This spotting scope gives five star performnce at a three star price. It is the ideal instrument for the bird watcher who is starting out and who does not wish to spend a fortune on the means to view birds. What I find hard to explain is the wide variety of prices asked for the same product. If this scope is matched with a good quality tripod it should provide years of service if it is looked after and used with care. I bought my Konuspot 100 from Photo Fidlers at Eastridge, Auckland at the best price. (It pays to shop around). "Ace" O'H.