I have never owned a spotting scope. I have looked through them, a little, but not enough to fully understand or appreciate some differences. I see they have angled one and straight ones - I wonder, why would I want one over the other?
To me, the straight ones are just easier to look through and find the target. If you're sitting at a bench, you'll probably have to stand up to look through the angled eyepieces. It's not a big deal though, either one will work.
I would caution not to try to cheap out on one. The under $100 Walmart models are nearly worthless. If you're shooting at 100 yards, there are some in the $150 ish range that will probably be good enough for you. If you're shooting further than that, they might not be good enough.
I would caution not to try to cheap out on one. The under $100 Walmart models are nearly worthless. If you're shooting at 100 yards, there are some in the $150 ish range that will probably be good enough for you. If you're shooting further than that, they might not be good enough.
I have an angled spotting scope and prefer that over ones that you look straight through, but I can swivel the lens so I can look through it without having to stand up. I can also position right next to me so it's easy to switch between it and my rifle.
Well - this is the kind of feedback I need. So far it's a 1:1 - actually that is a good start and good points.
Gadsden is spot on(pun intended). The angled provides better eye relief than a straight plus it's easy to sit down or stand up and use. IF you're going to be using a spotting scope hours on end, I think you'd appreciate the angled eye piece. IF you're just using it for the range, a straight eye piece is fine since generally you're always sitting down. I can't expect anyone doing much spotting here in OK.
its really preference as to what works best for you , I have a straight one and prefer it to the angled model . When I shot Benchrest there were shooters who liked the angled scopes as they felt it was easier to use.
More importantly is the quality. Don't buy a crap scope , a really decent spotting scope makes it very easy to see impacts , misses and everything else.
I like and own a Kowa but there are a lot of good ones out there , Konus and other budget brands won't compare well to a good quality spotting scope with good glass.
More importantly is the quality. Don't buy a crap scope , a really decent spotting scope makes it very easy to see impacts , misses and everything else.
I like and own a Kowa but there are a lot of good ones out there , Konus and other budget brands won't compare well to a good quality spotting scope with good glass.
Last edited:
I’ve wanted a spotting scope for years but just keep using my 12x binos or walking to check my targets. Life is sometimes hard when you’re cheap. 
