My recent experiences looking for a spotting scope might help you to some extent. With the original mindset of "If its bigger then it could probably be better" I invested $250 in a Brunton Lite-Tech 20-60x90. It was fully multicoated and the overall size and specs appealed to me. I ordered one out of the SportsmansGuide with high hopes for its performance.

To jump to the chase, it did not perform up to my expectations. Though the image was exceptionally bright (thanks to the 90 mm objective and full multicoatings) it also exhibited an excessive amount of chromatic abberration (red/blue color fringing on high contrast objects). I subsequently returned it and bought....

... a Cabelas Pine Ridge 20-50x70. Excellent little scope for a price around $200. Good brightness levels and very even colors across the field of view. Very little color-fringing. However, the clarity, though good was not equivalent to what I have come to expect from my optics which lead me to....

...the Nikon Earth and Sky 15-45x60. Smaller objective but still very good brightness levels plus the image was very crisp with low levels of color fringing. I have yet to find any fault with the image or mechanical workings of this scope. Plus, if you go with the kit, which includes a full size tripod and case (usable while the scope is in use) then the total only goes up to $350.

Hope this helps.