It doesn't matter what size the glass is, it is still the quality that counts. If your budget is <$300 you probably won't get much as far as any binoculars go in any size. If you spend the money on the higher end compact binoculars you will probably find them quite useful.
When compared side by side the very high dollar binocs were no better than my Alpen Wings 8X20. I have no idea what they cost now, but mine were less than $150.
