Spotting scope questions.

[lokidog]

Opinions on which is better, angled or straight eye piece, or which is better for what use? 

Also, best, under $500 scope?  Can't put all my money in a new scope, need to save some for sheep taxidermy....     D

Does anyone rent scopes?

THX

[Bean Counter]

It's good to be straight! It's tougher but doable looking downhill from up in hi. If trading with an assistant and/or looking up then angled can be better.

I think a member on here was renting optics as a business. Far wiser route than buying a cheap one 

[huntnnw]

I have seen a site that was renting swarovski spotters, but I cant remember the name. I would google spotting scope rentals.

the straight is easier to acquire your target versus the angled. The benefit of a angle is if your on a steep hillside you can adjust it up to you and keep from straining you neck leaning forward or when you go to look downhill or uphill with a straight  you gotta adjust the eyepiece height on the tripod.

[lokidog]

Could rent a Pentax 80 ED for $100 for ten days from one place, or a Swarovski for $20/day from a different one..

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I bought an angled and haven't regretted it once...


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[xXLojackXx]

an angled that can rotate to the side is the ticket for me.

[fillthefreezer]

beartooth rents vortex optics i believe.
as for spotting scopes under $500, i dont think theres many i'd be happy with. might consider the lowest power rating +5, maybe 10, for the max functional zoom when shopping...
i prefer angled for my uses.

[thinkingman]

I put a Pentax ED65 scope together for about $500.
Bought the body from BH Photo and used eyepiece in perfect condition on another auction site.

[GurrCentral]

This past year I went with a 65mm Vortex Razor HD in angled. It is my first angled, and sure does help with neck strain when glassing for hours on end. I didn't notice that it took any longer to pick up objects in it when setting up.  Truthfully, I think it is all preference. Straight is mo betta' with downhill glassing, and window attachment stuff...

[lokidog]

Thanks everyone, I've had a couple of great loner offers.   

[jackelope]

Check with elknut1 for open box specials. You might get close to $500 for a Vortex Viper.