There are many types of spotting scopes out there. In addition to factors such as magnification, you will need to consider whether to buy a straight or an angled spotting scope. Both have their pros and cons, and today, we will help you decide which one is better suited for you.
An angled spotting scope is more comfortable to use, can be shared with a few people, and is better for upwards angles. It also requires a smaller tripod. A straight spotting scope is easier to use in tandem with binoculars and is easier to fit into a sleeve.
Whether this is the first time you are buying a spotting scope or you already have a straight or angled scope and are curious about getting the other type, this article is for you.
We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each kind, and what each kind is better for. Let us get into it.
An Introduction to Angled and Straight Spotting Scope
A straight scope is straight. There’s not much more to say about that. You will see straight through the scope, in a straight line.
However, an angled scope is built a bit differently. The eyepiece is not aligned with the end of the scope. Rather, the scope is tilted upwards towards the eyepiece. This position helps you view things from an angle.
Multi-User Functionality
What if you want to set up the scope so that multiple people can use it at once? Which type of scope is better?
Using an Angled Spotting Scope
An angled scope lets you set up the with ease so that people of all heights can use it. You set it up on a tripod with the angled part facing upwards. This way, people can bend down and look into the eyepiece while seeing straight ahead out of the scope’s front end. No need to change your tripod height if you have angled spotting scopes.
Using a Straight Spotting Scope
However, it will be hard to share a view with other people with a straight scope. People who are too tall might have to bend down and try to see straight through the scope.
On the other hand, shorter people might have to go on their tiptoes to see through the scope. If you are trying to view something in a group, we would recommend using an angled scope.
Angled vs. Straight Spotting Scope: Tripod Setting
What size tripod do you need for angled scopes or straight scopes? What if you only have a short tripod? Will that be enough for a straight scope?
Angled Scope
With angled scopes, you can use a shorter tripod. As we mentioned in the previous section, the field of view is higher up due to the angle, and you can bend down and still see a mountain or a bird. As such, the tripod does not have to be as tall.
So, what are the advantages of using a shorter tripod? Well, for one, a shorter tripod is lighter and easier to carry around. At the same time, your glassing won’t be affected by the wind that much.
The taller the tripod is, the less stable it will be in the wind. A shorter tripod is less prone to being knocked over by a strong wind. You will need a taller tripod with a straight scope, which may be harder to use on windy days.
Straight Scope
On the other hand, if you want to see a higher up with a straight scope, you will need to use a taller tripod. There is no angle to help you with your position. A taller tripod is not only harder to carry around, but it may also be more expensive.
No Tripod Setup
What if you have no tripod at all? Which type of spotting scope would be better suited for your needs then?
If you have no tripod, it will be easier to use an angled scope. You will be able to lie in a prone position and set up the scope, so you get a good field of view. On the other hand, if you have straight scopes, you can still use them without a tripod, but it will be more difficult.
Angled vs. Straight: Looking Upwards
Which is better for looking upwards, such as at a tall tree, tall mountain, or even the stars?
Angled Spotting Scope
An angled scope is generally better for looking upwards. You won’t have to bend your body backward as much because the angle allows you to look upwards while keeping your body straighter. An angled option is easier on your body and you won’t strain your back or neck.
Straight Spotting Scope
Of course, you can look in any direction with straight scopes, whether straight ahead, upwards, or downwards.
Nevertheless, your body position may be uncomfortable if you are looking upwards with a straight scope. You may feel pain after prolonged periods of looking through the scope.
Straight vs Angled Scope: Looking Downwards
We have established that angled scopes are a better tool for looking upwards. However, what if you want to look downwards? Is an angled scope still better, or should you get straight scopes?
For example, what if you want to look down in the valley? What if you want to look at small animals like rabbits or ducks in a lake?
Angled Spotting Scope
An angled scope can be difficult to use if you try to look downwards or small animals in the ground or a lake or ocean. This problem is not as pronounced at mild downwards slants.
However, it can be quite difficult for more severe downwards slants to get the angled spotting scope in the right position. The angle just makes it hard to look downwards.
Straight Spotting Scope
A straight scope is generally a better tool to use if you hunt small animals or look downwards. Since you can find your target easier, you are more likely to be successful at hunting it.
