Angled or Straight

cali_hornhunter

Active Member
Jun 17, 2011
304
1
Red Bluff Ca
Ok guys and gals im trying to decide which way to go on this when it comes to spotters i already have the brand and everything picked out (hopefully i'll be able to purchase it this summer fingers crossed) but i cant decide with which style to go with ive looked through both an angled and straight whats the benfits to one vs. the other any and all input would be great or is it just based on comfort. Thanks!!!
 

Muleys 24/7

Veteran member
Jan 12, 2012
1,406
12
The Golden State
I was going through the same decision a few months back, like most will say it's a preference thing. I use to own a straight, However since I made the switch to angled I've been happy. I think angled is more comfortable.IMO
 

hvfd21walker

Active Member
Dec 18, 2011
483
36
Bitteroots
I think there was an older thread with tons of info on this subject. BB will probably chime in here real soon. He is the man for optics. He will give you all the pros and cons you want.
 

Drhorsepower

Veteran member
May 19, 2011
2,225
0
Reno, Nevada, United States
I prefer angled, I think it is more versatile but that is me. Everyone is different. I think they are more comfortable Glassing in elevation that is higher than you. It is easy to get used to the angle when you are trying to spot landmarks with naked eye, try also have the little viewfinders on them as well. I haven't had mine on the window mount of a truck yet but I think it might be an issue especially with the bigger spotters but not sure yet. What model are you thinking of going with?
 

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,028
1,615
Reno Nv
I prefer straight. It's easier for me to locate a animal quicker. Although I have both the angle might be more comfortable.
 

cali_hornhunter

Active Member
Jun 17, 2011
304
1
Red Bluff Ca
I prefer angled, I think it is more versatile but that is me. Everyone is different. I think they are more comfortable Glassing in elevation that is higher than you. It is easy to get used to the angle when you are trying to spot landmarks with naked eye, try also have the little viewfinders on them as well. I haven't had mine on the window mount of a truck yet but I think it might be an issue especially with the bigger spotters but not sure yet. What model are you thinking of going with?
Plan on going with the Swaro 65 HD
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
As prophesied, here I am:

Typically the arguments go like this:

Straight:

1. Easier to get on target.
2. Easier to glass from above.
3. Easier to glass from a vehicle.

Angled:

1. Easier on the neck.
2. Easier to glass up.
3. Easier to use with multiple people of different sizes.
4. You can use a shorter/lighter tripod.

I use angled, because most angled scopes have a rotating color that more or less evens the field with the straight, except about getting on target easier. After some practice, though getting on target with an angled scope is second nature.

I am firmly in the angled camp now, but it really is a preference thing.
 

BKC

Very Active Member
Feb 15, 2012
835
163
The high plains of Colorado
I prefer straight. It's easier for me to locate a animal quicker. Although I have both the angle might be more comfortable.
This is exactly why I use a straight. I can put it on game much quicker and when the animals get up, stretch and lay back down sometimes you don't get that much time. In a pinch I turn my bino's upside down and lay my spotting scope inbetween the tubes and with elbows on knees can usually get a good look at something without having to set up the tripod and mount the scope.
 

packer58

Very Active Member
Aug 24, 2011
916
0
Loma Rica, Ca.
BB, with the angled spotter are you able to get comfortable using a window mount setting in your pickup. Ive looked through some in the field but never setting in a truck.
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
BB, with the angled spotter are you able to get comfortable using a window mount setting in your pickup. Ive looked through some in the field but never setting in a truck.
Yeah, I put the window mount a little bit further towards the front of the window and rotate the scope sideways in the collar. It works pretty well.

I used to really have a hard time getting on target with an angled scope, when I first got one, but now it is much easier. Like many things, practice makes perfect.
 
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cali_hornhunter

Active Member
Jun 17, 2011
304
1
Red Bluff Ca
Thanks guys for the input and great information as always ive had experience with both angled and straight and as mentioned my biggest problem was locating game not as quick with a straight but practice makes perfect right thanks again guys!!
 

twp1224

Active Member
Mar 6, 2011
224
1
Central Coast
I currently use a straight spotter and only went with it because i found it at a good price. I was leaning towards an angled version for the same reasons BB stated.