Free: Contests & Raffles.
I swear by my Nikon monarch 10x42. And they were cheap enough that it doesn't bother me to take them hunting in rough conditions. Not to mention the warranty is a 25 years no fault policy
Buy the best you can afford..Heck, I just bought a pair of Redfield 10x42 Binos this fall, love them.
I use Swaro 7x30'sB SLC's and the glass is so good, the image from edge to edge so crisp, that I do not feel handicapped by just 7 power.