And not "crystal clear" on hot days with a lot of mirage!

I agree on the Swarovski Optiks. I know they are not in the $400-$500 range, but they are the best and the clearest out there. I know many people don't want to spend alot on their optics, which I never understood, they are a key part of your gear. I'd say the 2nd best choice would be the Vortex

Got a Burris Landmark 15X45X60 for sale in the classifieds. Really nice spotting scope for the money.

Huntress----I agree but disagree. I think Leica are the best. I've got Leica bino's but I don't think a spotting scope is where to put my money. Bino's yes but spotting scope I went a lot cheaper.

But I'm not a record book hunter. So, the bino's will tell me if he's legal. Spotting scope will give me a good look as to if he's want I want on a premium tag here in Colorado.

IE----my mtn goat bully has @ 9" horns. A nice billy but no where near book, but if I was in BC--that extra 5/8" means ALOT.

270 have you ever used a spotting scope for antelope? from my experience between the wind and the the heat waves anything over about 20x was about worthless, didn't matter weather leopold or nikon or bushnell all about the same. Just my opinion, just dont count on using very high power magnification without distortion. Just my opinion, maybe somebody else has had better experience's than mine.

Looking through a spotter won't help much unless you can look through it at dawn and dusk. Most spotters in your price range and up will look all close to the same. the main difference will be their "crispness" on the edges of viewed items. For your price range a lupy would work fine, Vortex, Nikon all fine spotters for what you may be needing. For long distances you will want a large spotter, the bigger the better (assuming your not a backpack hunter).