Spotting Scope Preference Help

[BigJohn1313]

Gents-

I'm considering buying a spotting scope for my elderly father. He would use the scope exclusively at a range, most of the time firing from a bench (seated position). He does like to instruct the grand kids firing from the prone position.

When choosing a spotting scope, would he be better suited with an angled or straight scope?

Or, is this just a personal preference?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

John G.

[HK Dave]

Personal preference.

[bombadillo]

Vortex scopes are really hard one to pass up for the money. If you have more money and want to spend in the 500 to $800 range, there are really good used options like the Kowa TSN series. It goes way up from there if you're looking at high dollar scopes you can spend in the thousands depending on your budget and desires. If you just want a decent scope to start you out, I would recommend the Redfield rampage scope for the vortex Nomad scope

[sonofeugene]

If you don't mind spending close to or just a bit above 1000, then Pentax is your choice. In many side by side tests, they equal or best scopes from Zeiss and Swarovski.

http://www.6mmbr.com/spotterreview.html

http://betterviewdesired.com/Pentax-80mm-Ed-Spotting-Scope.php

http://www.optics4birding.com/pentax-pf-65edii-scope-review.aspx

One of the biggest advantages is the size and quality of the eyepiece which is the same size as astronomy telescope eyepieces. You can swap out the excellent zoom eyepiece for a fixed magnification eyepiece and end up with a really awesome scope. But even with the zoom eyepiece, the Pentax scopes are simply amazing.

[JMP]

You can get a modular scope that can use straight or angled eye-pieces. Also, the tripod you use will also help a lot with the adjustability. A good tripod can be well worth it if you are situated in a spot with poor stability. If you are just trying to see holes on a concrete shooting range, a cheap telescope and Walmart tripod will suit you fine.

[bombadillo]

If you don't mind spending close to or just a bit above 1000, then Pentax is your choice. In many side by side tests, they equal or best scopes from Zeiss and Swarovski.

http://www.6mmbr.com/spotterreview.html

http://betterviewdesired.com/Pentax-80mm-Ed-Spotting-Scope.php

http://www.optics4birding.com/pentax-pf-65edii-scope-review.aspx

One of the biggest advantages is the size and quality of the eyepiece which is the same size as astronomy telescope eyepieces. You can swap out the excellent zoom eyepiece for a fixed magnification eyepiece and end up with a really awesome scope. But even with the zoom eyepiece, the Pentax scopes are simply amazing.

I actually had the middle scope, and honestly I could see as well or better with my cheap little 300 dollar Vortex Nomad as I could with the Pentax PF-80ed. Not sure if I just got a really clear factory freak, or if the Pentax isn't all its cracked up to be. I ended up selling it for a pretty penny..

[23's Dad]

I find the angled scope is more comfortable to use for long periods. Your neck is more relaxed looking down into an eyepiece from a seated (i.e. lawn chair) position. The straight eyepiece is good if you have a very tall tripod and stand up.