I never believed the saying “you get what you pay for” until I went on my fathers desert bighorn hunt. He rented some Swarovski 15x56’s and a scope. This was the first time I had spent any time looking through Swaro’s and I was amazed. I went from an accomplished hunter who would never spend that kind of hard earned money on a pair of binoculars to a guy that had to find a way to own some. After purchasing my binoculars and tripod/head my style of hunting even started to change, for the better. I don’t dread sitting and looking over large country in fact I enjoy it. I have increased my success and I have increased the quality of critters I have taken because of shear numbers. Everyone has an opinion, mine is buy whatever you can afford (maybe rent first?) and get a tripod. At least out west where I am. Good luck!
Btw, Vortex are middle of the road optics in my opinion. Generally a good value but still under Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.