You know I have a pair of Elite Bino's that retail right around 1000.00.. Same quality as some Zeiss and Swarovski (though not all)... Anyway, they sit in my safe.. lol I have a lower end pair of Bushnells that usually go to the deer woods with me. I just don't need it because between my bow and my slug gun and I really don't shoot that far and I hunt hardwoods..
So I think it depends on your style of hunting.. But I would say the Nikon or Bushnell in that price range would serve you well..