I would not go past 10X. Something like a 8x or 10X - 40 mm should do fine. Anything with 50 mm or above will probably be a bit heavier than you want. Check prices at "Bear Basin Outfitters". I have no dog in the hunt. I have done business with this "discount" house on several pieces of optics ... scopes and binos. The experience has been great. They are not a "gray" ordering house. Prices are usually pretty competitive. Don't leave out Pentax and Minolta in your revue. They both make a darn good bino for around your price range.