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I'm soliciting opinions on the the best 10 x 42 binos I can get for under $800. Thanks.

Meopta meostar/Cabela's Euro, Minox HG, Vortex razor. Those three seem to dominate the under $1000 class.

Minox HGs;

Or, put together about $200-300 more, and get the Leica 10x42 pre-owned.

+1 for the Meopta.

Was sitting around with two other guys one day last week and we were comparing a Meopta, Zeiss, and Leica. Sorry, I can't recall which models.

Two of us flat could not see any difference. One guy thought the Leica might be little more crisp.

Yes, I know this was mid-day not dusk. We all admitted we are not even close to being experts, just hunters. We all agreed that we would rather save the money and purchase the Meoptas. The additional cost of the others did not seem justified.

A serious optics guy may be able to tell the difference, we couldn't.

405 wcf

Throw another vote in for the Meoptas. I owned both the 10x50 Meoptas and the 10x42 Cabelas Euros. They were my favorite sub-$1000 10x bins.

Having said that I would not rule out the new Promaster Elite ELX ED model. I have tried, and have been very impressed with the 8x42 model. I would expect the 10x42s to be just as impressive.

Look at the Leupold GR's. I am doing a feature on Top End binos and the Leupold GR's may not be quite in the same league for flatness of field and edge distortion but stand up very well against all the big names in resolution and brightness in the center field.

I recently bought the Meopta's 8x42's and just returned from an Alaska hunt where I used them for hours. I'm very pleased with my choice. I also really like the new Leupolds Gold Rings but they don't fit my face very well. I don't know if the Meopta's are as good as the big 3, but there pretty close. In the comparisons I did, they seemed every bit as good as the Swarovski's and felt similiar to them in my hand. I liked the color just a bit better on the Swaro's, but as far as clarity and edge distortion, I couldn't see any difference.

Doug has a Demo Nikon LX-L 10x42 for $799. I have a pair of these in 8x42 and they are GREAT. I did a ton of research, and comparisons before I purchased mine, and you will not be disappointed with these.

Used or demo Leca/Zeiss/Swaro's

When considering the choices you have, you should do yourself a favor and try them out for a few days. In 10X, weight will play heavily on how well they work for you. Buy them from somebody that will let you return them for a full refund after a few days. Nothing is really more important that this. It's your money and you must be fully satisfied. There lots of minor differences in fit, feel and performance. In many ways, I consider my binocular choices as, or more, important than my rifle choices.
I've got 3-4 recomendations. The Pentax DCF ED's in a light 10X gets my vote. Tough, with super hard lenses. The 8X model I compared to my Leica BA and my Nikon LX-L were every bit as good optically.
But I would not have a light 10X. That's anything under 31 ozs. Way too much image shake for me. For long, sit down glassing sessions, even a heavier than 31 oz., 8X has made a big difference to me. Especially when glassing out beyond 1.5 miles.
I've seen nothing but good said about the Meopta. In a 10X, I'd prefer a 50mm which are easier on the eyes due to more weight and a larger exit pupil. However, the 10X42's are nice and heavy at 31 ozs.
I've noticed that the Leupold Gold rings are even heavier than the Meopta. Good.
The big drawback of the heavier binoculars are they are really too heavy to carry around your neck all day up close as I like them. However, you can carry them cross chest over your off side hip. That's what I do with the heavy Leicas.
Are you sure you are firm on getting a 10X ? I'd seriously consider an 8X for all around use. E

Thanks everyone for the help. I ordered a set of the Minox HG 10 X 43 from Doug and so far I am very impressed with them.