Advantages of Straight Spotting Scopes
- Straight design spotting scopes are user-friendly, intuitive and easy to use.
- Target acquisition is faster when using a straight design spotting scope than when using an angled spotting scope.
- Straight design spotting scope forms a straight line from where you are to your target.
- When using a straight spotting scope, you see the target in the same direction the scope is in.
- When using a straight design spotting scope, you do not have to adjust the tripod to find the target.
- A straight spotting scope can be mounted higher off the ground to prevent the effect of mirage.
- It is easier to view at levels below eye-level when using a straight design spotting scope.
- A straight spotting scope is easier to move and use when it is attached to a car mount.
- The eyepiece of a straight spotting scope is more protection from rain and snow than that of an angled spotting scope.
Disadvantages of Straight Spotting Scopes
- A straight spotting scope requires you to raise the tripod to eye-level, decreasing the tripod stability.
- It can be hard and uncomfortable to get high angles and maintain them when using a straight spotting scope.
Angled Spotting Scopes
An angled spotting scope features a body and an eyepiece that is at a 45-degree angle to the scope’s body. Angled spotting scopes are more complex and hard to use, unlike straight spotting scopes.
An angled spotting scope is hard to use because your line of sight is on an angle, making it harder for you to see moving targets. This spotting scope is ideal for hunters who are more experienced.
However; with practice, you can be able to make use of this spotting scope. Angled spotting scopes can be used for hunting, bird watching among other outdoor activities. They are very versatile scopes that can be used in almost any outdoor activity.
Advantages of Angled Spotting Scopes
- Angled spotting scopes make it possible for people of different heights to comfortably use the spotting scope without raising or lowering the tripod.
- An angled spotting scope can be mounted lower on a tripod to reduce the effect of wind.
- It is easier and more comfortable to view on angles looking up when using an angled spotting scope.
- Angled spotting scopes can be rotated on angles to make viewing while on car mount easier.
- It is easier and more comfortable to use an angled spotting scope while in a seated or lying down position.
Disadvantages of Angled Spotting Scopes
- Angled spotting scopes are more expensive than straight spotting scopes.
- You require some experience in using a spotting scope to effectively use an angled spotting scope.
- An angled spotting scope can have more features which can make it complex and hard to use.
- The eyepiece of an angled spotting scope is more exposed to rain and snow while using the spotting scope.
Conclusion – Angled vs Straight Spotting Scope
To help you decide angled vs straight spotting scope which spotting scope is best for you; we have discussed each of the spotting scope designs and provided with the pros and cons of each spotting scope design.
Based on our review, straight spotting scopes tend to outdo the angled spotting scope but the truth is that it is all about preference. Experienced hunters and nature explorers find angled spotting scopes to be better than straight spotting scopes since they match their skill level and their experience.
On the other hand, beginner hunters tend to love straight spotting scopes than angled spotting scopes since they are more affordable and also easier to use.
Angled spotting scopes are great for birding due to the ability to look higher and at different angles comfortably. They are also good for hunting but it is a little difficult to find and track your target.
Straight spotting scopes, on the other hand, are easier to use but are not ideal for birding or an activity that requires you to view at different angles. Depending on the kind of activity you want to participate in, you can choose a straight spotting scope or an angled spotting scope.
If you still find it hard to decide angled vs straight spotting scope, consider getting a spotting scope which is compatible with both an angled and a straight eyepiece.
It can allow you to transform the spotting scope from a straight spotting scope to an angled spotting scope or vice versa.
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