Best spotting scope for $500-$700

[midwesthunter]

I am looking to get one for my trips out west. I will not be heading out till next year, but would like to get one pretty soon. I am going to try and make a trip out every other year if permitable. It would be used for most big game. Was looking at some in the leupold line as well as the vortex skyline. Any others I should look at?

 

[JUDD]

Pentax...Just so happens I have a couple for sale in the optics forum

 

[ShortMag3]

I agree with JUDD, in this price range nothing is better than the Pentax. I have a 65mm and just found one for a shooting friend who sold his Leupold once he looked through my scope. The 80mm is awesome!

ShortMag3

 

[4th_point]

Nikon ED50 if you want something light and compact. I bought a refurb for $400 with a fixed 16x digiscope eyepiece, then added a 13-30x zoom for another $50. For $450 I'm really happy with the performance for such a compact scope.

Leupold has a similar compact scope but I don't think the image is as good as the ED50.