Comments about Pentax Pentax PF-80ED 80mm ED Waterproof Spotting Scope - Straight - with Case - Limited Liftime USA Warranty (requires eyepiece):

I'll qualify my comments by saying that I haven't had an opportunity to use the scope at a distance beyond 100 yds. yet but so far I'm very pleased with it. Image quality, features and design are comparable to high end spotting scopes. The scope takes standard U.S. astronomical eyepieces which helps it to get the best out of the 80mm low dispersion objective lens.

Comments about Pentax Pentax PF-80ED 80mm ED Waterproof Spotting Scope - Straight - with Case - Limited Liftime USA Warranty (requires eyepiece):

I've set this scope up side by side with may scopes costing $500+ more and my scope has shown very well. The front 80mm lens lets in light enough to see when 65's have folded up for the night. The original lens can be removed and specialty lenses (higher power) can be substituted. I've had good success just holding my digital camera against the lens photographing falcon nests. Something like this is essential for wolf and bear observation in yellowstone or alaska.

I'd recommend the larger Pentax to those who can afford it and the slanted version for those who want to also use it for astronomy uses.