How are top rated binoculars?

Power and lens sizes concerned, it is as stated above. However, not all 10x50 perform equally. With optics, you do get what you pay for, well almost. I've found that with top rated binoculars the best bang for your buck is in the $300 range. Assume that 100% performance lies with the big 3, Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss. These three binos will cost you around $2000. Then let's set 0% performance at a $20 pair roof bino you can buy at big 5. With this scale the $300 model will give you about a good solid 95%.

So, with all that said, the best thing you can do for yourself is to try out the bino before you buy. Some of it also depends on your taste. I've met someone who insist that his $20 bino performed just as well as an $80 pair. I've seen through his bino and to me the image is blurry and dark. The power of his bino is too much, at 12x, and the lens size too little, at 21mm. But he likes it.