Currently have 3 pair of Vortex and can't say anything bad about them. I wait untill they go on sale, usually about 50% off, before pulling the trigger.
I'm currently using Alpen 12 X 50. My recommendation is buy the best glass that you can afford. I moved up after several years of using cheaper binos. The view in quality glass is so much better, and with quality they will last for years.