Started out with Tasco. Bought a Simmons 44 Mag. Next I got a Bausch and Lomb 50mm (predecessor to the Bushnell Elite I think). Finally broke down and bought a Zeiss Conquest 3-9 40mm.
Noticed a real difference each step. Liked the Zeiss so much I bought a second one. Tried a 50mm Zeiss Conquest next. I REALLY liked it. I've got three of them now. Also own a Kahles 3-9 50mm Helia. It's on my Sunday Go To Meeting rifle and it never gets hunted with. Don't really know if I like it better than the Zeiss or not. I want (badly) a 3-12 56mm Zeiss or Meopta, but I'm too cheap. Found all my ZC 50's for $400 each. Bought all three off here.
I THINK they are better scopes and I have confidence in them and I think I got a good deal on all of them. BUT............................
Three of my four deer were taken at last light (maybe past legal, I quit when I can't see. Sue me or flame me if you must, it's the truth). I'm not sure if I'd have been able to see and take all three of the deer with a cheaper (sub $300) scope. Each one of those deer justified the scope purchase in my mind. Everything else I kill with them is gravy afterwards as far as I'm concerned.
Would I buy a $2k scope? No, I can't afford one and not sure I would if I could. A $1200 scope would be my absolute limit and I'd have to feel like I got a deal on it when I bought.
If there's a better value in a scope than a $400 used Zeiss 3-9 50 Conquest I'd LOVE to know what it is.
