Buying the proper spotting scope for your particular needs can make or mar your spotting activity. The angled vs straight spotting scope debate has been an important ongoing concern for as long as scopes have existed.
The difference between them is that angled scopes have their eyepiece placed at a degree (usually 45 to 90 degrees) to the objective lens while straight scopes set their eyepiece parallel to their objective lens.
Due to this disparity, they have different advantages and disadvantages and should be selected based on functionality, as they are both perfect for distinct spotting needs.
The Top Angled Scopes Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Emarth 20-60X60MM Angled Spotting Scope |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| Gosky 20-60X80MM Spotting Scope |  |
| Check Current Price |
| Celestron Ultima 22-66X100mm Spotting Scope |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Emarth 20-60X60MM Angled Spotting Scope
The Emarth spotting scope is our number one choice for the best angled scope. Featuring a 20-60x zoom lens for a crisp and clear view of both close and long-range targets, it also has a 60-millimeter OLD to let in enough light. Even those who wear eyeglasses can use this scope and enjoy the color and clarity it brings to every scene.
For durability, its parts were made from waterproof material and nitrogen-purged for protection fog and other inclement weather conditions. Because its surface was rubber-coated, it is suitably protected from everyday wear and tear and can be securely gripped too.
This waterproof angled optic is perfect for viewing higher plains from a lower point of view. It is suitable for outdoor activities like birdwatching, scenery, and other casual astronomy pursuits.
Specs
- 20-60x magnification setting, 60mm OLD
- 45 degrees angled scope
- Fully multi-coated lens
- In-built retractable sunshade
- Includes a tripod for easy adjustments
Pros
- High magnification and long-range zoom
- Dual focus wheel system for long-range viewing
- O-ring sealed and argon-purged
- Water, fog and weatherproof
- Extremely affordable
- Offer lifetime VIP customer assistance
Cons
- Blurry picture quality at more than 300 yards
Conclusion
This angled spotting scope performs excellently well at its super affordable price. This is why it is our best choice for an angled spotting scope.
Rating – 4.5/5
2. Gosky 20-60X80MM Spotting Scope
The Gosky angled scope can zoom from 20 to 60x to capture any target. With an objective lens diameter of 80 millimeters, enough light is transmitted to ensure a clear and bright sight picture is produced. It features a smartphone adapter to enable you capture and share beautiful pictures. The adapter is compatible with a lot of smartphones that are currently in the market. It also has an SLR for a Nikon camera.
This optic is ideal for bird watching, astronomy, wildlife watching, scenery, traveling and other outdoor activities for which you require a scope.
Specs
- Variable 20-60x magnification setting, 80-millimeter OLD
- 45 degrees angled lens
- Fully multi-coated lens
- In-built retractable sunshade and rotatable eyepiece
- Includes a tripod, digiscoping adapter, carry case, SLR mount, and 2 lens caps
Pros
- High magnification, light transmission, and long-range zoom
- Rotatable eyepiece and adjustable viewing angles
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- Affordable price
- Digiscoping adapter for taking pictures with your smartphone
Cons
- No complaints so far
Conclusion
This scope is affordable and can be used to take really clear pictures while digiscoping. It also comes with a tripod for a stable observation point and easy angle adjustments.
Rating – 4.3/5
3. Celestron Ultima 22-66X100mm Spotting Scope
With a zoom of 22-66X, this optic is ideal for long-range viewing, astronomy, bird watching, scenery, and other outdoor activities.
For durability, it is nitrogen-sealed to protect the interior from the effects of fog. Externally, it is made of metal alloy to ensure sturdiness. The scope is also waterproof and can be used in inclement weather.
Specs
- 22-66x zoom settings, 100-millimeter OLD
- 45 degrees viewing angle
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Includes a T-mount adapter for digiscoping, lens cap, lens port cover, eyepiece pouch
Pros
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Removable ocular lens
- Relatively inexpensive
- Can be used for digiscoping
- 2-year warranty and unlimited customer service
Cons
- No sunshade to protect the lens from sun’s glare
- Requires a sturdy scope for balance
Conclusion
The Celestron ultima angled spotting scope is another relatively inexpensive scope that can be effectively used for bird watching and other outdoor activities.
Rating – 4.4/5
The Top Straight Scopes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| SVBony SV28 20-60X60MM Spotting Scope |  |
| Check Current Price |
| Celestron Ultima 18-55X65MM Spotting Scope |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
The vortex optics razor HD is our top choice for a straight spotting scope. With an 85-millimeter objective lens diameter that is fully coated with armortek to protect from scratches, dirt, and dust, this optic has sufficient light transmission to deliver clear pictures. Also, viewing long-range pictures is not an issue as its zoom extends from 27 to 60 times.
