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The Best Spotting Scope Reviews and Advice
Understanding Angled vs. Straight Spotting Scopes
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Spotting scopes and their eyepieces can be classified in two ways. These are the straight-through and angled scope. These scopes have specific importance, especially when hunting because the lenses and the eyepieces are angled differently.
There is a big debate over what type is better, but both have their pros and cons. The final decision will eventually go down to the user’s level of comfort.
What is the difference between an angled and a straight spotting scope?
An angled spotting scope is the type that has a 45-degree angle between the eyepiece and the objective lens. These scopes use a shorter tripod, which is beneficial to the user because there will be less wind resistance.
The tripods are shorter and will make them easier to transport. An angled spotting scope is easier to use because it is easier on the neck. Steep terrain is easier to capture because downward shots are easier and hunters of different heights will be able to use the scope.
However, an angled spotter can be bulky and heavier than a straight scope. Extreme downhill angles will be hard to take. The moisture on the glass will collect faster on an angled scope.
A straight spotting scope is lighter and focusing on an animal is easier. Catching downhill angles are easier and using it during extreme weather is more convenient.
This scope is more portable and can be easily placed in a backpack. Learning to use a scope will be easier with a straight scope and the switch from binoculars will be easier.
Looking through the eyepiece is simpler because the subjects are seen directly. However, straight angled scopes are difficult to use when viewing upward.
Why is an angled spotting scope better?
The angled eyepiece is favored by most hunters and birdwatchers because the eyepiece can be turned and placed near the hunter and spotting will be done in a more convenient manner.
Using an angled scope will relieve a hunter from looking through a rifle scope while waiting for game. The angled eyepiece is also easy on the neck. This is a better position and more comfortable than looking up.
The angled scope will also let people of various heights use one tripod height. There will be no need to adjust the tripod up and down and multiple users will not have a hard time enjoying the view.
For tall viewers, it will be easier to bend at the waist. It will be easier to crouch down and hunch over. Shorter users will have a more comfortable viewing experience. If the tripod is steady, the hunter will not make noise or scare off the animals.
For birdwatchers, it is easier to use an angled scope when looking up than a straight scope. Looking at a bird on top of a tree is easier and can be done by tilting the head.
Looking down is also easy because the user does not have to get on an elevated space as the scope is angled down. The tripod doesn’t have to be shortened and there is no risk of losing aim.
If viewing a bird from a car, an angled scope is better to use. The large arc enables the user to be more flexible and the view can be done in a better, more efficient method. The scope can be swung in any direction without transferring places in the car.
Angled Scopes and Birdwatching
The use of the scope is better for birdwatching. It is a myth that straight scopes are better for this type of activity. Birdwatching involves a lot of looking up and the angled scope makes it more convenient for the user to watch upwards without straining his neck.
The watcher will be more comfortable looking down at the eyepiece with the lens facing up. This scope is also easier to use than binoculars.
Because the tripod is used on a shorter tripod, the scope is put on a more stable support. The stability of the tripod makes the image rendered in a vivid manner and shaking will be eliminated.
The scope is preserved because the scope is more secure on a low-standing tripod.
Putting the scope on a car mount, which is a common practice among birdwatchers, will be more convenient with an angled spotting scope.
