I have shopped bino's high and low, I actually bought a pair of Swaro's and took them back after the wife asked how much they were. I ended up getting some Eagle optics platinumsfrom wild birds unlimited and I love them. The are not the quality of the Swarovski's but the are close enough and they have a lifetime guarantee even if you run them over. My parents and I have all used the warranty from abuse and are really pleased with the quality and service. You have to get the platinums in order to get the warranty.

For whitetails I think 8X in a full size quality roof prism style (phase corrected and fully caoted etc) are perfect.
I don't like compacts for their light gathering because most times I find myself using them at dawn and dusk and what good is it if I can't see as clearly as possible?

I personally use Pentax DCF-SP 8X43's and I don't think there is a single piece of outdoor equipment that I use more than these. In light conditions where I can barely make out a deer's body with the naked eye I can find detail with the light gathering powers of these quality optics. They just cut into the shadows like crazy.

VORTEX 10X42'S!!!!!!!!!!!! cheaper and, IMO, are just as good or better then the monarchs, leupold, and bushnells

Nikon Monarch 8x42

Vortex 8x42s...love 'em!!!

I use a pair of 10x42 Leica Geovids. They are really too bulky for the bow stand, I used to have a pair of compact Wind River's and loved them.

I have a pair of Swarovski's which I bought years ago. By far, I have never been disappointed that I spent the money on these. Would never give them up

I have 8x42 Vortex Vipers and am quite happy with them.