Hi, I am looking for a pair of binos for girlfriend. Usage will be general hunting, from mountains to desert and mostly in daylight. Does anyone have a recommendation, or warning, regarding a pair around $ 500? 10x or 8x.

Any experience with Nikon Monarch 7?

CDNN has the LEUPOLD NORTHFORK 8.5x45, on special at $299.99 they seem good optically a bit heavy, very strong in design. I think they are being discontinued and that is why the low price.
Here is a link:
http://www.cdnnsports.com/8-5x...ck.html#.UyVH_rdOWM8
Also here is a review of them:
http://binoculars.toptenreview...8.5x45mm-review.html

Interesting! Thanks!

Cameraland NY has the 8x30 BT Zeiss Conquests on the demo list for $449. I have a pair of these and they're my favorite all around binoculars. They're really light to carry and have great resolution. They're not night binos, but for the exit pupil size, they are nice and bright.

I would try and find a pair of 8 power Kowa BD's.

In that price range stick to 8 power or less.

+1 for the Zeiss Conquest 8x30

Definitely an option, those zeiss. Any thoughts on Nikon Monarch 7?

I recently bought some Vortex Diamondback's. Very pleased with them and they are very close to Zeiss and three of us thought they were equal to my Gold Ring heavy Leupold 10x40's.

An 8x32 Leupold Mojave is a great binocular, with optics rivaling glass that costs 3x as much. It's worth a very close look IMO.

Binos Review: 8x42
http://www.bestbinocularsrevie...42SapphireED-113.htm

http://www.bestbinocularsrevie...on8x42Granite-93.htm

Best Binoculars of 2013: The Cornell Lab Review.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/Page.aspx?pid=2674