Ureteroscopy is still a relatively new urologic procedure. It first was shown in 1912 but not performed routinely until the late 1970s. Cooperation between urologists active in this field and the endoscope manufacturers has led to rapid improvements in ureteroscope design. With the development of flexible fiberoptics, rigid, semirigid, and flexible ureteroscopes have been miniaturized to allow even safer access to the upper urinary tract. Each ureteroscope design has different advantages and limitations. Knowledge of these allows the urologist to select the best tool for each endoscopic task.