Hawke Sport Optics 8x42 Frontier HD X Binoculars

The Frontier HD X is the entry level into Hawke's "premium" level optics line-up.  They have a reassuring heft in the hand (some might find them a wee bit hefty) and a very smooth focus.  The 6.6' close focus has become almost standard today (we're so easily spoiled), but is quite good.  The 426' @ 1,000 yards field of view makes following your local swallows easy. When you raise them to your eyes, the optical image quality elicits an almost involuntary "oooh, nice!" I let my wife try the Frontier HD X 8x42 and asked her to guess the price.  Now, she doesn't sell optics, but has used premium European binoculars for many years.  "A thousand?" she guessed?  She didn't believe $349.99; does that make these unbelieveably good for the price?