I work in education, so I look for inexpensive but not cheap. One of the best hidden deals going is old 70s vintage Tasco scopes made in Japan. These were $500 scopes when new, haunting ebay, garage sales, flea markets and pawn shops can often find them under $100. My last one, a 8-32x44 w/ fine target dot and adjustable objective cost me $25 with shipping... and it compares very well with a new $250 Mueller 8-32 w/ fine dot and side focus.
The Muellers are good as well, lifetime warranty IF you have your original receipt (so if you buy used be sure to get it!). $150ish will get one of their 2-7x w/ adjustable objective. Vortex has a similar offering in the same price range, but I've not looked thru one - they have a good reputation on a few forums though.
Don't forget that the higher your magnification, the worse things will look at closer ranges. Get a scope with adjustable objective or side focus, or open it up and adjust the fixed parallax/focus yourself. Personally I'm going to do my best to never buy another scope without AO or SF....