My question is in the advantages or disadvantages of an angular 45 degree offset eyepiece versus the straight models. Any opinions on that question?

Bob-

I'm sure I'm going against the grain here, but I prefer a straight eyepiece. It's easier for me to locate my "target" by looking at it, instead of down at the ground into an angled eyepiece. Maybe it's because I was raised before the angled eyepiece was an option, or because I've looked thru a straight scope for so long, or maybe "I just be a little stupider" , but for me, I'll take a straight scope.

As someone who has a straight eye piece at present my vote would go for an angled one
especially on a zoom scope. It is a little harder to aquire the "target" at first, but if you find it at say x15 and then zoom out to x30 or x45 or whatever you should have less trouble. One advantage of an angled eye piece is that for most viewing situations
they are more comfortable to use....you can set your scope lower and look down into it. "Lower" generaly means more stable if you are using a tripod. It is also easier for two hunters to use one scope...you don't need to keep adjusting the height of the tripod which means you don't loose the "target"..very important if all you can see is the tips of some ears at 400yards!...As the scope is generally held lower on the tripod, a smaller lighter tripod can be used and still be stable...With any tripod it is better to avoid using the centre column if at all possible as that is when they start becoming unstable.

Before buying your scope, think about your budget for a tripod. A cheap tripod and head
will never let you realise the full potential
of your scope no matter how much it costs.

Pete

[This message has been edited by Pete E (edited 07-26-2001).]