I normally carry Swarovski binoculars but the newest HD models from some manufacturers come very, very close and can be had for one third of the cost. I am particularly favorably impressed by the Leupold McKinley which can be had for somewhere around $600. To my eyes they are at least the equal of the $1,000 Conquest HD or the similarly priced Vortex model.
If you don't mind a bit of extra weight the Meopta (as sold by Cabelas as their Euro HD) is built like a truck and has great glass. I like them a bit better than the other $1,000 models, but your eyes may see things differently. I think they are really close to the Swarovski.
If they were all free I would still choose the Swarovski above all others, but they are not twice as good.