What do you guys think? I know it's not high dollar, but high dollar is not in the budget. Get me through a couple years? What are good options within say $150 more?

Its a decent scope for the money. I have one, works well up here. Eye relief took me a while to dial in, but is ok now. Really wish I had bought the angled one though.

Well, I have pretty much committed to saving for a Swaro now ha. I like Vortex, have just come across a great deal!

I have one, it is decent. If I was a trophy guy, going to areas I don't know I would probably want something better. For glassing the areas I know usually hold animals, and finding out what is there it works. For the price, it probably offers the best performance I know of, but I'm not an optics expert at all.

For primarily backpack stuff, I hear people say fantastic stuff about the little Nikon. The vortex, is a bit big, but I would take it if I felt I needed it. Depending on your area, a spotter is not always needed. I primarily use the spotter, in the valley , from the car, or scouting.