Angled or straight: does the size of the spotter come into play?

[gmajor]

I am going to pick up a Razor HD 11-33x50mm spotter. I was planning on going with angled, but then someone impressed upon me that due to the small size and weight of such a spotter, straight would be better for target acquisition. I know generally straight is easier to acquire targets with, and I'm aware of the much debated pros and cons of each, but I'd never considered the size/weight of one of these backpacking spotters to impact the overall debate between angled/straight. Thoughts?

 

[dotman]

Might want to hold off for the recently announced Kowa TSN-553 which is a 55mm. As far as straight vs angled I say it's personal pref, I won't own a straight.

 

[flyinsquirel]

I would get the straight if I was looking at that 50mm Vortex. I generally prefer angled, but not on a spotter without a rotating collar. My 50ed is angled and its a pain sometimes when I cant rotate the eyepiece around. I don't believe that 55mm kowa has a rotating collar either from the pictures I saw.

 

[CorbLand]

I prefer the straight on the little 50mm. You can use them as a monocular when they are a straight a little easier. With how small they are, they seem to be easier and more functional in the straight. Ultimately, it is a personal preference though.

 

[gmajor]

Seems like it does matter a bit. I should have considered the lack of rotating collar more. Interesting. Dotman thanks for the note on the Kowa.

 

[Tex68w]

Small go straight, 65 and above it becomes personal preference and you already know the perceived pros and cons of each. I prefer an angled but I know it strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Hatchet Jack]

My packing/hunting scope (66)is a straight for 2 reasons. I glass a lot with my binos on a tripod, a straight scope allows me to switch to the spotter without having to readjust my tripod. Plus they pack better. When I end up getting a big scope that won't be going in the pack with me it'll likely be angled.