The right balance in a spotting scope?

[pyroducksx3]

Ok here's the dilemma. I am getting my first and hopefully only spotting scope. I do a lot of walking around/backpacking while hunting. In order to make my daypack/backpack comfortable or as light as possible I am trying to strike the right balance between weight and actual functionability in a spotter. I am pretty heavily decided on the nikon field scope ED50 with a weight of 17 oz. with a power of 13-30 optional eyepiece of 13-40. What Im wanting/expectation out of a scope is the ability to identify animals at long range (buck or doe) to decide if they are worth perusing and the the ability to at 800-1000 be able to count points (not score just determine if they are legal). I was also hoping to do some amateur digiscoping, nothing professional just taking cool pics to show people stuff I get to see being out hunting and in the high country. Im worried that maybe I have sacrificed actual scope functionality for weight. The scopes I'm interested in are #1 nikon fieldscope ED 50 13-30 at 17oz. The other options are a toss up between the nikon fieldscope III 20-60 at 38 oz. (is the ED version really worth x2 the cost) or the leupold gold ring 12-40 HD spotter at 37oz. So people with experience with these scope and also individuals that backpack and use scope please help. This is an expensive decision and I am trying to make an educated purchase. Thank you

 

[sp6x6]

Hope I didnt scare you off in last post.It is a tough position.Cost goes up every yr. My gold ring is old so I paid something close to $600?. I have packed it alot but as I am getting older I have a 10-20-leo. good packer but wish more x. Plus my 20x rifle scope I dont bother bring as it is better optics.The larger scopes will be nicer to use, but larger. I drive and spot alot, so I want a larger scope yet. If it was me personal, I would have a leo 12-45x60 hd w/trm becasue I shoot mil, and spotter could give exact correction. Saw a used one for $1000 and cold not believe the jump in scope prices. My rig scope would be big Pentax or Howa, my friend has large 20-60x80ziess wow.

 

[pyroducksx3]

Hope I didnt scare you off in last post.It is a tough position.Cost goes up every yr. My gold ring is old so I paid something close to $600?. I have packed it alot but as I am getting older I have a 10-20-leo. good packer but wish more x. Plus my 20x rifle scope I dont bother bring as it is better optics.The larger scopes will be nicer to use, but larger. I drive and spot alot, so I want a larger scope yet. If it was me personal, I would have a leo 12-45x60 hd w/trm becasue I shoot mil, and spotter could give exact correction. Saw a used one for $1000 and cold not believe the jump in scope prices. My rig scope would be big Pentax or Howa, my friend has large 20-60x80ziess wow.

No you didnt scare me, I had been on the fence about if this was the right scope or not. Also I almost never hear about this scope almost everyone uses the bigger 60mm and I was curious if there is a specific reason why or is that its just not on most peoples radar. I figured I would just ask before taking the plunge as it is a significant purchase for me $$ wise. I have been pretty torn between the leupold and the nikon 50 ED for awhile. I wast sure about the nikon fieldscopeIII 20-60 was wondering if its really anybetter than their prostaff? I imagine the fieldscope III ED is better becasue its almost twice the price as the non ed. Also Im almost never in a vehicle either high country or I prefer to get away from other hunters which mean no roads.