Jay Reed expressed interest in the Pentax PF-80 ED spotting scope. With
high-end spotting scopes, just like with high-end binoculars, their optical
performance is so good that personal preference often plays a part in your
selection. I do not have experience with the Pentax you mentioned, but I
know hard-core birders who have compared scopes extensively and have
selected different models based on personal preference. I know those who
like the Kowa, Leica, or Swarovski scopes, with Swarovski being the
favorite for most. On the other hand, I read Better View Desired, and I
trust Steve Ingraham's evaluation of birding optics.
So how to decide? My advice would be to sign up for Audubon or WOS trips
where scopes will be in use. People are happy to have you check out their
optics, and you could compare scopes under real-world conditions. If you can
get on a trip where the Pentax is in use, you will have a great way to
compare to other scopes. If not, once you pick the best of Kowa, Leica and
Swarovski (with the possible inclusion of the Tele-vue 76), then visit
Anacortes Telescope or Captains Nautical and compare to the Pentax.
Best of luck, and let me know what you buy!

Cheers,

Jack Stephens
Edmonds, WA
jstephens62 at attbi.com