Angled vs. Straight Spotting Scopes...?

NorthCountry

New Member
Jul 26, 2011
45
0
I'm finally going to take the plunge and get a high end spotting scope and get rid of my old Bushnell. I've never used a spotting scope much other than on the range. I started hunting the west about 5 years ago and am getting more and more into DIY trips. I've never really been on the type of hunt where a scope has been needed so I don't have a whole lot of experience using one for hunting purposes. Now that I'd like to get one and plan more and more hunts, should I go with a straight or angled model. I did a quick internet search and there is a lot of discussion on the topic but it seems like a Chevy vs. Ford discussion. A lot seems to go back to what a person first starts with and gets comfortable with. If I'm really just starting what do you backcountry western hunters recommend? Type of hunting will be typical western species.

Thanks!!!
 

dcestnik

Member
Aug 31, 2011
52
0
Straight bodied optics use glass that is more expensive for equivalent quality but more compact. Research porro vs roof glass. If you can try them out to see the real-world difference that would be best.
 

*******

Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
163
0
Edmonton AB.
I like straight for being able to get something in view quickly without a tripod (free hand) And ya, the angled vs. straight thread is good. Very Ford V. Chevy
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
Straight bodied optics use glass that is more expensive for equivalent quality but more compact. Research porro vs roof glass. If you can try them out to see the real-world difference that would be best.
dcestnik, that is a very interesting way to view the question in the thread. I think the OP was talking about angled eyepiece vs. straight eyepiece designs, not prism design differences.

Your points about porro vs. roof prisms are good ones to make, and a different take on angled vs. straight (bodies instead of eyepieces). Very good roof spotters are as good as very good porro spotters. Swaro spotters are porros and Zeiss spotters are roofs.