Angled or straight eye piece ?.

silverstem · Apr 16, 2015

In your opinion which piece is better , the straight or the angled eye piece on your spotting scope ? I am looking at the vortex razor HG spotting scopes and would like to hear some pro and cons. I've been down to cabelas a couple of times now and just can't decide . I plan on using it for elk /deer hunts and plan on mounting it on a good tri-pod , and maby a window mount occasionally.. Thanks

Deer1975 · Apr 16, 2015

Straight in my opinion is better. Easier to find the animal with the scope after you find the animal. Window mount is almost impossible with an angle. I think the only advantage with angle is it's easier on your eye and more comfortable if your planning on spending a lot of time behind it for long periods of time.

Phantom Hunter · Apr 17, 2015

I bought a vortex angled spotter two years ago, got a great deal. If I had it to do over again I would get a straight spotter. Just as Deer1975 said, almost impossible to glass from a pickup with the angled eyepiece. I too, find it hard to find the animal in the spotter if I first find it with binocs. Anyway that is my $0.02

muleymaddness · Apr 18, 2015

I would go straight. I think it's more versatile. There are pros and cons of each. If you're sitting on the downward slope of a mountain, angled would be nice. Looking up hill straight will be easier. Looking on flat ground I think straight is easier. Using a window mount straight is better. And it's quick to find game using the straight. Slides in spotting scope holders in your pack easy too. My vote is straight.

deerfanatic · Apr 20, 2015

I like the angled. I disagree with the post about using it on a window mount. I have had both and can cover more area through a window mount with angled than straight. I like the angled because I can set my tripod lower to the ground and glass looking down.

The comment about fitting into a backpack is very true. That is my biggest issue with the angled. They fit, but not very well if your pack is designed to carry it in a side pocket. The other downside is that it does take some practice getting used to finding a particular spot.

Ultimately, I would have been just as happy with a straight, the angled is just slightly a favorite for me.

excaliber · Apr 22, 2015

I'd go with the straight eye piece for sure. To me it's much easier to find a target and I think it's much more comfortable looking straight through for long periods of time with a relaxed neck instead of looking down.

Go try them both out and see what you like.

GLEDEASY · Apr 22, 2015

When I was first looking for a spotter I, like you, went down to the store to look through each. It took all but a few seconds to decide that straight was not for me.

I glass with my angled scopes from a window mount all the time with no problem. As far as finding targets quicker with the straight, maybe/maybe not. I've glassed with friends who have straights and never have felt disadvantaged.

I love my angled scope. I love it even more each time I try and look through a straight. I can't think of one occasion where I have enjoyed looking through a straight.

For me it's angled all day every day and twice on Sunday's.

I guess you know where I stand LOL.

Mallards_Only · Apr 23, 2015

Guess, as with most things, it's personal preference. FWIW, I had an angled scope and switched to straight. I'll never go back. Angled is a PITA, at least for me. Only drawback on the straight is looking uphill from a standing position with a "short" tripod. That is offset by trying to look downhill at a steep angle with an angled scope. I've used both from my pick-up and the straight is WAY easier to use if you glass from your vehicle. I pick up game in the scope faster with the straight and, IMO, I don't understand all the fuss over angled scopes. But people are just as passionate about Ford vs Chevy, fixed vs mechanical, and other things as well and all are equally good at what they do. Try 'em both and see which you like better.

IHuntNUtah · Apr 23, 2015

I started with a couple straight scopes. Bought an angled and will never go back. I do spend a lot of time looking through my scopes though. Advantages to both though. Angled is by far more comfortable to look through, I dont have to move to show my buddy next to me what i am looking at through my scope, just rotate the body, you can buy a much shorter tripod and save weight and space. I dont see a big advantage with either on a window mount. I can sit back just as relaxed with the angled as the straight, you do need to rotate the body a little usually, no big deal. Straight can be easier when viewing at steep angles. Straight is easier to find your target for rookies but it gets easier each time you use it and then you are as quick as you would be with a straight, you learn different ways of locating. I didnt understand all the hype about the angled until i got comfortable with one, I will never to go back.