to answer your question, in my opinion

steiner are not worth a ham sandwich
zeiss are amazing
swarovski's are incredible
Leupold wind rivers are very good for 1/3 the money

Are they worth the money? depends on your finances! if you can afford to part with $1500 then I say yes definately. if spending $1500 will stretch you thin, then I say: no, buy a pair of leupolds.

Magnification? I like 10 powers personally, and always get as big an appeture as you can. Ie. 10 x 50 is better than 10 x 42.

I'm also looking for a new binocular and have decided to go with either the Leupold Wind River Katamai or the Wind River Cascade. Both come in a 8x42 and a 10x42 and weigh the same. Are the 10x42 better?

The 8 X 42 will give you a bigger FOV (Field of view) but will have less magnification. The 10 X 42 will have a smaller FOV but more magnification. Each has it's advantages and just depends on the the areas you'll be hunting. If you are long range hunting then I'd go with the 10's. If you're playing a shorter game then you want the bigger FOV with the 8's.

R B H'
I will be hunting in N W Colorado next August for elk with the bow. I guess I'll go with 10x42
Thanks