Okay, I just returned from moving the youngest daughter and her boyfriend out of state. On the way back, the wife and I stopped at a Cabela's and on Big Uncle's recommendation, we checked out Nikon's Monarch 7 binos in both 8x42 and 10x42. They were priced at $479.99 and $499.99 respectively. Wow!!!! They were smaller and lighter weight than the Vortex and every bit as good of glass. I wouldn't say they are on the same level as Swarovski EL's but they are awesome binoculars for under $500. For the OP, you may want to look further at one of these models as they are within your price point and were some very good glass. I still like Vortex but the wife is now seriously ready to drop $$ on a pair of Monarch 7's.