Dave living where you do Id probably go with out a lens. When you do see the sun its bright and hard to see in the shade. also rain make seeing hard not to mention fog in a 4 power lens is like a sheet over the scope.
I have some different scopes your welcome to check out. 2x is awesome for learning though. Just make sure you get a scope with an up pin. you can remove the lens if you dont like it.
Thanks Rick, I am going to go without a lens and if I want to try one down the road then I will take you up on your offer.