This segment is dominated by Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski.  There are no bad binoculars in this price range and your choice largely depends on personal preference.  Traditionally, Zeiss offers the highest resolution, Leica has the best contrast and Swarovski has the largest sweetspot.

Then there are the Nikon EDG binoculars that are absolutely superb, although I am not entirely sure they can quite hang the newest from the Euro makers.  They are almost there and for some eyes might offer the best compromise of features and performance, but not for mine.

Here are the ones that I prefer ever so slightly:

7×42: Zeiss Victory FL. Lightweight and optically flawless.

8×32: Leica Ultravid HD.  Superb contrast of these little binos partially makes up for the smallish exit pupil.

8×42: Zeiss Victory FL.

8×56: This is a tough call between Zeiss Victory FL and Swarovski SLCneu.  Is the wider FOV of the Zeiss worth $600? That’s for you to decide.

8.5×42: Swarovski EL Swarovision.  This is a somewhat controversial choice since the view through these is perfectly flat right to the edges when you are stationary, but has a distinct rolling ball effect when panning.  Still, this bino has the largest sweespot I have ever seen.

10×56: Zeiss Victory FL 10×56.  Try them.  You’ll see what I mean.

12×50: This is not my favourite configuration, but if it up your alley, check out Leica Ultravid HD 12×50.

Special mention:  Leica DUovid 8+12×42 offer impressive versatility.  They are not quite as good as top end 8x or 12x binos at either of the settings, but they are close… and you get two magnificaitons in one bino.

Another special mention: laser rangefinding binoculars.  Both Leica Geovid HD and Zeiss RF are very good.  I like Zeiss RF 8×45 and 8×56 a little better.