I’m in the “spend the $ on good glass” camp, but IMO that really starts at the $1k MSRP range (deals can be had).
With a $200-$300 budget, I’d lean towards staying on the lower end but not junk range like Vortex Diamondbacks or Leupold Yosemite’s (both better and cheaper if 6x will do it for you).
Upgrade down the line to something in the lower Euro range when you can swing it and the $200 ones can be a truck/loaner/backup pair.
If you chase the $200, then $350, then $500, then $700, then $1,000 pairs, selling at a loss as you go, you could have just bought Swaros.