Packing UVs

polypusha

This is part of a larger object. While unwrapping, I'm testing normals in the process. What's the smartest way to pack this unwrap?  (Highlighted / selected area will contain floaters / floating geometry. Also, comments and suggestions on the unwrap are welcome and appreciated.)

Neox

diagonals usually need a lot more resolution to look just as nice as a straight piece. just because of the way diagonal pixellines with
 antialiasing work. so i would suggest you make it straight, a 2:1 or 1:2 texture possibly should do in this case

polypusha

Thank you for the advice, Neox. One other question. Which would provide the best result: welding the smaller circular shape to the larger one or leave both separate?

Eric Chadwick

Depends on what it's supposed to be. What's your reference for this shape?

polypusha

It's part of a set of antique binoculars.

Mark Dygert

Like Neox said, rotate it and straighten the edges. Take the shape in the upper left, shrink it a bit and stuff it inside the other one. if they can be welded together you probably should.

polypusha

Thank you, Mark Dygert! I'll do just as you suggested.