Get the best optics you can afford. I have a $500 Stevens 200 with Warne Maxima Rings and $1,000 AH Kahles 3.5-10x50 scope and have never regretted it.

There is definantly a very quick steepening of the 'value for money' curve when it comes to optics (a lot like good Hi-Fi audio) but IMO it is all worth it.

I only buy German Zeiss optics now for all my rifles.