We want to get a non-hunting friend a spotting scope as a gift. He has a nice farm and great viewing areas from porch and sunroom to the fields, ponds, and woods surrounding the house. This would be used for general bird/animal watching and maybe some stargazing. The budget is $400-$450 and I'd like to get the best quality glass we can. I'm thinking a 15-40ish variable. 80mm objective would be great for the FOV and resolution but a 60mm would probably do as well. I've been surfing the net, but nothing is jumping out to me. So, looking for some input. Just not familiar with whats available in this class.
