8x42 is a common size and is quite useful for a variety of purposes.
Vanguard's lower priced binocs seem to review OK - Bintel
Kowa has well regarded lower priced models such as YF 8x30 - Bintel
Celestron Nature DX also review well - Online I think
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...d-watching.php
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...best-value.php
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=2674