I would be sure to check out getting the Meopta Meostar 12x50 HD, before the others mentioned.
I got mine last year, and it is very good, and Meopta has been around for many years, so that is an
important consideration, they build optics for many companies.
I got these on a recommendation from Cameraland and for the money overall happy with them. My one complaint is i have long eye lashes and it would be nice if the cups twisted out one more click...12s are difficult to hand hold so have a tripod available.
While the MeoStar binos are outstanding they, unfortunately, are nowhere near the budget you stated. Check out the Meopta Optika HD 10x42 bino. Doug at Cameraland can hook you up and you won't be disappointed. they come in under budget and like all Meopta products, these are great in low light conditions.
I've had the Athlon Midas G2 12x50's for about a month now and they are better than my Nikon Monarch 5's - 10x42's (ED glass). I like them and will keep them. I think they are great mid-grade 12x binos.