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Angled vs. Straight

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tarkio View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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Joined: January/04/2007
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tarkio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Angled vs. Straight
    Posted: October/12/2007 at 16:02
Have finally decided upon a Spotting scope and now I have to figure out if I want a straight or angled eyepiece.

Any advice from those with experience with bot. The positives, negatives etc.

I will be using this at the range and glassing while hunting.

Thanks in advance
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ND2000 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ND2000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2007 at 16:16

Tarkio -

 

I've never known a spotting scope that gave the option of a straight/angled eyepiece, but I think I know what you meant (typically its the scope construction that determines straight vs. angled, with an eyepiece that is therefore interchangeable).

 

In any event, here is what I would tell you: 

 

Straight: Generally easier to find what you are looking for, as it's a more "natural" replication of your normal viewing angle.

 

Angled: can be mounted lower to the ground (gives more stability), easier to share with other viewers without adjusting your tripod, much easier to view through when elevation changes are present.

 

Bottom line is I would go angled.  I bought an angled spotter and I'm very glad I did.  You get used to target acquisition very quick, which is really the only benefit of a straight.

 

Just curious, what kind of spotter are you getting?

 

ND2000

You either get what you pay for or what you deserve.
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tarkio View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tarkio Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2007 at 16:26
Yes in the interst of brevity I did not explain myself well. I am referring to the construction of the scope which sets the
eyepiece at either an angle or straight/inline.

And, I have decided to purchase a Meopta S1-75 mm.
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Tero View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tero Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/14/2007 at 17:55
I mostly use mine for birding, and mostly just me looking, though I do go with groups. I prefer to use the scope like a binocular, straight.

For groups using the same scope, or for travel, angled is good. A samller, light  tripod works on the angled.

Digiscoping works either way. A bit easier angled.
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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/17/2007 at 13:02
Straight scopes tend to be easier to use from a vehicle off of a window mount.  
 
They also are easier (more intuitive) to use for tracking moving objects.
 
An angled scope will always be dimmer and more prone to optical abberations than a straight scope of the same make/model.  This is because the angled eyepiece requires the light to be refracted one more time than is necessary with the straight scope and this additional prism imposes the same light loss and potential for abberations as any other in the scope's design.   Chances are you won't be able to identify this difference simply by looking through the scope but, it's there.


Edited by lucznik - December/17/2007 at 13:03
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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Tero View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tero Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2007 at 17:34
The angled Nikon scopes have gotten good ratings by my optics friends. Not sure of others.
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