I think it all depends on the intended use of the scope. I mean.........if you want high light gathering, low mag. for woody shots, high mag. for long shots, or just normal conditions, then the scope you would want to but would be different. If you want to get a 3-9x40 that would use most of your budget I would go with the Nikon Prostaff for about $150. Yet another good brand for cheaper is Swift. You could get a 3-9x40 for about $105. But then if you need long range capability (for under $200) you may look into more Swifts, High end Simmons, or maybe a middle class Bushnell. But the only Nikon you would be able to afford would be a prostaff model, or the cheapestttttttttt Buckmaster model. That would be the best brand and scope for under $200. In my opinion, I have heard that Nikon makes the clearest image for the price. I have just bought a Nikon Buckmaster 4-12x50, and it is great. I was in the same situation as you are except I had a little more of a budget. I had narrowed my chpices to the Burris FFII, and the Nikon Buckmaster. OH, and I forgot.......You may want to check out the new Redfields. They have just been bought out, and are selling their items for cheap. You can get a redfield 3-12x44 or 4-16x44 for about $130-$150.

What is the exact hunting situation you will be in?????

Here is a Swift picture that I found in Cabelas.com You can probably get a better price than they offer if you search around. (They have every model scope that could fit into your specific situation)


GOOD HUNTING