Check out pro hunter/guide/writer John Barsness's article in the current (Dec, I think) issue of RIFLE, called "Optics in the Field" iirc. Lots of good info.
My hunting buddy has the Swarovski 10x42's and Leica 8x30's. Both excellent, although his Swarovs are a few years old, and the color balance has that slight "Swarovski Yellow" cast which I've read they'e eliminated in the newest models. They're really super... I've used them for many many hours with no fatigue. Hunting buddy says if he was doing it again, he might buy the Leica 8x42 or 10x42 instead. Try both, and pick the one that feels best... if the budget allows.
I don't have that kind of budget now, and so I bought the Pentax 8x42 DCF-WP (I think that's the model #), for about $479. They are truly excellent imo, and a great value for the dollar (Barsness says the same, and says his Pentax's get used more than any other he owns). I have A-B'd them with the Swarovs over and over, and
maybe the Swarovs are 5% better, for over 100% more money. Pentax also has a lifetime warranty. I don't know if they're as rugged as the Leica/Swarovs, but for a $500+ savings, I'm gonna test them! Bargain #2: Minox (another camera legend) makes a binoc (in 8x30, 8x42, and 10x42) that is almost identical to the Pentax, at about the same price. Designed in Germany, and made in Japan. I compared both, and preferred the ergonomics of the Pentax slightly, though I did like the lock-out eyecups of the Minox. I would be very happy with either one, honestly.
If I have the dough in the future, I'll seriously consider the Leica/Swarov option of course
FWIW