8x42 works for me. Get the best for bad weather (fog proof, water proof) If ya can't see through them doesn't matter how good they are when it's nice out.
Friend turned me on to a glass cleaner for everything else called Invisible Glass. Used it on my bino's the other day, holy cow, like a new pair.
I wouldn't enjoy myself hunting without bino's. I like them because I see the game long before they see me.
Mine cost around 200 and I've used some of the most expensive around. They work just as good and are a whole lot less painful to lose.
Spend around that much and you'll get a good pair. I also am not a fan of the smaller bino's but I haven't tried any out lately. Get a pair you can return and have at it.
I'm currently on my 3rd trail cam and it's going back. I figure I'll keep trying them till I find the one I want.