I think after a certain point snob factor plays a big part. You can buy a 400-500 dollar Luepold scope and you probably then have about all the quality you are going to get. You can get more features which could add more to the price. A siper or someone who needs more features that the hunter does may be justified spending more money. However are you going to get more quality and hunter needed features by spending another 1000 or more? Not in my book. How clear is clear and sharp? I have seen some pretty low cost scopes that are every bit as sharp and clear as much more expensive scopes. What I look for in a scope is one that has a clear sharp view and even more critical, It better hold up to recoil and moisture. My needs can and have been met and exceeded by scopes costing from 50 bucks to 300 bucks. Therefore for me I am not spending spending more than I need to when I may well need the money for other things. I won't spend more that 250 for a scope under any conditions. I have a couple Luepolds but only because I found them for 100 dollars or more off the regular price. You don't have to be rich to buy and expensive scope. Its a matter of what you choose to spend your money on. If I spend to much for a scope then thats money that has to be taken from my budget for other things. You have to decide how important a purchase is to you and take it from there.