You should be able to find a used pair of Swarovski SLC's in 10x50 or 8x42 for $1K. I believe that's the route I would go.
Last year my 10×50 Leupold Olympic's fogged up one morning. I sent them back to Leupold in February and they called to let me know that the Olympic's were discontinued. They asked if I would be satisfied with a pair of the Santiam BX 5 HD's. I jumped on that and asked for a pair of 8x42's. They are crisp and clear and excellent in low light. You can get a pair for around $800.
