Best spotting scope for $500?

[Dom]

Boy that's a tough call Mark. I say this because:

1. I think in the $500 range there are a lot of decent spotters out there. Lot of it hangs on what your preferences are.

2. For that kind of change, not too many of us can afford to try this one out and get another, hence we have nothing to judge others by, other than the vital stats.

With that said, me personally I'd give the stats of the top contendors a run down, looking especially for weight. The older I get the more I pay attention to what 'stuff' weighs. I've gone thru a couple of 2 to $300 dollar models and have come to the conclusion that they aren't up to my standards and not worth dragging around (they actually sit in the closet, -- blurry, undefined edges, in other words, I shouldn't have got 'em). Guess I'm about ready to move up to the $500 stuff pretty soon. Let us know what you decide, Waidmannsheil, Dom.