Straight vs. Angled spotting scope

[marty55]

I have pretty much decided on which scope I want (nikon 25-75-82), my budget is $1200 max. I'm unsure if angled or straight would best suit my needs? It will be used primarily at the range while shooting off the bench with some game/bird watching and alittle star gazing tossed in. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Marty

 

[NateHaler]

If you're going to be position shooting, then I think the clearly superior choice is the angled. For sitting in a chair and spotting other shooters, either will work fine, and ditto for bird watching, star gazing.

The angled is more challenging to line up for star gazing, bird watching, and the like.

 

[Steve Blair]

I have the same Nikon, angled, and find it very versatile. Nate is right about star gazing, it takes a little usage adapting to the angle. Otherwise, it is the way to go. I can mount it on the stand and barely move when at the bench or in position to view the targets.

 

[dlong]

I have the Nikon Fieldmaster as well. Mine is an angled eyepiece. I would suggest the Sinclair bench mount. Its a bit pricey but rock solid. great for the bench. Great scope, but it is a bit large. Got mine from the Optic Zone. No one could touch their price.

 

[ronsroom1]

I've owned 3 angled spotting scopes so far, and I would never go back to a straight scope. With the Sinclair bench mount, I turn my head about 45 deg. to the left and I go from rifle scope to spotting scope. Doesn't get any simpler than that. JMHO.