Hi
Not really much variation in
spotting scopes on magnification due mostly to the inlfuence of the atmosphere. It is a rare day in most locations that allows you to use even 60x, effectively, so most
spotting scopes are similar in this spec. No sense in offering much more than 60x, since really can't be used on most days.
Really an issue of quality and precision of the optics and that is what you pay for in a spotting scope, not features. The more you pay, the better the images, especaily as you begin to zoom up. Forget about FOV - zoom eyepieces in this price range are all very similar in that feature.
My favorites in this price range include the
Vortex Skyline and the
Alpen 788. Both are as good as it gets for this price and will do a nice job for you.
Stepping up in price does get you even better images. Good choices in a
spotting scope under $1000 include the
Bushnell Elite 20-60x80 or the
Brunton Eterna, 20-60x80 in either straight or angled. These are excellent scopes at a reaonable price, compared to premium grade scopes usually used for this distance, which typically start at $1400.
