BobinKy
Well-known member
Whether to choose a spotting scope with an angled or straight-through eyepiece is usually not a matter of optical performance, but more of a matter of personal preference and geography.
In his book, Pete Dunne on bird watching: The how-to, where-to, and when-to of birding (2003), Dunne states most American birders prefer the straight-through system, while Europeans favor the angled eyepiece. The reason he gives is in Europe standard birding practice frequently calls for prolonged study of birds from a hide or long-term scanning, such as sea-bird watching. On the other hand, in the United States, because of the diverse habitat and birding possibilities, birders frequently shift position quickly, moving from to bird to bird, site to site. The angled system is better suited for long-term viewing, while the straight-through system is faster, particularly for the birder with limited experience at finding birds through a scope.
Dunne also gives the following advantages and disadvantages of using scopes with angled eyepieces.
Angled eyepiece advantages
As for myself, I use an angled spotting scope because, when I made my spotting scope purchase a couple of years ago, I already owned a short (and very light) tripod left over from my photography days--Bogen 3001/3126, which only entends to a height of 55", weighs 5.8 lbs, and supports 8.8 lbs. While my 3001/3126 is not as sturdy during heavy winds as my 3246/501 setup, I find the lighter camera tripod easier to take to the field and move about. I also find I like to take a short stool on many of my nature excursions and sit for long-term observing.
So, once again, existing equipment that we own determines what and how we observe, as well as our future optical purchases.
...
What about our readers--do you prefer an angled or straight-through scope? Why?
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Bob
38° Kentucky, USA
Improve your life with optics.
In his book, Pete Dunne on bird watching: The how-to, where-to, and when-to of birding (2003), Dunne states most American birders prefer the straight-through system, while Europeans favor the angled eyepiece. The reason he gives is in Europe standard birding practice frequently calls for prolonged study of birds from a hide or long-term scanning, such as sea-bird watching. On the other hand, in the United States, because of the diverse habitat and birding possibilities, birders frequently shift position quickly, moving from to bird to bird, site to site. The angled system is better suited for long-term viewing, while the straight-through system is faster, particularly for the birder with limited experience at finding birds through a scope.
Dunne also gives the following advantages and disadvantages of using scopes with angled eyepieces.
Angled eyepiece advantages
- Generally provides easier, more restful long-term viewing.
- Scope is lower than the observer's eyes, allowing the observer to scan over the scope with binoculars (not to the side as with the straight-through EP).
- Two or more observers of slightly different heights can easily share the same scope with less physical stain, fuss, or tripod manipulation.
- Observers can study birds high overhead or in tall trees without having to crouch or buy a tall tripod (which can add to the initial cost of scoping and weight that must be carried to the field).
- More difficult to aim and find the bird than straight-through eyepiece.
- Exposure to rain, mist, or snow (due to angle of the EP glass) may distort the image in poor observing weather.
- Difficult to use shoulder-mount or car window-mount system.
- Projects line of sight several inches below eye level; if bird is perched beyond some barrier, such as a hedge or reed bed, the lower line of sight may not be high enough.
As for myself, I use an angled spotting scope because, when I made my spotting scope purchase a couple of years ago, I already owned a short (and very light) tripod left over from my photography days--Bogen 3001/3126, which only entends to a height of 55", weighs 5.8 lbs, and supports 8.8 lbs. While my 3001/3126 is not as sturdy during heavy winds as my 3246/501 setup, I find the lighter camera tripod easier to take to the field and move about. I also find I like to take a short stool on many of my nature excursions and sit for long-term observing.
So, once again, existing equipment that we own determines what and how we observe, as well as our future optical purchases.
...
What about our readers--do you prefer an angled or straight-through scope? Why?
--------------------
Bob
38° Kentucky, USA
Improve your life with optics.
i use straight scopes, onmy second one now.
