As you mentioned, there are many, many choices. The early on considerations that need to be dealt with are typically (1) Use and (2) Price. It has been my experience that with any optical devices from binoculars to spotting scopes to camera lenses, etc., there are no secrets out there in the industry. Makers of these devices usually attempt to carve themselves out a niche based upon these two issues. Some attempt to cover all the bases. You will find the lower end, from about $150 down, is saturated with "brands". Many of these "brands" are made on contract by the same manufacturers. I am not a fan of lower priced optics becasue of past experience. On the other end are what are considered "top of the line" binoculars, which are indeed superb. But they carry a hefty price tag, whether it be Ziess, Swarovski, Lieca, etc. I will admit that I am a user of the top end stuff, and highly recommend both Swarovski and Nikon's best. But in my opinion, the "values" are found in the $350 - $500 range. I am certainly not able to compare across a large number of different brands/models. But I can say that the Pentax models in the $450-$500 range are great. I have used them and have bought them as gifts. My wife uses the top end Bushnell 8x40 and it is very nice for the $$$. I have Nikon's top end, Venturer, and I have the top end Swarovski. The Nikon was priced at about 75% of the Swarovski and I cannot tell one iota of difference. But stiil you are in the $1000 range. couple of buddies of mine have the top end Ziess. Very, very nice. I have had a Nikon in the $250 range. Not worth the $$$. I was given the best Simmons compacts that cost about $75 a few years back .... junk. I have a Minolta compact that came in an Atlanta Olympics "gift pack". These bino's cost about $125 back then ... very, very good.

So ... long story short. For general hunting, look at bino's in the $400 range for value. Something in 8x40 should be sufficient. If it is a compact, say for bow hunting ... probably a Pentax or Minolta in the $125 range would be OK. If you have the big bucks, forget all of this and go straight to Ziess or Swarovski.