I used to really be cheap when it came to optics, and I paid for it a few times. Had a few scopes that wouldn't hold zero, would fog up if I looked at them funny (rain/snow/fog = no shot 90% of the time). I now won't spend any less than $200 on a scope and usually spend up to $400 on them. I don't need to worry about them bouncing around in my trucks, 4 wheelers, they will always hold their zero, and will not fog in the worst conditions with me breathing on them.

To each their own, but when the chance of a lifetime presents itself, I don't want it to be blown because I didn't spend the money on quality optics. Just my .02 cents.