Any recommendations for a cheap ($60-$80) spotting scope? I'm only looking to use it out to 2-300 yards or so.

There won't be anything that will work well at those distances, for that price. However, to answer your question...

The best zoom model I've seen in your price range is the Simmons that Wally World carries, or at least used to carry. I've not ever seen any other zoom model in that price range that is worth having. I was quite surprised at how good the Simmons was.

There are two compacts that can often be found in your price range. One is the Burris 20x, and the other is the Celestron 12-36x. They are pretty good for the price, but again, not really suitable for your distances.

I have a Yukon 12-36x scope I picked up off of Woot for 45 bucks that works wonders for me. You might be able to find people on ebay or amazon reselling it for about that price.

I bought one of Bass Pro's models a couple of years ago. I think it is an 18-36x50 Redhead pursuit. I got it on sale for $100.00. Its not bad for the price.

Check out Alpen.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be using my Monarch 6-24x, with a friend as a spotter on the scope, so I was hoping for a little more magnification. I might just save up some dough and get something nice.

There are many spotting scopes you can get in that price range that are 15x-45X and also 20x-60x.

Check out Natchez Shooters Supply. They regularly run sales and close outs of Simmons, Tasco, Bushnell, etc.

I have a Bushnell 15x-45x that was a close out I picked up for $49 + shipping that included the case and table top mini-tripod. Very clear and good field of vision out to 400yds +.

You don't need to spend 100's to $1000+ to get a decent spotting scope.