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Message: <blockquote data-quote="kitefarrago" data-source="post: 3145420" data-attributes="member: 91670">I bought the Nikon ED50 with the 27x about a year ago. I was also looking for a light-weight package, and I'm very happy with that combination. This scope can be hand-held if you can brace it against something, but for proper viewing over a longer period you'll want a tripod. I have mine on a tournament tripod by Feisol, with a ballhead, and I find this a very nice combo for my purposes. It's not ideal for scanning through flocks because the panning action isn't as smooth as it would be on a video-head, but I prefer the much lighter weight.I second the idea that the price you've been quoted is on the high side. I appreciate that you want to try before you buy, and bricks-and-mortar stores do have additional costs they have to take care of. The alternative would be to see whether you can't try those scopes by meeting up with other birders. Right now you could have the Nikon ED50 with the 27x for 550UKP from Amazon. If you are prepared to go used you can save more. The ED50 turns up regularly both here as well as on the usual auction places; I don't know about the Vortex.Andrea</blockquote>