What do you guys prefer?
- Thread starter Sdbirds
- Start date
Snake Charmer
Happiness is a warm gut pile
Road hunting or backcountry size can be an issue......Minox 50 for when I need to go lite and at 200 can't beat that for a 16-30x
This is a good deal and good glass http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviperhd20-60x80
But I like Ziess if you have the cash.....
This is a good deal and good glass http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviperhd20-60x80
But I like Ziess if you have the cash.....
Bushnell Elite...straight. 
http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/spotting-scopes/elite/elite-15-45x-60mm
Best of all for us who hike in: Weight: 26.5 oz
http://www.bushnell.com/hunting/spotting-scopes/elite/elite-15-45x-60mm
Best of all for us who hike in: Weight: 26.5 oz
If you are glassing from a low position up high above you I would say angled. You will get more out of a straight scope being able to glass all high or low and target an object faster. Straight
Also if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, and/or have neck problems, getting into position to view a straight scope can cause neck fatigue. Straight is great on a window mount if you scope from your truck. Just some specific thoughts on straight vs angled.
Ya, and how you use it. The really high quality rigid ones have that solid head and base so they can be extended fully in wind without too much vibration. That keeps you more comfortable, especially if you're using a straight scope. On the other hand they can be heavy to carry on your back. I have a Slik u6000 which is nice and light, but I can't extend it to full height in a stiff breeze without it resonating, even with my (relatively) lightweight Bushnell Elite Tactical scope. So I sit down while spotting or put the tripod on a large rock to raise it to my eye level.Lungpopper said:
For a good discussion of instrument (in this case scope) weight vs tripod base and head quality, check this link;
http://www.opticsplanet.com/howto/how-to-choose-the-best-tripod.html
As an example, I originally bought my Slik for camera use. I can make it work with my spotter, which is a lot heavier and needs much better support than a camera, but a tripod designed for heavier equipment and higher mag would make a noticeable difference.