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Angled vs. Straight

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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 Topic: Angled vs. Straight
    Posted: January/04/2007 at 16:12

Maybe it's just me but, there seems to be a lot of spottting scopes coming out lately with angled eyepeices.  I'm intrigued by them but, I have never actually used such an angled scope so; I don't know what they are like. At "first blush" the straight eyepiece would seem to be the more advantageous for hunting, especially for in-vehicle uses but, having no actual experience with them, I figure I could be missing something.

 

Have any of you used these spotters with angled eyepieces? 

 

What are their advantages/disadvantages?

 

How much more difficult is it to line up the intended target than with a straight scope?

What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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cj17 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cj17 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/04/2007 at 16:46

I recently returned a Minox 62 ED for the sole reason of it being angled and not suiting my needs very well.  I am fairly tall (6'4") and had a very difficult time using the scope with a window mount, especially with the higher windows of the new Ford pickups.  It was difficult at best to get situated in order to try and look through the scope.  As for aiming the scope at a target for viewing, there was a pointing aid but it wasn't nearly as easy to go from spotter to binos and vice versa as it is with a straight scope

 

The only advantage I see for the angled scopes is that if you're using a tripod it can be mounted lower and if you're looking either uphill (sheep hunting) or at the sky you don't have to get so low to the ground for viewing.

 

Just my 2 cents, but it definiely didn't work for me.

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FrankD View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2007 at 08:33

Quote The only advantage I see for the angled scopes is that if you're using a tripod it can be mounted lower and if you're looking either uphill (sheep hunting) or at the sky you don't have to get so low to the ground for viewing.

 

That and the ability for a variety of people of different heights to use it without further adjustments. Plus, you don't need as big of a tripod to use it.

 

I have the Pentax ED model and chose it specifically in the angled configuration for that reason. I do not use it with a window mount but predominantly on a full sized tripod so the angled model makes alot more sense. If you were going to use it mostly from a window mount then I can see the need for a straight version.

 

My scope is much like one mentioned above. It has a small aiming aid on the sliding sunshade. The helps with finding the target.

Frank
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anweis View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2007 at 08:51

Frank nailed it. With angled scopes, you need a smaller tripod and it is easier for people of various heights to use the scope in a hurry. It also makes it easier to track birds high overhead. For vehicle use or horizontal viewing, the straight scopes are better. For the shooting range, i don't think that it matters, as long as you have good support (tripod). Most of my scope use is on the horizontal, and i like the straight ones better - probably because i am used to them and because it is easier to point them quickly. I do use angled scopes when i am out with many kids or when i am watching birds of prey at migration bottlenecks.



Edited by anweis
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Tip69 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2007 at 10:41

I picked up a Meopta.. cheap... and it came with the angled eyepiece........ so far I wish it was straight..... but NOT to the point that I would spend more to get it!  Mine has a "band" on which the tripod adaptor (not sure what the name is) can spin around the body.... this allowed me to use it with the window mount.  Instead of looking down, this makes the angle left of right depending on which way you turn the band.  Its not the best, but it works.  It does make it harder to line-up or find what you want to look at!

 

Not sure how much I'll use it on a Full sized tripod, so don't think I'll think that is a big advantage.  Unless that is how you are going to use it or do the Sheep/Mtn hunting....... I would go for the Straight one!

take em!
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Nordic View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nordic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/08/2007 at 05:16
I have a Kowa spotting scope with angled eyepiece.

IMO its a bit easier to use when standing, one with straight eyepiece would have slight advantage when used prone. However, after years of use i have accustomed to it so using it in all positions is equally easy for me.

I have no experience in using car window mounts so cannot comment on that.
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