I purchased this smaller version of the Razor line of spotting scopes as I am a woman, and wanted to be able to carry it along with a tripod and a heavy camera and backpack. I had previously owned the Celestron Regal M2 80 ED spotting scope, which was much larger than this scope but about the same weight, however it was just too large for me to lug around along with the rest of my gear.\n\n\nThis scope has proven to be ideal for me. Its smaller size is much more portable which means I will use it more often and see far more birds! It fits in a backpack easily when not in use. I was initially concerned about it being less bright than my larger Celestron, but this scope ended up being even brighter and sharper, and I wish I had purchased this one in the first place. \n\n\nVortex has excellent customer service and an amazing warranty to boot which makes this brand superior to others over above their well made optics. The only negative thing I can say about this purchase is that the scope only comes with a neoprene covering and not a carry case that gives it better protection. Vortex confirmed that they do not make one for this scope unfortunately.