Objective lens: straight or 45 degree?

[Pasco]

If you have a straight objective or a 45 degree one, what are your likes and dislikes?

I want a scope for glassing in the field and found Leupold's Windriver line has both, with virtually the same specs.

Do you find straight better, or is 45 more comfortable?

I'm also toying with the idea of getting some 20x binocs instead.

Any help?

 

[jackrabbit]

Pasco, I do believe the lens in the front of a scope or binocular is called the objective lens, and this is the large lens usually quoted in descriptions such as 8x40, for instance, or in 15-45x60mm spotting scope, etc. The lens that goes to your eye is called the "eyepiece" especially in a spotting or celestial telescope. I have a 20-60x80mm spotting scope with the straight eyepiece, and it is hard to use on severe high angles, such as when I was watching rockclimbers high on El Capitan in Yosemite -- I had to get on my knees under the tripod to see. Another guy had the 45 degree eyepiece and you just had to bend over to see upward. But it was easier to move the scope and track game and climbers with the straight eyepiece. Also, I think if I were on a ridge spotting game in a basin or canyonbottom, it would be hard to see downward unless I was able to turn the eyepiece or rotate the scope sideways. In addition, I often use the scope handheld at the 20x setting, braced on my knees; seems like that would be hard with a 45 degree eyepiece. Maybe someone here with field experience with a 45 degree eyepiece can report their experience and preference.

As far as the 20 power binoculars, I think they would have limited use, and you would need to use them mounted on a tripod anyway to hold them steady enough to see anything clearly. I've used 10 and 12 power binoculars and the 12x were very hard to try to hold steady without a tripod; so I stick with 10x on my binocs.

 

[Pasco]

Thanks jackrabbit,

After posting I realized I had my terms switched, thanks for the clarification.

I think mostly I will be above and looking down or across, maybe slightly up at times, I see the advantage for straight there. Seems also better for hand held.

Anyone care to comment on the 45 degree version?

 

[woodster]

I have a 45deg eyepiece and it has it's pro's and con's like any other piece of equipment. I do a lot of hunting up high looking for goats, mountain caribou, and grizzlies, for looking up, you can't beat the 45. Looking down I prefer the straight eyepiece my partner carries. For looking straight across it doesn't really matter as you can turn the main body of the scope and look from whatever angle is comfortable. Lining up the scope to look at a specific target takes some getting used to, it's not as easy as a straight scope. Try some out and go with what works for you.

 

[Spitzer]

I think the "straight" style has more applications, unless you're always looking up at extreme angles. Straight is also more compact I find.

I'd pick a big 45 degree "porro" for the truck,and the small straight "roof" for throwing in the pack.

Also, if you're looking for a window mount get Tasco's little mount. It looks like Leupold's, but it's built tougher and cost's a fraction of the price. I've owned Bushnells and Cabela's window mounts, and they are garbage.