RE: Spotting Scopes
My father has the compact Leupold gold ring, IMHO this is a great little spotting scope.
I have a Swarovski spotting scope, I love it. I know you say it is out of your price range. My advise, save your coins & buythe swarovskiwhen you can afford it.
I also have a Tasco that is like brand new in the box. I would sell it toyou for 50% of the retail value.