| amluplow: Unfortunately, the best spotting scopes can't be purchased for under $400.00. If you want the "best spotting scope" I would suggest that you explore the Spotting Scopes at Leica Camera USA at the link below. I don't have one of the Leica scopes nor do I have any other brands, but I've been a Leica photographer for more than several decades and nothing surpasses their optical or mechanical qaulity (or the prices). FYI - I have been to two Leica Photographic Seminars several decades ago - as well as those of other 35mm camera manufacturers, i.e. Nikon, Canon, and Pentax. At the Leica seminars, one could still easily seen fantastically sharp details with great clarity, extraordinary rendition of color; exceptional tonal ranges and color differentiation of their 35mm slides projected on 8 X 12 foot screens. Of course, the 35mm slides were projected on Leica projectors as well - thus insuring that one's slides were projected with the same quality as the taken Leica image. In addition to exploring the Leica spotting scopes, I would urge you to do your "homework" in greater depth by reading the literature, actually visiting a store with medium and high end optical scopes, making and comparing notes and then making your decision. One of the better places to see all of this in one stop, is the Canadian National Park at Point Pelee. At their annual bird watching event, I am told - by one who attended - that many of the optics manufacturers bring their equipment to the event and you can look through them and speak endlessly with their representative. The web site to this Canadian park is http://www.canadianparks.com/ontario/ppelenp/index.htm The 4th annual Pelee Island Bird Race/Baillie Birdathon is scheduled for Friday, May 13th and Saturday May 14th. Additonal information about this event and other related information can be found at: http://www.pelee.org/ When Sue and I visited Point Pelee last spring, we enjoyed this little store with its wide range of photographic and optical merchandise. One you arrive at the link, scroll to the bottom and you'll note that the annual optics expo is schedule around the same time as the annual birding event. Here's the link: http://www.peleewings.ca/bno.html Hope you find this useful and helpful. Bill | 
