If they built a belt-clip onto the straight model... it could be your do-everything optic. - Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50 Spotting Scope

I purchased the Angled model. And for a sit-down spotting scope with a Tripod the angled is the way to go. (It replaced a straight Redfield Rampage, which is a waste of money). In all seriousness... the straight model could easily be your do-everything optic if you wanted it to, since it starts out at 11x. The sharpness of the image and clarity are beautiful with this scope. Just beautiful. The picture narrows a bit after 22x and ya need to get a little close to the eyepiece after 22x. But you can't argue with the quality of image even up at 33x. That fine-focus knob is the key at the high power. I take this and the Vortex Summit SS tripod with me almost every time here in SoCal. The lightweight is the thing that encourages you to actually bring it. Plus it's just plain cool to look thru! Makes you realize and notice how the years (and computerwork) have affected your vision. Your brain gets excited at how clearly you once again can see the world around you! If you can't afford this spotter... then I highly recommend you look at getting the Bushnell Ultra Legend HD 10x42 Monocular as a Plan B. It has a built-in threaded tripod mount hole on its underside and it's image quality is pretty much the same as this, just no zoom. If I am packing for multi-nite campout and space becomes an issue so I cannot take this spotter... I don't feel that I am giving up very much by taking just that Bushnell 10x42 Monocular and the Tripod. On the Vortex I definitely appreciate the Angled model versus the Straight model it replaced. Makes looking upward toward ridges much much easier. Makes using a spotter just more comfortable in-general. One thing I will say that's negative is that I don't care for the mounting adapter quick-change plate that you must use with their Vortex SS Tripod's head. It must be screwed on to your optic ahead of time, and requires a coin (etc) to do so... and it creates 4 sharp corners which could have the potential to harm the inside of your packs spotter sleeve pocket. That's the only slightly negative thing I can comment in regards to this product, and that's being picky.