Inline or offset?

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   Can anyone tell me the major difference between an inline spotting scope such as the Bushnell Natureview and an offset scope, such as the Bushnell Banner Sentry Or Spacemaster? I am looking at purchasing a spotting scope, and I have found an inline at a good deal, but I have heard people say that inlines aren't that good, and that they would never own one. Why?

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nomad Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/23/2004 Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote nomad Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Inline or offset? Posted: August/23/2004 at 14:13
	Can anyone tell me the major difference between an inline spotting scope such as the Bushnell Natureview and an offset scope, such as the Bushnell Banner Sentry Or Spacemaster? I am looking at purchasing a spotting scope, and I have found an inline at a good deal, but I have heard people say that inlines aren't that good, and that they would never own one. Why?
	Nomad

Chris Farris Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024	Post Options Post Reply Quote Chris Farris Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August/26/2004 at 19:21
	By inliners I assume you mean the spotter body is straight...right? The straight units use a roof prism and the offset units use a porro prism. The roof prism is a better design, makes the unit smaller and is more durable. If you stick with the higher end models they will be phase corrected which is very important for a roof prism design. Roof prism units are more expensive to make and are usually found in the higher end brands. There are also angled and straight versions of porro and roof prism spotting scopes. The difference being the eye piece is either straight (in line with the body) or angled at 45%. The angled will allow you to set your spotter up beside you on the bench or below you while standing. It is also much easier to use an angled on a window mount or from a fixed position.
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nomad Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/23/2004 Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote nomad Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August/26/2004 at 20:32
	Thanx Chris, I was basically looking at Winchester scopes. I found a decent deal on a straight Winchester 30-120x60, but didn't know if the straight (inline) was a good idea or not. The power is definately good, but didn't know if there was a image difference that would make a less powerful offset better. Now I have found a good deal on a Winchester offset, that has all the features I want, but not as much power.... decisions, decisions.....
	Nomad