Why are scopes so expensive?

[Odogster]

With my “normal” scopes ($500-800), I can see my shots at 100 yards. With my one great scope, I can see the texture of the targets at 100 yards. My best scope has kinda snobbed me up a bit, and now I want clearer glass on everything …

It's so easy to get spoiled on clear glass

 

[delooper]

The next generation of hybrid IR, thermal + visible light scopes are probably going to test the limits of what "expensive scope" means. Hopefully some manufacturers will be able to keep the prices down.

 

[Ratzy]

I have several CVLife BearSwift 5-25x56 scopes I bought on Alibaba for $115 plus shipping. To my old eyes the glass is as good as the Leupold Mk4 i inherited many years ago. Only complaint i have is the paralax/illumination knobs are very tight and hard to turn. Bit heavy but X56 scopes are big.

Have several Spina X50 and X56 scopes. Not quite the glass of the Bearswift but fine quality. A little cheaper than the CVLife.

All are FFP

If you are not doing competition or long range there is no need to spend more than that on a scope. At a certain point it just becomes an ego gratification exercise.