Specs
- 27-60x magnification setting, 85 millimeters OLD
- Fully multi-coated lens
- In-built retractable sunshade
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Adjustable eyecup
- Retractable sunshade
- O-ring sealed and argon-purged. Armortek-coated lens
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Conclusion
This Vortex straight scope is our choice for the best straight spotting scope. Although relatively pricey compared to some other scopes in the market, it is totally worth every penny spent.
Rating – 4.6/5
2. SVBony SV28 20-60X60MM Spotting Scope
This simple lightweight scope can zoom a long-range target to appear 20 to 60 times closer. With a fully multi-coated lens and BAK-4 prism, sight images are crisp and clear. For durability, its body is made of magnesium alloy to protect it from wet weather conditions and guarantee general sturdiness.
Specs
- 20-60x magnification settings, 60 millimeters OLD
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Included ingredients: tripod stand, lens cover, crew, phone adapter, and a carrying case
Pros
- BAK-4 prisms lens
- Extremely affordable
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Blurry sight picture beyond 300 yards
Conclusion
This SVBony lightweight straight spotting scope is ideal for hunting and other outdoor sporting activities due to its clear sight picture. It is a good buck for the money.
Rating – 4.7/5
3. Celestron Ultima 18-55X65MM Spotting Scope
The Celestron Ultima 65 straight spotting scope is built for hunting long-range targets. It can magnify a target to seem between 18-55X closer than it really is, making it easier to track both moving and stationary distant targets. The scope is also waterproof and fog proof to ensure durability.
Specs
- 18-55X zoom eyepiece, 65 millimeters OLD
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Included components: lens cap, port cover, carrying case, T-mount adapter, and eyepiece pouch
Pros
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Affordable
- Digiscoping compliant
- 2 years warranty
Cons
- No retractable sunshade
Conclusion
The Celestron straight spotting scope gives good value at its price range. With its bright sight picture, it can be conveniently used for tracking prey, hunting, etc. You can also attach your DSLR camera to the T-mount adapter to digiscope.
Rating – 4.4/5
Straight Versus Angled Spotting Scopes: What Are The Differences?
We realize that it is beneficial to have the necessary information that will help you decide which variation of the angled vs straight spotting scope best serves your purpose. That is why we have included a buying guide where we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each variant.
We need to expressly state that the major difference between the straight and angled spotting scope is the positioning of the eyepiece in relation to the objective lens. While the former is horizontal, the latter is at a 45 to 90 degrees angle.
What this means is that they would both have the same optical quality; the same magnification settings and objective lens diameter.
Advantages Of The Angled Spotting Scope
- Convenient for sharing among people of different heights, without needing to adjust the tripod.
- Comfortable for viewing higher angles. Easier on the neck and back muscles during long periods of spotting.
- Any affordable tripod would do, irrespective of height or size. An angled scope is already designed to effortlessly view targets that are on high plains.
- The position of the target does not determine how high you can place your tripod. Or your posture. You can comfortably lie or sit down while viewing a target in the sky.
Disadvantages Of The Angled Spotting Scope
- Requires some form of expertise to operate due to its advanced settings.
- Angled spotting scopes are usually more expensive than other variations of the same scope.
- Bulky and requires careful handling and more space than the straight scope due to its complicated design. This might result in impeded movement while spotting.
Advantages Of The Straight Spotting Scope
- Simple to understand, easy to use and operate. Suitable for beginners.
- Can be easily carried around and doesn’t take up much space when packed.
- More versatile than an angled scope and can be quickly and easily used to spot a target due to its straight line-of-sight. Perfect for watching moving targets.
- You can easily switch from viewing through the lens of the scope to your normal view because the eyepiece is at your eye level. Switching is comforting to the eye and makes spotting easier too.
- It is preferable for spotting in wet weather conditions as moisture won’t settle on the eyepiece.
Disadvantages Of The Straight Spotting Scope
- Not suitable for spotting activities that would require watching a target at a higher level. If you persist, you might get a crick in your neck.
- When spotting as a group, it is not easy for more than one person to use a straight scope. Because it is set at your eye level, sharing would require adjusting the tripod to the other person’s eye level.
- Requires a tripod that corresponds to your eye level.
Choosing Between A Straight And An Angled Spotting Scope
The straight versus angled spotting scopes debate is a matter of preference and purpose. Both spotting scopes are ideal for some spotting activities while one out-performs the other for some other purposes. For preference, it is up to you to go through the advantages and disadvantages and select the one you’d rather use.
For digiscoping, both scopes function well but you’d need to ensure they are digiscope adaptable before purchase. Ultimately, both scopes would be of great benefit to you if you acquire one that is durable and sturdy.
Final Thoughts
To help you in making a choice, we did some straight versus angled spotting scopes comparisons. For our review, we selected our best options for both variants of scopes.
Vortex Optics Razor HD was our best choice for hunting and spotting moving targets while we chose the Emarth 20-60X60 AE as our best angled spotting scope for birdwatching.
Both straight and angled spotting scopes have their benefits and shortcomings. You should select based on how these factors would affect your preferred sport.
