ive got the alpen strait 20 power scope, its pretty nice. it is of course their cheapest model. i have never looked through there top ones, im sure there pretty good too.

that all being said, for that price range you can get a damn fine scope. nikon makes a good one. also check out the cabelas line. those are always great. a couple of my family members use the cabelas alaskan guide binos, and i will say there quality compares with the big boys.

as for size, you want at least 60 mm. cabelas makes an 80 i believe, that would be better. i like 20-60 power, but depending on whay you needing it for, that 15x45 should be fine.

if i were buying a new one (and i just might this summer) i would look at that cabelas with 20x60 in the 80mm. just me though.