Bigger Lense for Higher Power?

 

I'm not concerned with size or weight since I'll be carrying these in my pack and using them hand-held from a sitting position (elbows resting) for a couple hours at a time.  I'm thinking 10-12x.  I'm also conserned with exit pupil since most of my spotting will be in the first and last hour of light.  I'm also worried about strength/durability so I'm leaning toward Roof Prisms.  I'd also like to keep it all under $450... I know I know asking for it all. 

 

There's lots of choices in at this price point for 10x50.  But since I don't care about size why not look at something like the Nikon Monarch 12x56 or the Vortex Vulture 10x56?  I know allbinos.com said don't bother with the Vultures since you can get the similiar Fomei's for much less, but they also said:

 

 "One glance at a transmission graph, published below, shows that Vortex ordered in China better coatings than Fomei. The transmission of their instrument is better and the colours – more natural.  The Vulture design is also a bit better so the joystick for dioptre correction doesn’t get blocked near the rubber of the inner tube. Another advantage is the warranty period which, in the case of the Vortex, is much longer. The standard accessory kit (a strap and a case) is also better. All of that makes the Vortex’s final score better than the Fomei’s."

 

But I am interested in internal reflections (which the Vultures scored much better on) since animals have a tendancy to walk out with the sun behind them no matter where you set up.  Plus most of their low score came from marketing exaggerations on the actual 55mm diameter and slightly less field of view than claimed.

 

What's your opinion for the best glass for my situation?