Brett,
I looked at the 12" but feel its just a bit too awkward for me to handle ie, take in and out of the house. For sure though, bigger would be better.
Don't understand what you mean regarding felt in handle. As I don't have the scope, I'll have to go to Bintel again for another look. (Yes, Peter, I agree - Bintel give excellent service.) However, I'm not getting one just yet, just thinking about it and starting to prime the finance manager for it.
Robert