Rifle Scopes Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

[bcuzisedso]

After a 25 year hiatus from competitive shooting (metallic silhouettes back in the day) I have been re-introduced to the precision world by a good friend. I am in the process of updating equipment and as I wait on APA and USO, a new spotting scope is next on the list.
I plan to use it at the range in developing loads and eventually in competition. As well, I hope to do some long range varmit hunting...
Leaning towards the Kowa 883 or 884 but have not ruled out the Swaro or Zeiss.
What are the pros/cons with each body style? I have always used a straight body but the angled seems to have some advantages?
Thanks in advance to your insights...

 

[19Scout77]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

Are you going to be spotting more for yourself or for somebody else? IMO an angled body is more important for the former.

 

[jwp475]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?



Angled without a dought

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

I like the angled too. I feel that it is more comfy to look through.

 

[dar1246]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

Angled and don't look back.

 

[Alan Griffith]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

This afternoon I was comparing my angled Zeiss 15-45x60 Diascope with my straight USO 15-40x60 and the angled beats the straight hands down for viewing comfort. Jury is still out on which scope I liked better. The focus was definately easier with the Zeiss.

Alan

 

[Chiller]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

angled you have options to wor with it then. Look at almost any high power, CMP, F-class match. One exception the $5k Zeiss...

 

[gugubica]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

Angled, no question.

 

[robdes]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

Mine is straight. Seems to work well for shooting at the bench. One problem is that when you use it while standing you need to extend the tripod much more than you would w/ an angled scope. It is harder to keep a fully extended tripod steady. I don't think you can use an angled spotter in the prone position. Haven't tried it though, so I could be wrong.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

Completely dependent on what you are going to use it for.
If spotting for yourself (like NRA highpower and F CLass) definately go angled.
If you are spotting for others or finding targets (practical matches or hunting), I prefer straight, so I can view both eyes open and transition from target to target faster and keep an eye on wind indicators all the way out. Angled eyepieces are a HUGE pain if you need to transiton or find targets while spotting.

 

[pinzmann]

Re: Spotting scope: Angled or Straight body?

Straight for me. Use mine mostly to spot for others at the local match and off the bench. Also use it for spotting game. Much easier to get on target than a angled.