here's what works for me/us
I've got a long history of public service involving vehs and optics, and have observed the very same thing. Any "affordable" bino does not last long fed a daily diet of dirt tracks, boat rides, and everyday use. Management buys a $100 bino, and its trash in a short while. Worthless binos lying about in offices and vehicles aplenty.
Here's what I did, and it worked. I collected every one of those worthless binos, and tallied their cost as best I could. I then carried the total, and the box of junk to the Chief Ranger. Introductory line: (you may use this)
"Boss, this right here is a waste of money."
Produced the junk binos for his inspection....worthless. Second line:
"The Ranger staff cannot monitor, rescue nor apprehend, data,. vistors, and violators we cannot see."
Final line: "For the price of this worthless junk, we could buy
"X" number of good binos that will likely last a career"
Result, we now have 3 pair of Steiner Military models and a 1 pair of Leupolds all 15-20 years old, with no issues and stellar service. One pair of Steiner 10x50's have been passed on from a retired Ranger to his replacement. In the end, the better optic has saved us money. Worked for me.
The Steiner 8x30's are still not a bad price and not overly big. The 7x50 suck light like a shop vac, and have tremendous low light capability for a standard optic, but the low "X" power is a hindrance if your not counting tanks, ICBM's, aircraft, etc. The 10x50's are expensive, but work much better for hull numbers, LPN's, faces, etc. If you don't have to carry them, cause the 10x50's weigh a ton, they are good truck/boat binos.
Good luck. be safe