Estabon: When I'm in broadside mode, I don't have a problem seeing the bigger ships that require broadside combat. I just finished a battle with one where the distances ranged from just barely within target range to basically scraping along side him. Never could I not see him clearly.

On the other hand, the smaller fighters and gunships can move over and under you, and I can attest to the fact that you will lose sight of them and see nothing but your ship when they get close and start zigging and zagging. The thing is, that's when turret mode comes into play, not only for the better view but because trying to broadside a fighter is almost impossible. Perhaps this is the problem. Are you switching modes to match the situation?

ast486: I don't use the turrets; I leave them on auto.
I'm talking about going into an asteroid field and broadsiding against another capship.
I can see the enemy capship, but since 3/4 or so of the screen is covered, I can't see any of the asteroids or other ships nearby.

This zoom thing is just irritating; first it zooms when you turn camera sideways, then zooms again for the broadsize gun lockon.

Estabon: You know what, dude, you're right. I just upgraded to the Mastodon with a gamma turret on the bottom of the ship. I put a mining laser there. The view, when in turret mode to shoot asteroids is HORRIBLE! Also, with this bigger ship, the view when warping is way too close. I'm getting tire of having my nose shoved up my ship's thrusters. Now I know why all the complaints about zoom. Hope they fix this and add zoom.