I'll start by saying; I realize that you get what you pay for.
But I can't be the only one on here who needs to be conscious of price.
In my 30+ years of hunting I have used everything from Tasco and Simmons to Leupold and a few in between and in all cases the end result was an animal that did not leave the woods under it's own power.
Obviously there is a big difference in optics/light transmission/warranties/etc.between a $35 scope and a $1000.00 scope. And we would all love to say, "Give me the best you've got", but I myself can't afford to say that.
OK, so my question:
I'm just curious at what point (read price range)would the average hunter, who makes it out a few times a year (plus range time) be unable to noticethe improvement in their optics?
I personally have a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x50 on my 7mag that I love. But I don't know that I personally can seethe difference in optics claritywhen compared to my old Burris Sportview (field of view and light transmissionaside) or my friends Leupold (model???). But I can definitely tell a diffence between that and a Tasco that I had rolling around in a drawer.
Would a Bushnell Trophy, Nikon Prostaff, Sightron SI (I'm not sure if these are actually all "equal" but you get the idea) be the levelabove which I would have a difficult time realizingthe improvement for all practical purposes?
Or would there be a noticeable difference if I went to a Nikon Buckmaster or a Burris FullField, etc.?
And if that is the case, would a BurrisElite, or a Nikon Monarch be that much "better"?
I just can't justify the extra $200 or $300+ for an item that will, for all intents and purposes, do the same thing. I'm not sniping here, nothing is going to shoot back at me. Nor have I ever needed to pull the trigger on an animal over 400 yards away. I know my limitations and level of proficiency, and in my hands that would not be an ethical shot.
But with this said if I'm going to be happier in the long run because I did spend a little extra, then I am willing to do it.
Hopefully someday I'll be able to afforda $500+ scope and not have to worry it, but for now I need a "decent" scope, for moderate ranges (a couple of hundred yards) that isn't going to break the bank. And I'm sure there are other hunters out here that need to chose between feeding their families or putting a better scope on their rifle.
Sorry for being so long winded but I know there are those who look down on those of us that don't buy the best..."never skimp on your optics".

Bob
The Frugal Hunter