I'm thinking of getting a new spotting scope and would like to hear other folks opinions.  The Kowa scopes seem to be one of the preferred brands but I'm open minded on brand.  Should I get a straight or angled eyepiece, zoom or fixed (I'm partial to zoom), what magnification range and finally what diameter objective?   

Thanks, 

Dave

I have two spotting scopes, one straight older Kowa,  one angled Nikon,   Optics are about the same except the old Kowa needs an internal cleaning. Both are great scopes.   
I have always wanted to give one of the Celestron "solid-cat" terrestrial scopes a try


I think, if I was shopping for a new one, one of the major factors I'd be considering beyond sheer x-power is the resolution and the optical clarity.  However you need to consider the scope as part of an optical system

I shoot a lot of 200 yd 22 rf.  Can I see .20 holes at 200 yards?  Obviously range conditions matter a lot. With mirage or high humidity mist conditions-no scope will work prefectly 
If you don't shoot 22s and 25 at that range S.S, choices get simper.   What is your set up for the scope?  Do you shoot strictly benchrest or offhand, or do you shoot both? 
I personally do both and I find that for my use I like the angled scope more for the bench and the straight one for offhand.  but that with my bench clamp stand, with another set up the opposite might hold true.

Do you use a clamping bench stand or a small bench tripod, a free standing scope stand or tripod?
Do your range conditions give frequent wind vibrations to the scope.  a physically smaller glass heavy scope might be a little less sensitive to wind vibrations.

best suggestion is to visit a match and see what is actually in use and ask to look through participants scope when they are not actively shoting of course.  Asking to peek through a guys scope when he has 23-c going under ugly conditions might get a rude response

Before you buy a new scope, find a place that sells the Burris landmark iwth 80 mm lens. Bring a target with .22 holes and set it up at whatever distance you want, such as 200 yds and compare the Burris landmark to the others. I did not buy the Burris Landmark because it would not fit into my range box, which was one of my criteria. I bought a Nikon for $500, which is about twice the cost of the Burris Landmark. I have two shooting buddies with the Landmark and it does everything my scope does except fit into my range box. Joe S