When it comes to optics, I think one should avoid settling for something when a few dollars more could mean getting something really, really better - but I understand everyone has limits. However, I got my Leica CRF 900 from Doug at Cameralandny.com last year for $429 and I hadn't expected to spend that much either. But I checked everyone under the counter one day and the Leupold came in second but the Leica blew everything away. The single optic on the Leica CRF is better than what most people carry for binoculars. I would check Ebay and Craigslist - you can always get a bargain once in awhile.
My second piece of advice would be not to look thru a Leica if you don't want to pay for one. Mine reads off bushes, weeds, shrubs, spots in the field - really amazing what it will do. Good luck.
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/site.pl?page=leicacrf900
