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Straight Spotting Scopes

This collection covers straight-body spotting scopes, where the eyepiece sits inline with the body. That layout is intuitive and quick for finding a subject, easier from a vehicle window, and natural for downhill or below-you viewing.

We carry straight models from the Athlon Argos HD, Ares G2 UHD and Cronus G2 UHD lines, from 7-42x60 to 20-60x85, and Kite's handheld, image-stabilized APC 60 ED. The Ares G2 UHD steps up to higher-grade glass for low-light clarity, while the Argos HD keeps the inline format accessible.

New to spotting scopes? Read our Spotting Scopes Buyer's Guide.
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Straight or angled?

A straight body puts the eyepiece in line with the barrel, so you look the way the scope points. It suits glassing from a vehicle on a window mount and steady viewing at eye level. An angled body is the usual birding choice: people of different heights can share it without resetting the tripod, and it is easier on the neck over a long session.

The straight scopes we carry

  • Athlon Cronus G2 UHD 7-42x60: UHD glass in a 60 mm body that starts at 7x for a wide field.
  • Athlon Ares G2 UHD 15-45x65 and 20-60x85: UHD glass in a 65 mm and an 85 mm body.
  • Athlon Argos HD 20-60x85: a full-size 85 mm objective with HD glass.
  • Kite APC 60 ED 17-35x: a stabilized spotting scope you can use by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a straight spotting scope good for birding?

It works, but most birders choose angled, because people of different heights can share one tripod and it is easier on the neck. Straight is the better pick for glassing from a vehicle window.

Do I need a tripod?

For the Athlon scopes, yes: at these magnifications any vibration is magnified with the view. The stabilized Kite APC 60 ED is the one you can use by hand.

To compare Athlon's two UHD lines, read Athlon Ares vs Cronus, and for birding picks, Best Spotting Scopes for Birding 2026.

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