Trying to decide on Spotting Scope Under $1,000.

[Losthwy]

Uses mainly for hunting, some range work and maybe some light moon gazing.
Weight not a big factor using mainly from truck. Eye relief is a concern for I where glasses. Water proof. Going with a straight body. Interchangeable lens a plus. Been doing a lot of searching on sites. Some that keep coming up are Pentax PF65mm ED, Zen Ray 20-60x82 ED. Though I didn't see that Zen Ray is made in a straight body. One main decision is whether 65 or larger objective.

 

[drenner43]

I have a Pentax PF80-ED that I have been very happy with. It is actually for sale in the optics for sale for much less than $1k with the 20-60 zoom eye piece and soft stay on Pentax case. It is in near perfect condition. My only reason for selling is to upgrade. I'm like you, I wanted the 80 because I had no plan of packing it, it's been used at the range, out of the truck, and on a tripod so no worries with me for size or weight!

 

[Losthwy]

I did order a Pentax 80mm today, up grading from an older Bushnell Space Master. Vortex Razor and Zen Ray where in the running, but what brought me to the Pentax 80mm was the eyepiece. For under a 1,000 I got a Pentax and a 20mm fixed eyepiece. I did not look at scopes over 2K.
Reviews such as the following

Pentax 80mm Ed Spotting Scope | Better View Desired

http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=100

 

[Dr. Vette]

If you have a little bit more to spend, or can find a nice one used, then:

Kowa - CameraLand NY

eyepiece:
Kowa - CameraLand NY

Best "bang for the buck" we could find at the SHOT Show this past year, and it can easily be compared to units costing twice as much.

 

[Sully2]

I did order a Pentax 80mm today, up grading from an older Bushnell Space Master. Vortex Razor and Zen Ray where in the running, but what brought me to the Pentax 80mm was the eyepiece. For under a 1,000 I got a Pentax and a 20mm fixed eyepiece. I did not look at scopes over 2K.
Reviews such as the following

Pentax 80mm Ed Spotting Scope | Better View Desired

Spotters: Under $900 » OpticsThoughts

I think you'll like it. I have the 65mm with a zoom lens for the things I need a scope for.

 

[TH]

I did a lot or research on this same topic and this is what I decided to go with.

U.S. OPTICS - Field Spotting Scope