Hey,
Swaro's an advertiser here but I used them long before that, FWIW
Before deciding on Angled vs. Straight, check out Travis's Rokcast episode:
https://www.rokslide.com/your-angled-spotting-scope-is-holding-you-back/
If you don't have the time to listen to it, it converted me to straight spotters. For mule deer hunting at least, all that time I was losing adjusting my column was costing me a few buck spots per year. But this is mostly because I switch between binos/spotter. If you're spotter only, that is less of an issue. Although I think it's still faster to get on target with a straight (you look over the spotter, like a gun barrel) vs angled (you're forced to look down)
If you're using primarily close to a vehicle and are happy with one objective size, I'd go with the STS 80 mm. Eyepiece is modular, and I finally settled on the 25-50X for the wide angle. The 20-60x was ok, but getting to use 60x means good field conditions (low wind, good lighting).
Tripods? I'm assuming you don't need compact? If you're not on a budget, the Outdoorsmans Innegra (sp?). Or Swaro's BIG PCT. I had Gen 1 of that and am still using it (from the truck) 10 seasons later.
Budget? look at Outdoorsmans aluminum versions, MTN HNTR 60'+,
If you're looking for compact, same companies, just look at their smaller stuff, and add S&S Archery for their SLIK 624 (that's what I have).
I also still have a Vanguard carbon fiber. It was a budget tripod but still going strong. I use it when truck hunting and can take two tripods.
I will say if you're a casual user and your lifetime hunt isn't depending on a flawless bullet proof tripod, the budget stuff has a lot of value.
I've used all these tripods because they advertise with us, but Javelin/Spartan does too but I've only seen their gear at the shows. But watching Rob Gearing doing pull-ups on thier big tripod gives me plenty of confidence they're good.
You didn't ask about tripod heads so I'll stop. but you'll need to decide on that too. Plenty of other guys on here with more tripod head experience than me, so you should hear plenty of options.
let us know what you end up doing.
