I like the size and feel of roofs and have handled the Pentax DCF HRII (not the SP's) and the Swift Audubon 828HHS, also tried out Bushnell Legends and Leupold Olympus.
Leaning towards the 828HHS as they can be had for about $300 US, can't find a dealer around here who has the DCF SP so I can't see the dif between the HR's and the SP's.
I can get the Minox 8.5 x 43's for about $420 US. Haven't looked through them though.
Recommendations??
I can personally recommend the Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum Class 8x42 for $379. They're very sharp, they focus down to 5 ft, and they have an unlimited no-fault warranty from Eagle Optics. Visit EO's website. You might also enjoy their printed catalogue.
I forgot to mention that many Wild Birds Unlimited stores carry Eagle Optics' house brand binoculars. WBU's price is the same as EO's on-line price.