I have been asked for recommendations on scopes and related matters by a
couple of people who are looking for gifts to give friends. I tend to
recommend the
Spacemaster II, but that's mainly because I know that scope and know it
is not terribly expensive. The target persons here will not be trying to
discriminate between Clay-colored and Brewer's Sparrows, but they will need
reliable instruments. I am currently using a Nikon with a 20-45 zoom
objective (which is crispy throughout) and which is small enough to pack
very easily. For years my students and I purchased optics
from an outfit called "Birding", in Half Moon, NY. That business is now
out of business, so I could use some advice on that front as well. I
remember that someone posted the name, etc., of his or her favorite
discount house recently, but I didn't save it.

While the advice offered me would probably benefit a wide audience, I
don't want to be responsible for cluttering the board. Please post me
directly if you deem that prudent.
Many thanks,
Steve Herman