I was dead set on the Leupold, I compared it with and looked through a few others last fall and was just waiting and looking for a decent deal. Then I found this Minox and couldn't pass up the deal. I read reviews on birding forums, and for the price discount this is a smoking deal. It's shorter than the Leupy, the only real thing that I wish was different was the focus ring. This one is on the barrel and is kind of stiff. It focuses very quickly though with little movement so it's not that bad. The size is a huge plus for me, it easily fits in my pack and leaves plenty of room for other stuff. The image is very clear, and I'm very happy with the scope so far. I took it out every day for a week when I got home from work and looked through it...
* There is no separate eyepiece...this is all you need.
With the bigger Minox spotter you need to purchase a separate eyepiece. Cameraland also has one of those discounted that includes the eyepiece...
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62226 
Minox MD 50
Part# 62226
Compact, robust and lightweight: MINOX now has a telescope you can take anywhere!
Travel friendly dimensions, a variable power top-of-the-range optical system and highest precision mechanics, these are the characteristics of the brand new MINOX MD 50 telescope, representing the classic design and production values of the brand MINOX at a very high level. With its fully adjustable eyepiece from 16x to 30x magnification, its compact dimensions and weighing in at just 615 grams the new MINOX MD 50 truly is a spotting scope to have with you at all times.
By having the MD 50 in its overall product range MINOX offers yet another optical product for the ever expanding market of nature observers. Bird watchers in particular value more and more the advantages of a high quality telescope which is still compact enough to carry in a backpack or luggage when traveling. However birders and nature enthusiasts do not want to forfeit quality for convenience and MINOX have made sure that the small size does not compromise quality. Yes, the new MINOX spotting scope can, under certain conditions, be an excellent supplement to binoculars, in particular if a stronger magnification than available binoculars is required. With the 16x magnification of the variable eyepiece the compact MD 50 W can at times be hand-held, although for optimum use a tripod is always recommended.
Even with a 50 mm entrance pupil the MD 50 is very powerful and provides good bright images. For high light transmission as well as brilliance, high contrast and natural color rendition the high resolution objective lens system features the multi-layer M* coating which is a MINOX development. This helps to ensure the high quality required for detailed observation and reliable identification of a species. The engineers at MINOX have also provided an extremely close focus range making using the MD 50 W a real pleasure. Go from just five meters from your subject right through to infinity. An angled scope provides a more relaxed stance during viewing and with a swivel tripod connection the telescope can be pivoted when on a tripod.
The sturdy but lightweight body protects the precision mechanics and optics against damage in normal use. Rubber armoring ensures good to grip and provides added protection as it is also dustproof and watertight to a depth five meters. Nitrogen filling on the inside prevents corrosion and fogging caused by condensation, even with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Price: $299.99
Demo Unit Price:
$189.99NOTE: This is actually a NEW unit that had been on display at a recent show. Available while supplies last.
* Magnification:
16x ~ 30x
* Front lens diameter:
1.97 inch / 50 mm
* Exit pupil:
0.131 inch ~ 0.066 inch
3.33 mm ~ 1.67 mm
* Field of view:
160 ft ~ 100 ft at 1000 yds
49 m ~ 33 m auf 1.000 m
2.7° ~ 1.9°
* Eye relief:
0.59 inch ~ 0.43 inch
15 mm ~ 11 mm
* Close distance:
16.4 ft, 5 m
* Twilight factor:
27.4 ~ 38.7
* Operating temperatures:
14° up to 104° F
-10° up to +40° C
* Waterproof:
Yes, down to 16.4 ft, 5 m
* Dimensions:
8.39 x 2.48 x 4.84 inch
213 x 63 x 123 mm
* Weight, approx:
23.28 oz / 660 g
* Features:
Nitrogen filling, M*-multicoating, swivel tripod connection
* Order number:
62226
Let me know if you want to see some pictures and I'll take some with stuff to reference for size, shape, etc...
