Straight v angled?

[Jpsmith1]

Common question, I know, but a slightly different use case than entirely outdoors.

I'm looking at getting either one of the micro spotters like a Celestron hummingbird/Nature-Trek or maybe a baby Crossfire/Diamondback/Viper in the 55-65mm range. I don't want an 80mm or larger. Just too big for my needs.

Size/weight isn't a huge factor as it will primarily be on my truck window or for range use and won't be backpacked in anywhere far. Secondary use is a suburban type "search team" where I may be watching at a distance to find a person who is hiding, which is why I don't want a giant lens hanging out the window of my truck.

Straight seems to be the recommendation for a window mount. Is there a good use case for an angled like the Hummingbird or am I better looking at the Vortex or a Kowa/Athlon in that price/size range.

 

[tracker12]

Ive used both and still can't say which one I like better. Really depends on what type of terrain you are using it in, whether you are glassing from sitting or standing and Im sure other factors. Both have there fans.

 

[twall13]

If you plan on using it mostly from a window mount you are probably better off with a straight scope. If you do go angled, make sure it has a rotating collar or you'll hate life with a window mount. I've tried to use my little Kowa 553 that way and without a rotating collar it's incredibly restricting. I think there are some aftermarket options to add a collar but just keep that in mind as you decide.

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[eaglemountainman]

Strictly my opinion, and worth every penny you paid for it. The only time I would prefer an angled scope would be for extreme uphill glassing, ie goats or sheep. For slightly uphill, level, slightly downhill, extreme downhill and window mount I much prefer a straight scope. For your needs a Kowa TSN-554 or if budget allows, a 66s would be great options.

 

[Jpsmith1]

Strictly my opinion, and worth every penny you paid for it. The only time I would prefer an angled scope would be for extreme uphill glassing, ie goats or sheep. For slightly uphill, level, slightly downhill, extreme downhill and window mount I much prefer a straight scope. For your needs a Kowa TSN-554 or if budget allows, a 66s would be great options.

As I'm reading and researching more, a straight optic is the way.

I don't have the budget for those Kowa optics but I might be able to stretch to something like a Maven CS1 but that is going to be a reach for my budget at the moment.

I was really hoping to keep this under 500, but I am in no hurry to buy and tend to think about lot about larger purchases like this and exercise patience to find the right price on the right item, so waiting a few months isn't out of the question. It also isn't a "need" item so I'm good with waiting and, who knows, maybe I can put together a little more cash...

My binoculars and rangefinder are Vortex Vipers, and I'm very happy with their performance and value, so a Viper level optic would fit right in to the family.