I am not personally a fan of the "new" Leupolds. I have a couple of VariXII's and VariXIII's and do not think the "VX" line is as good as the old ones.

The Conquests are nice glass too and I would choose one over the new Leupolds.

I also like the Monarchs (have a couple as well), cheaper and I think better than the Leupolds (again: the new "VX's").

I have also heard GREAT things about Meopta in both scopes and binoculars.

Have a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X44 on order as I have heard excellent things about them too and have used their binoculars right next to Swaro's in the field and they were close (but not quite) the glass. But they were also under $600.