What price range are you looking at BKC?

If you are taking that "step up" for the inexpensive Simmons, Tasco and Bushnell models then the usual suggestions are along the lines of the Nikon Monarch, Bushnell Legend, Pentax XP, Cabelas XT,Vortex Fury, etc... All of these models typically sell in the $300 range.

Next level up would be something along the lines of the Pentax SP, Vortex Viper, Leupold Pinnacle/Mohave, etc.... They typically sell in the $400-$500 range.