I have a limit and just can't bring myself to spend above that limit on a scope. It really comes down to budget(justifiable) and use for me. Since I have several rifles, bows and ML's I don't neccessarily buy the best of each piece but good quality items for each applications, seemily not skimping but as well not blowing a wad. I certainly will not spend 2000 bucks for a scope as I just don't see any benefits from my hunting usage standpoint. Pure and simple I want the best I can afford that will not comprimise my hunting & their are many scopes that fit that bill. I will be the first to admit my scopes are the best on the market but I can also say for the most part a good quality scope hasn't let me down. My suggestion is pay as much as you can afford for the glass you put on top. I have a general rule for my perdominant rifles as trying to top it with glass of equal value(of course this depends on price where you are at but here for an example: a VXIII will run about 850-1000cdn and most rifles 800 and up. All I am saying is to go buy a 1000 dollar gun and top it with walmart special isn't very smart, if you have a budget in mind don't forget the cost of glass, mounts and rings - take your 1200 budget and seperate it adequately or wait to save a few more dollars)