Look at it this way, Binoculare are like rifles (or shotguns or cars for that matter) less expensive ones can get the job done, those costing a little more will do the job better, meaning better light gathering, better focus, light weight, a little tougher. If you are really going to use them and depend on them, spend a little more and get some good one that will last, the Limited edition F150 of binoculars. A little luxury, but not the Kings Ranch Edition. If they are mostly for show, or if you are a guide, spend the money and get the best you can find.
You need to decide how much you can leave in the woods, or afford to drop out of the stand on a rock, or have stolen when your truck gets broken into at the Bass Pro Shop.
I have always been partial to Nikons and Zeiss. have found their optics to be best for the money.

I just bought a pair of Vortex Diamondback 10X50 for $224.00 and I love them

I�ve had a pair of second hand Bushnell Trophy 10x42 I gave a buddy $100 for years ago. Damn fine glass for the money.
I�ve got some 8x25 Nikons for woods roving. The small glass just isn�t enough late.

I caught some bushnell 10 x 42 that i caught on sell at gander mountain for $99 a couple years back. they lasted about a year and an elk hunting trip before an eye pc broke. sent them back with my story and they sent me an upgraded version in the box for a replacement with no charge

amazon had a special a while back on Nikon Action 8x40's for $100 ... altho i prefer the extremes that are more weatherproof, if $100 is all you've got, i've been super happy w/the Action's ...

I have the Nikon Action in 10x50. Works great for the scenario you describe and in clear cuts.

Academy has the Nikon Acculon II(I think that's correct) for $79. I get that drunk feeling when looking through most binos but I can use these fine. I haven't used high end binos in the field so I can't compare but I was glassing deer in a field at dusk with these that I could not see with the naked eye. They were around 100 yards off.

optics planet has vortex diamondbacks 12x50 $259, 10x50 $249,10x42 $229

Cabelas had the vortex Diamondbacks for $129 last week.

I got a pair and they seem to be good for me.

also the diamondbacks have an adjustment, so that if you wear glasses. You can use them to look through the binos.

I had a pair of alpins i got at the moultrie ag expo an they wer pretty good binos but i upgraded to a pair of 10x42 leica geovid hd's. Difference is like peddlin ah row boat with a spoon or drivin a jet propelled cruze ship..

Look at Carsons. They don't advertise to the hunting crowd but get great reviews. I have the 10x42s and love them. They can be used with eye glasses too.

Had a 5 year old pair of the same Carsons and the plastic piece broke where strap goes. I sent them in and they shipped me a new pair. ALL INSIDE OF 7 days!!!!

English translation - You can't understand how much better Alpha grade optics are until you spend some time in the field with them.

Shaneomac has the right idea---I have had a set of Leupold Yosemite for a year. Best low dollar pair I have ever owned.