Just recently I got my new Minolta Activa 10X42D WPXL in eBay for 127US$.
It was kind of compromise for me in between before I will have some spare money for binoculars from one of the big names (Zeiss-Leica-Swarovski).
Well, the new binoculars are here and they are a great positive surprise - crystal clear, great image, very well built, light, great feeling and very pleasant to use. They come with 25 years warranty. Truing to compare it to a friend's Nikon Monarch 10X42 it appeared, for both of us, as better.
As things seems now I might keep it for a long time.
Just as a reminder, Minolta closed down their consumer business (cameras, sports optics) and this is bargain times to get binoculars, as long as stock lasts, for low prices.
Just wanted to share this and to hear comments with others.
Minolta is pretty much out of the binoculars game as you said, but if you can still find any of their products they are worth a look. I like their 8x25 comapcts.
Happy 25 year birding!