I work for Cabelas and luckily get to compare optics all day. In the $200-300 price range, my favorites are the Wind Rivers. They are the best sellers in that range and probabl the best value for the buck. Make sure you get an Olympic model though, since they are phase corrected. They make a 10x50 and 8x42 roof prism that were on sale over the past couple week at the Kansas City store, but now are back to i beleive $359 and $309. The Monarchs are not much behind in quality though. Not much difference is notice in lighted areas but in low light there is a slight difference. Both are water-proof, phase corrected and have great warranties.