If your main goal in getting a spotting scope is to look at small animals or animals in a lake, you may want to consider getting a straight scope instead of an angled scope.
Long-Term Comfortability and User Experience
If you are only using your scope for short periods, it may not differ which scope you use, all other factors considered. However, if you will be staring through the scope for long periods at a time, which scope will help you keep comfortable?
Angled Spotting Scope
An angled spotting scope is generally better for long-term viewing than a straight scope. You won’t have to crane your neck as much.If you need to stare through your scope to watch birds, we recommend an angled straight scope because it is easier to see upwards and more comfortable.
Straight Spotting Scope
With a straight scope, you may have to crane your neck more. As such, it is not as good if you need to look through a scope for a long period. However, if you are looking downwards, a straight scope might still be the right option for you.
Comparison of Using With Binoculars
What if you also use binoculars and want a spotting scope that you can use to switch to and from binoculars quickly? Which type of scope is better for that?
Angled Spotting Scope
If you use an angled spotting scope, you will have a harder time switching to and from a pair of binoculars. When you remove the binoculars, you will have to adjust the tripod’s height, and you will also have to adjust your position. You may lose sight of the animal during the time you are switching and readjusting.
Straight Spotting Scope
If you are switching to and from a pair of binoculars, you need to get a straight scope. It is incredibly easy to remove a pair of binoculars from your tripod and put a straight scope there instead. You will have less of a chance of losing sight of the animal this way.
Using a Straight or Angled Spotting Scope With Rifle Scope
If you also have a rifle scope, which type of spotting scope is better suited for you?
Although it is harder to use an angled scope with a pair of binoculars, an angled scope is better if you use it together with a rifle scope as a long-range shooter. If you set it upright, you can easily switch between the rifle scope and the angled scope.
Comparison of Target Acquisition
Which type of scope is easier to use? Which type of scope will make your target acquisition easier? If you need to acquire targets quickly, will an angled scope even work?
Angled Spotting Scope
An angled scope is not as easy to use compared to a straight scope. You have to figure out how to get the angle right to see the target you are trying to scope out.
If you are not used to this, it can take quite a bit of a learning curve to get used to. It is not a great scope for beginners for that reason.
Straight Spotting Scope
A straight scope makes it a lot easier to acquire your target. You can see the target without the scope, with your naked eye, and then quickly use the scope to magnify it. After all, the scope is straight, and you will be looking straight through, as you would with your naked eye.
On the other hand, you can lose quite a bit of time with an angled scope as you are figuring out how to view the target. So, a straight scope is better for fast target acquisition.
Comparison of Toughness and Longevity
Which is more likely to have the eyepiece damaged by the elements?
Angled Spotting Scope
An angled spotting scope is more likely to get damaged by the elements. It is more likely to get damaged by the elements because once the eyepiece faces upwards, debris, snow, and rain can get stuck in the eyepiece. When that happens, it can damage the eyepiece.
Straight Spotting Scope
Rain, leaves, dirt, bird poop, and snow are less likely to get stuck in the eyepiece of a straight scope. They are less likely to get stuck because the eyepiece’s cup faces the side, not upwards. Thus, if you are worried about damage, get a straight scope.
Flexibility and Ease of Carry
Which is easier to pack and travel with? As you will see in this section, it depends if you are using a tripod or not.
Angled Spotting Scope
An angled scope, by itself, is harder to pack. If you have a sleeve to put your scope in, it can be hard to fit an angled scope there.
On the other hand, it is easier to use an angled scope without a tripod, so you may not have to carry a tripod. If you carry a tripod, you can have a shorter tripod, which requires less space and is lighter and easier to carry.
Straight Spotting Scope
Using a straight scope is easier to fit into a sleeve. On the other hand, you will likely need a tripod. Also, the tripod you need will probably be bigger and heavier, taking up more space. Neither is easier to travel with.
For a Youtube video comparing the two types of spotting scopes, click on this link:
Final Thoughts on Angled vs Straight Spotting Scope
Using a straight scope by itself can be easier to carry around for short-term viewing. On the other hand, if you are looking upwards, sharing the view with a few people, or carrying a tripod with you, you may find that an angled scope will make your life easier.
You can also buy both types of spotting scopes for different occasions. Ultimately the use of straight spotting scopes or angled spotting scopes come down to your personal preferences.