Spotting Scope, Angled or Straight?

[Hillary]

Does anyone know of any real major differences between the 2?
Or is it mainly just preference.

We are looking to invest in a great spotting scope for the hunts we have planned within in next 5-10 years and this is one thing that just keeps bugging me.

My immediate thought is to go with a straight necked one, but I see so many people going angled that I feel like I'm missing something.

[Winman]

I have always thought that the primary reason for the angle eye piece was for the target shooters....so they can see the targets without having to reposition the scope every time.

[JakeGraves]

I prefer angled because it is more comfortable to lean over looking through the angle than keeping head upright close to the tripod looking through a straight. Another plus is you can turn the scope while setting up on a bench (as long as the mount allows rotation) and look through it without repositioning off of the gun.

[Shane]

Straight is more comfortable and easier to use for me. It's just personal preference though. The only time I can imagine liking an angled eyepiece better would be if I were glassing uphill all day.

[kevin nicholls]

I use a straight because it's easier when using it in my truck. The window won't go down far enough to look thru the angled.

[NZ_guide]

It depends on the application that you intend to use it for. If you will be using it primarily for target shooting then there are pluses and minuses for both. If using for hunting then a straight spotter is easier to position and locate animals that you have already spotted with your binos. It is also easier for glassing downhill if you are primarily above the game. If glassing uphill a lot then you will be best with an angled spotter. In NZ where I guide we spend most of our time glassing uphill so I prefer an angled spotter.

[lbbf]

I just ordered an angled one. Here is my thoughts on it.
1. Angled is easier to use if more than one person is going to be looking through it. My wife and I will most likely be trading off looking through it.
2. You can position the scope lower to the ground, out of the wind since you can look down into it.
3. If you want to look up angled will be better.
4. When using a window mount you can turn the scope so the eyepiece is sideways and still be able to use it.

Just my thought process. From the research I was able to do it really seems to be personal preference.

[Arrowsmith]

I sell more angled than straight. Probably 5 to 1.

But...... it is really personal preference. I have seen both being used at target archery events, gun ranges, and in hunting applications.