BKC,
I ditto skeeter that since you have a spotting scope, you're better off with 8x. Maybe 10x (max) if you mainly hunt open areas. I hunt Washington with its evergreen forests so my 8x42 Nikon Monarch's are a great fit. I found a retail knife shop on Froogle that sells them for $250. Its been a while so you'd have to search for it. But thats a great price, esp since I got a camo print (not the ugly, standard black). I wish I had the experience to share about those other brands you suggested but I can tell you that after 2+ years with my Nikons, I don't wish I had spent a little more. That's what I'm afraid of if you choose another without having tried them or going on a lot of people's word as to their quality. I see lots of other hunters out there with Monarchs--that should tell you something. My next optics investment will be a 75x eyepiece for my Nikon spotting scope ($275). After that, I will get a nice, new rifle and buy an expensive scope ($500+). Only after that will I even think about upgrading the Monarchs. It will be 10+ years before I get rid of my bins, if I have it my way. Best luck and God bless.