ditto on the higher power
I have pair of Nikon 12x50 for birding, and they are really difficult to use in a boat.
For a given power, the higher priced models tend to have better optics. That is usually the primary price determinant. Less distortion, see better in low light, etc. You decide if the better quality optics are worth the price. You may not need the top end lenses, so why pay big bucks if you don’t need to.
Whatever you do - don’t
go to a high end shop and test out the top of the line binos- if you do you will be hooked forever and doomed to spending as much on your binos as you would for a good new plastic sea kayak - or mabybe even more. The difference in field of view, brightness, accurate color rendition, focus and low light performance will blow you away.
I use
I use an Audobon 6x monocular in a plastic bag. Light,clear, and cheep.I find more power than that is unproductive in a canoe.
Turtle