Thirty years ago $300 would get all the performance you needed. Adjusted for inflation, that still holds true and buys much better lens coatings. Better is ever the enemy of good enough, as they say.

Also, I find that if you're in a position where a deer can see you, you're better off not using binoculars if you don't have to. A young meat hunter should spend his money on his scope. Over the hill trophy farmers needs the glass.