8x binos $500 or so budget

I'm in need of much advice. I have little experience with binocular spec, prices, etc.

The first use will be for coming classes where target ID, finding targets on UKD ranges, finding hidden objects, and trying to detect sniper hides is needed. They must be fairly robust, after all they will be tossed into my kit and bounce around in a pack most of the time.

I used an old set of Nikon 8x for a similar school a while back so I believe staying at 8 power is good. I do not know which Nikons they were other than an older full size model.

In the interest of trying binos with a reticle, I bought Vortex Viper R/T 8x32, however they do not really fit the bill for this use. They are small and have clear glass, however not that comfortable to hold for glassing things for a while.

I can swing around $500 but could go up or down some, but I don't want to chase the "for only 200 more"' disease.
Water proof, fog proof, shock proof, 8 power, $500, must have good contrast, good color, and decent in low light. I don't want much do I? Since it's my dime I'm not opposed to something used so long as it's completely functional. These will not be a safe queen, rather ones that get wrapped up in camouflage stretch wrap and used. Thoughts?

I'll check those out as well. I'm curious, what was your opinion of them and what did you trade to?

Sure, here we go.

The older full size cases Nikons were sold all around. Franlky quite good with my limited time with binoculars. They were crisp and clear glass wise, all mechanical worked good. Since they were on loan to me, for 9 days I treated them carefully. They were not light, but I figured that was part of the full size and the weight didn't matter to me. If I had to guess, they were an old, but top of the line in their time. Frankly they were not used in low light, so I cannot say how they should stack up.

For comparison I'm used to, what I think is pretty good glass. I use a Leoplod MK4, Nightforce SHV 4-14x50, IOR 3.5-18x50, IOR 2.5-10, and Vortex Razor HD 4.5-27 scopes, in no particular order. I took the big Vortex Razor 20-60 spotter and used the 3.5-18 IOR, and the SHV scopes for this class.

Budget is and issue, but so is durability. The Nikon did all I asked. But it's really hard to compare this old, unknown model to what's available today. I hope that helps.

My favorite in this price range and one of my "go to" models. The view can't be bettered in this price range and I have tried dozens of models.

Interesting, but I cannot seem to see where one would purchase those if they wanted.

How's durability?

Um, I did but must be missing something.

Search "Theron binoculars".  The site that sells them probably would be considered a competitor here, but that search will get you there.  Theron is Greek for hunter.  So just a search for Theron will get you all sorts of stuff you don't need.

That's sure a lot of Theron fans, considering all the options. I'll look at them as well as the others.

Thanks to those who posted when I didn't with all the Theron info.