Does he have to have a waterproof roof? If not the best view you can get at $400 is the Nikon 8x30 EII. It is a little better than the Theron Questa ED 8x42 in my opinion.I have a bud that wants to spend $400, no more. Vortex Viper HDs are a little more than he's willing to spend. I have the Vanguard Endeavor ED II.....I think it would be hard to beat for $400. Monarch 7 8X42? Leopold BX-3? Bushnell Elite E2?
Does he have to have a waterproof roof? If not the best view you can get at $400 is the Nikon 8x30 EII. It is a little better than the Theron Questa ED 8x42 in my opinion.