I'm about to pick up some optics. I would appreciate any opinions on spotting scopes and rangefinders.

Spotting scope: Can't really afford over $800-1000. There are alot of "mid-range" scopes in the $400-800 range. Anybody have any experience with these?

Rangefinder: Probably a 500 or 800 yard model. Prices are pretty homogenous, it seems. Any brands that you can recommend?

Thanks.

The type of hunting I do does not require a spotting scope so the one I have is for use on the range only i.e. very cheap. Since I've put 4.5 x 14 power scopes on my rifles I don't even need that.

As to rangefinder, I use a Nikon 800 yard 8x model and it works very well for me. I've had it since 1999.

I've had 3 rangefinders. The first was a bushnell 400yd model too big and didn't range that far. I gave it to my brother to use golfing after I bought my next one a Leica LRF 800. The Bushnell didn't last 6 months with my brother using it only occasionally for golfing.
The LRF 800 was much smaller and more reliable and with better optics in the veiwfinder. The feature I found most important was the LED readout. When using a rangefinder I like to range all the prominant features nearby and imagine a circle around me at 50,100,200yds etc. That way if I have to make a quick shot I'll have pre-ranged something nearby and can make a good shot quickly without having to resort to the range finder. The LED readout lets me do this in near darkness before first light. The units that have a LCD display can't be used until there is enough light coming through to read the black letters.
I bought a Leica LRF 1200 because I got it on a good sale and was able to upgrade after selling the LRF 800. I would recommend either highly.
I have 3 spotting scopes. The first was a rubber armored 20-60 Baush and Lomb. It it is the lightest and probably toughest of the 3 having armor and a fixed occular but it's not as bright as my other 2. The other 2 are Leica Televids, an APO 62 and a non-APO 77. The 77 is probably too big for hunting but is brighter. The APO's probably don't fit into your price range but you could probably find a non-APO that would fit. I wish that the Armored 62 was available when I got mine. I think that most hunters prefer a straight eyepiece because it is easier to locate something but for target shooting the angle eyepiece(occular) is the way to go because you can set it up where all you have to do to see the target is slightly turn your head.
You didn't say whether or not you had a good pair of binoculars. In my opinion binoculars are the most important piece of hunting gear you can buy I use mine more than any other optic while hunting. I would buy them before a good spotting scope. I would buy a good rangefinder second and the spotting scope after I had bought top quality in the other two. However if you are a target shooter or competitor a spotting scope is essential, there are several disciplines you simply can't compete well in without one. Good Luck.......DJ