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Message: <blockquote data-quote="hinnark" data-source="post: 1465480" data-attributes="member: 1860">It's not only the scope, it's the tripodThe discussion about straight vs. angled scopes arises from time to time. There's one point about straight scopes worth to consider I miss in most of these discussions. The height of a straight scope needs to be adjusted to the nearest millimetre at the observer' s eye. Once done this a comfortable use should work for horizontal views without any problems. But if the user wants to watch at something up like for example a flying bird the eyepiece of the scope turns down. Now the scope needs to be lifted up to meet the users's eye height again. For this purpose a tripod with a very good working center column is essential. Height adjustment should work fast and easy and without any judder. IMO the work and precision of center columns adjustment mechanics is something that don't get the attention it deserves in most reports about tripods. Among conventional tripods I found best working columns with tripods made by Gitzo and Berlebach. I also think that a tripod with crank column is worth to consider for straight scope use. So if you have problems with neck pain with a straight scope check your tripod first.Steve</blockquote>