I believe the BEST answer to your question is more about the SIZE instead of the brand. All of them make excellent products in that price range. Is there a difference in $300 and $1,500 binos? I'm sure there is, but I can't tell in real-world hunting situations in Alabama. I "think" 99.999% of us would agree that 10x42 is the best all around size, especially if you wear the little shoulder/chest harness. So I'd find all the 10x42's in the $300 arena and then see if I could scour the interwebs for a special sale (opticsplanet.com) (eBay)
If you can buy a Nikon, Leupold, Vortex (and similar names) for $300, you'll be 101% happy.
If you can't tell the difference between $300 binos and Swarovski EL binos, you haven't used them in 'real world's hunt I ng situations. The difference in clarity and edge to edge sharpness is startling.
