I have the higher-end Vortex Razor scope in a larger 85mm with a stronger zoom, but wanted to at least attest to Vortex's scopes & customer service. I'd rate this scope as "middle-middle-end" in terms of fanciness but it should be PLENTY for most wildlife viewers. I'd rate my Razor as the top of the middle-end. Yes there are several fancier ones, for a LOT more money, but I doubt they would really make a difference in my birding. This scope offers super solid value and it will be quite portable at 65mm objective lens — mine is the larger size and I can just fit it in my slightly larger-than-standard backpack. This one should fit in more standard-size backpacks and be more portable which is especially handy for birding trips that involve plane travel. Plus, as someone whose significant other is significantly SHORTER, the design of this scope (like mine) allows us to share it easily — the foot is mounted to a ring around the scope body and a small knob (just barely visible in the product picture) allows the scope to rotate within this ring so people of different heights can view wildlife without changing the scope's aim. I did have to order a replacement cover for this knob but that was sent out free.

Only potential drawback that I can see here: If you expect to do lots of low-light (dawn/dusk) viewing, then the 65mm lens might potentially disappoint as it doesn't gather as much light as an 85mm objective. The zoom offered here is pretty good — closer than what mine can do, though not as far (i.e., the whole range is shifted closer to the viewer). I do recommend putting both lens caps on "leashes" around the scope body — I don't use the neoprene jacket with its tethers as it just adds bulk to my larger scope, but you might like it for this one. Also, Vortex's Ridgeview Carbon tripod is great and pairs nicely with this scope. Fast, light, with serious height adjustment (I could bird with an NBA player!), it is just the ticket (just be sure to leash your scope to the tripod's mount with strong "paracord" for extra security — to prevent the scope from hitting the ground in case the mount is accidentally opened and it slips out of the tripod).

Lastly, due to my own negligence, my scope toppled over and the mount broke on a recent birding trip far from home. However, within 10 minutes, I had Vortex customer service on the phone and they overnighted me a new mount for the tripod to my accommodations and I was back in vacationing business — again, despite the breakage being completely my fault! Amazing customer service from a bygone age. Plus they sent me a Vortex hat! LOL!

OK, I'll shut up now, but I hope this review helps someone out. Happy wildlife viewing.

awesome hat

Just ranged a tree at 2063 yards! Image is very clear, measure button easy to press without shaking rangefinder. Wish the lighting would adjust to the sun.