If you do not want to tripod mount then I suggest you do not go over 10x.
This^^^^^^^^^^^ and even then, some people have a little trouble with 10's, but I love 'em. And you wouldn't want anything bigger hanging around your neck, even with a harness.
But if you're head hunting, you still need a spotting scope, just no way around it.
I have Lieca's & they are great, but lots of good glass from Zeiss & Swarovoski as well..............lots of personal preference, timing & budget involved.
MM
