Thanks for the replies! Much appreciated info.
Passed, any particular reason you prefer binocular? And do you have any links to lens literature?
Ajdelange, thank you for the tip. I'm actually looking for a scope with 1000x because, even though I'm a homebrewer right now, I'm slowly building up my lab equipment and pilot system and self-training myself to do preventative maintenance and QA/QC for my future brewery (5 years down the road). I'm also planning on taking the BSI course at some point next year and would like to have a decent knowledge on how to do this stuff before hand so I better understand the course. But again, thank you for the tip!
Last, holy crap this stuff is expensive!! Outside, your link blew me away! I thought I could get a decent scope for ~$300-$400, but not anymore! I'll probably get one like they have in that link anyway, but I'll really have to make sure what I'm buying is what I want now! Good link, thank you.
Any more info on this topic is much appreciated!