Dude:
So then what is your recommendation for an optic for under
$300.
Zen Ray ED 8X43...not the newer ED2, which exceeds the $300 limit.
Or, I'd get a used Zen ED2 8X43.
You might also be able to find a used or demo Swift Audubon 8.5X44 for $300.
I'm sure there are probably some decent porro prism binos for $300 or less. But I'm not a fan of the porro form factor, so I'm not up on current porro models and can't make a recommendation there.