I have a bunch of binoculars, monoculars and few range finders. I use them depending on how and when I am going to be hunting.
If you are going to spend in the range of $250 and don't have a rangefinder, it might be worthwhile to look at rangefinders. Optically, they won't be as good as the binos, but the benefits might be worth it to you.
I primarily use the Burris Signature and Landmark binoculars, but they don't make them anymore (they do still warranty and service them though) and they can be found in 6, 8, 10 and 12x from about $70 to $250 and they are a bargain. If I plan to sit a lot, I usually take one of these along.
Vortex, Steiner are good currently produced binos.
Regardless of carrying binos or a rangefinder, I always have the Vortex Monocular (Solo 10x26) which is about $100. It is smaller, lighter, good glass and easy for me to always have at the ready for spot and stalks.