Spotting scopes

Spotting scopes: angled or straight?

Our verdictMost birders prefer an angled 80 mm scope on a solid tripod; choose 60–65 mm if you fly a lot.

A scope turns distant specks on a mudflat or lake into identifiable birds. It is essential for shorebirds, waterfowl, seabirds and raptors on distant perches.

Angled scopes let people of different heights share one tripod setting and are more comfortable when scanning. Straight scopes are quicker to point and easier to use from a vehicle.