As an older hunter, almost 57, I've hunted since I was 16. Never missed an opening day. Took up bowhunting 6 years ago... duh why did I wait?
Anyway... I was always a cheapskate when it came to binos. When I add up the all the $69 and the $75 and the $119 and the $139 or so I have spent over the years I shoulda spent the $450+/- I spent a few seasons ago. I bought a pair of Zeiss 10X30, fairly small and compact. Really... just bite the bullet and buy one good pair that will last for ever.
A good set of binos are so valuable.