Hey Power,
I have been looking at spotting scope also and the one that I'm leaning towards is the Nikon XL II 16-48x60mm.It has been the best scope for under the 600.00 range.It was way better than the Nikon Prostaff and the Bushnell.The Nikon XL looking well over 2 miles on 48 powerI could read the letters on the side of a shool bus.Where the prostaff and Bushnell were grainy and hazey.
The Nikon will run ya 400-500 bucks and if thats to steep I also like the Burris Landmark 15-45 x50mm
Good luck
BBJ