I've hunted the Vortex and Minox 15s. It's Minox hands down. Maybe Doug still has that open box deal going on.

I think you won't do better under $1K.

Trying to limit my comments to the OP's specs. I now own the Minox simply because I could not spring for the Swaros. But are the Swaros that much better? Probably.

I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill