I'm one of those guys who will push the $500 scope. I love my Zeiss Conquests. However, I also am VERY fond of the Bushnell Trophy scopes. My 3x9 cost me less that a hundred bucks and it is great. My 4x12 cost a bit more, but it is a great scope also for the money. Neither is as good as my Zeiss scopes are, but the Zeiss isn't five times better than the Trophy, even though they cost about five times as much.

Buy the best scope you can afford and don't worry what the glass snobs say. These days the crappiest cheap scope out there is still not all that bad compared to what we had to work with years ago.

I saw someone posted about the simmions 8 point up above-

I just got one not so long ago but in 4x12x40 with a Ao/ajustable front lens- for $45.00 at the sportman guide - they still have them there $50.00 i believe(nomembers price.)

I havent used it yet but it dosnt look to bad for the price & i was ready to send it back right away -as they shiped it in a box/not packed very well at all bouncing around -with2 30.cal ammo cans full of 30.06 ammo ( pretty heavy) the scope box was crushed-& beat up but the scope seems fine .

I found another one at Cabela's, it's a Nikon 3-9x40 prostaff for $150. I dont see why some scopesare $500 or more. What is the difference between a $150 scope and a $500 scope. thanks for all the help so far

About $350... But seriously, the $500 scope will almost certianly have better quality lenses, superior coatings, probably be more durable, probably be easier to sell used, and most likely will not let you down on a hunt. At least that is what we are supposed to be convinced of in order for us to fork over the extra $350. I don't know that I will ever own a $500 scope, at least in 2005 dollars. I have been pretty impressed with the $200 to $400 range myself. I just don't believe that a 100% increase in cost justifies a 7% improvement in performance (or less). But then I haven't ever used a $500 or more scope under "ideal $500 scope conditions". Like during a rainy dusk with still legal hunting hours when that nice buck steps out at long but reasonable range and you have to be certain that he is carrying at least 3 points on one side (to make him legal). Maybe with the $150 scope you can't be sure, but with that "Scheist Concorde" $500 3x9 you can be. At least if you believe their marketing, and many swear by it.
I still say to buy the best optics you can afford, and if you can afford more than $150, don't be afraid to spend more. Chances are you will get what you pay for, for good or ill.

SIGHTRON S-I.....I REAPEAT SIGHTrON S-I
From about 120 bucks. One of the best kept secrets.