From experience, the tripod is just as important as the optic you choose. I bought a medium quality ($200) tripod for two weeks in the Andes which proved to be the only bad equipment choice mistake I made. Get a fabric shelf to be able to put a heavy rock on it to keep it from moving and anchored and focus on the best head you can afford with precision movement with zero play. Even the slightest, minute bit of play in the head can ruin your day trying to stay on spot at high power. I literally quit using the spotter because the tripod made the job such a fricking hassle.
