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Buffy,
I have and will continue to spend more for a binocular than a rifle.
You use your binocular far more than the rifle and its scope. Leica's and Swarovski's are simply the best and will give you a lifetime of good optics. For your sheep hunt, I would try to stay under 28 ounces for my glass. I would look at the Swarovski 8x32EL's, 8x30's and Leica Ultravids in 8x32's. Ten power comes in the same objective size but the 8's will give you better dim light viewing. Remember almost all binoculars look good in full sunlight. The only caveat I can say is Leica's newest Geovids in either 8 or 10 power have the added feature of a 900 yard rangefinder. This puts a rangefinder at your fingertip while you are glassing. At 32 oz. it is stil manageable, especially with a binocular harness system.
The problem with all these is that they are well over $1200 except for the Swaro 8x30's.
As for a spotting scope, I found anything over 45 power really has diminished value due to haze, mirage and wind.
Good luck!

Message Thread:

• binocular purchase Buffy Mar 22 2005
  • Buy the best you can afford Romo Mar 24 2005
  • worth the difference Tony Perkins Mar 24 2005
  • binoc purchase chignik Mar 24 2005
  • Binocs for Quality chignik Mar 24 2005
  • lecia's Dogboy Mar 24 2005
  • Binocular thoughts bizymocha Mar 23 2005
  • the optical difference is far more than... Marc Stokeld Mar 22 2005
  • Yes Paul H Mar 22 2005
    • Pricey Snowwolfe Mar 23 2005