I use Pentax PCF 7x50 for several years they have held up very well, I went with the 50's for better light gathering and they do work. My complaint is they are heavy Bino's to lug around the woods. I have been shopping for a 10X30ish size in the price range you have described and from Tasco's at $50. all the way to Swarovski at $1500+. Things I've decided are must have's for these bino's they will be made in USA, Japan, or EU. Sorry China low bid is out. Life time warrenty is a must. A good storage case, strap, and well made covers or cups that are included. Time tested models that have been in service for a while, not everyear we are changing products, in other words we make improvements to what we sell we don't change what works just to call it a new product!!!! I have used alot of glass in the last 20 years including eyeglassess I must say Zeiss rates pretty high on my list. As it stands my top three choices are Zeiss Conquest, Pentax DC? II , and Minox. How about you have you gone out looking yet and what have you found? SteveDSpetsnaz