First of all, decide how big of a scope you want to carry. That will determine how big of objective lense to get. Bigger objective lense lets in more light and, hopefully, a better view. But there are some very fine smaller scopes out there. Then decide on what eyepiece to get. Do you want a wide field of view or narrow? Some eyepieces are fixed power, some are variable. Finally, decide on angled neck or straight. Straight is easier to acquire a target but tough to use when looking up. Angled is great for looking up and, with practice, can acquire a target fairly quickly.

Check out the Nikon Fieldscope. Excellent clarity right to the edge of the glass, small package. Howa makes a great scope, too. Swarovski is making a new smaller objective scope that is supposed to be very nice. Check out the reviews at betterviewdesired.com

Go to a store that has several scopes you can set up, side-by-side to view. You will be surprised how different the views are. You will eventually gravitate toward one or two. Choose the one that is easiest to look through- then you will be happy and it will last for years. Good luck.