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.

Though I only used one of these for work for a week, I was very pleased with it, especially for the price.

http://www.theronoptics.com/SAKER_ED_60MM_SPOTTER_HKQ5.php

I like it more than any other spotter I've used in the price range you've proposed (Burris, Nikon, and BSA).

Don't forget to get him a good tripod and head to go with it!

Sounds like a great gift idea.

Thanks for the response Pointer. I wasn't aware of that company and it seems they might be semi-local.

Really thought this would generate more discussion....

Theron's partner store, Preditoroptics, is a great place to buy Leupold products at prices you'll have to ask for, too low to publish. Nice guys to deal with. I learned about this connection here on the Fire.

DF