Over the past few years, I have upgraded all my scopes to Zeiss Conquest. Even bought a pair of Zeiss Conquest 8 X 30 binoculars. Prior to that I always used scopes I could afford that I bought back in my college days.
The Conquests are not $1000 scopes but I noticed a significant improvement in light gathering and clarity. One of the biggest benefits to me is the ability to stay zeroed in. Last day of the season two years ago, I accidently dropped both rifles down a flight of wooden stairs. Went to the range and both scopes were still spot on. Don't think that would have been the case with a cheap scope.
