A few things mentioned in the previous several posts sort of mix up an evaluation of a scope.
(not picking on anyone)
Tracking, adjustment stability have no effect on clarity or field of view.
Fantastic optics and crappy mechanicals won't work.
Fantastic mechanicals and crappy optics might.
Fantastic everything is best, but costs.
The Steiner M5Xi shown is a little out of your stated budget (mine also
)
Low power will always be clearer than high power.
A 10X fixed will be clearer than a 6-24X @ 24.
@ 10x the fixed will be clearer because of glass surface count.
@ 24X the 10X will- - oh wait, the 10X can't go there
Field of view is power dependent and usually listed in scope specs.
For example, the 3 to 15 image shown earlier will have a wider field of view at 3 than the 10X fixed, and less @ 15.
For 1000yds count the mils left and right in that image @ 15X.
Even a 6-24X at max power will still be able to view both the Ford parked in front of the Chevy @ 1000YDS.
The magnified view @15X through the phone is also a little misleading if you are looking at it on a computer screen.
The image shown is a
little larger than what you will see with your eye at the range.
Single use rifles can live with a fixed power scope. A real good shooter can live with less than optimum magnification for target size/range.
Want to shoot close and far, paper, steel, or someone sitting in that Ford, then variable power gives you flexibility.
Pick up a super cheap variable at your local big box store or second hand, something like a Simpson or Banner with a 4 to 1 mag range like 4-16X, 6-24, and evaluate magnifications, field of view, and exit pupil (depends on Objective divided by power).
That's
subpar glass and unreliable adjustments .
Crap image but will give you an idea of the mag range you want to spend money on.
Then you can start on your quest for the perfect reticle
