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.
Spotting scopes: Angled vs. Straight – which design is best?
outdoorsmans.com
Angled vs Straight Spotting Scopes
When making a final decision between a straight or angled spotting scope, be sure spend a lot of time behind both eyepieces at your nearest dealer. At the end of the day it is truly up to personal preference, weight, costs, size, and optical performance are all negligible when comparing the two.
outdoorsmans.com
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.
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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. 
