An X-ray scattering apparatus has a sample holder for aligning and orienting a sample to be analyzed by X-ray scattering, an X-ray beam delivery system arranged upstream of the sample holder for generating and directing a direct X-ray beam along a propagation direction towards the sample holder, a proximal X-ray detector arranged downstream of the sample holder as to let the direct X-ray beam pass and detect X rays scattered from the sample, and a distal X-ray detector arranged downstream of the sample holder and movable along the propagation direction (X) of the direct X-ray beam in which the proximal X-ray detector is also movable essentially along the propagation direction of the direct X-ray beam.