One thing to consider is a 60 mm (or one of the new 65 mm) spotting scope
such as the Nikon Fieldscope III ED. I've had the Nikon Fieldscope II ED for
5+ years and been quite happy with the exception of an unfortunate fogging
event due to rain exposure. The Fieldscope III is waterproof eliminating
that problem. For a long time the II was listed as the reference standard by
Better View Desired (http://www.betterviewdesired.com/). The BVD author has
an excellent article(s) on the differences between 60mm/65mm and bigger
scopes. The size and weight of the 60's are a big plus and I notice a lot of
the other optics makers now coming out with 60's so it must be catching on.
Nikon also makes an excellent zoom and are/were a bit cheaper than Swarovski
and Leica (especially from a large optics outfit such B&H Photo in New
York). Something to consider.

(just checked the BVD page and see he is highly recommending the new
Swarovski 65 mm spotter, looks pretty nice!)

thanks, Charles.

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Charles E. Swift
Moscow, ID, USA
charless at moscow.com
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