Spotting scope - angled or straight?

[high_revs]

I have a el cheapo Konus. Serves me OK for 100-200 yds, even 300 at Sacramento Valley shooting center. a few years ago, it was a challenge using it during the April clininc at Sacrament Valley. It's the angled viewfinder.

At the 100yds, the angled works for me because it's next to me, and I tilt / rotate the spotting scope 90deg clockwise so i can easily look thru. When I used it at Sacrament Valley's clinic in prone, yeah, that may be a little harder since it's taller and have to put the stand at a lower position, but at least the stand is ajustable.

I'm thinking of upgrading but wondering if I should look at straight instead of angled. Any benefits of a straight viewfinder vs. angled?

Any one have opinion on vortex razor HD?

[Hairball]

I use an angled Razor HD 20-60x85. Straight or angled comes down to personal preference and for many, it is easier to find the target quicker with a straight optic. I have no complaints about the scope except for the ranging eyepiece reticle that you can purchase as an accessory. I would prefer the reticle to be centered instead of the left side of the FOV.

[ocabj]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1210627

[snowdog650]

You used a spotting scope during the clinic? I didn't see much use for one at all with the guys/gals in the pits marking my shots and the coaches helping out.

I prefer an angled because I find it easier to set up and use when prone ... which is my primary firing position.

[JMP]

As folks mentioned, it is largely preference. However, I'll note that one will also want to consider the tripod or mount he is using since that affects how you view as well. A good tripod can really help.

[high_revs]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1210627

arrgh.. missed that search.

You used a spotting scope during the clinic? I didn't see much use for one at all with the guys/gals in the pits marking my shots and the coaches helping out.

I prefer an angled because I find it easier to set up and use when prone ... which is my primary firing position.

i did. at 1k or even 600k, it makes it easy to see still even with the coach next to me if I want to see for myself.

looks like sticking to angled then.

[lewdogg21]

Razors are steeply discounted right now as the "new" razor is out apparently. I think I saw 16x48 Razors for $899 somewhere in the last couple of days with the 20x60 maybe a few $ more.

[Hairball]

Vortex site has no mention of new spotting scopes coming out this year and I do not see any optic retailer that is selling anything "new" for 2016 from vortex in regards to spotting scopes.

[lewdogg21]

Vortex site has no mention of new spotting scopes coming out this year and I do not see any optic retailer that is selling anything "new" for 2016 from vortex in regards to spotting scopes.

20-60 on sale

http://swfa.com/Vortex-20-60x85-Razor-HD-Spotting-Scope-P13265.aspx

16-48 on sale

http://swfa.com/Vortex-16-48x65-Razor-HD-Spotting-Scope-P61031.aspx

All razor SS

http://swfa.com/Razor-HD-C1769.aspx

The "new" Razors were posted on muley crazy's fb page. They sell optics as well.

SS from my phone will be below.

[Mac Attack]

I use a Konos 80 for Highpower and it works for me out to 600 yards. Sure I would love to have a Kowa with LER eye piece as you can see the mirage but I can't with the Konos. A Kowa is 3x the cost of a Konos. It all depends on lighting conditions. A trick I learned at my last match was to use one of those El cheapo reflective window sun shade at an angle behind the target. Another option that works but not as good as the sun shade is to back the target with a piece of florescent orange mylar that you can get at Michaels.

The type of shooting you are doing should dictate the orientation of the scope eye piece. I use an angled viewer because I can setup my scope stand right next to my firing position. I think in the prone or sitting position it would be extremely difficult to see through the lense wit out breaking position. Now of you are only shooting off a bench then a straight eye piece would work fine but even then I prefer the angles. At Camp Perry the only straight scopes you see are on rifles or used by spotters.

No experience with the scope you mentioned but you can get a really good Kowa for hundreds less. Look at Creedmoor for their pricing. I know of a lot of shooters who have Kowa and are very happy with them. Then again I know a lot of guys who use the Konos and they like them but would not hesitate to upgrade to a Kowa.

[JMP]

Also, a key feature of a spotting scope is the reticle. I am surprised that there isn't much of a market for spotting scopes with reticles that allow you to measure your target with subtensions. This would be more critical if you didn't know the size or range of your target.

[Hairball]

The "new" Razors were posted on muley crazy's fb page. They sell optics as well.

Thanks for the heads up. I went over the vortex site and they don't even mention these on their razor HD page.