Forget brand loyalty, or being seen with the right label.
Peter Storm or Regatta are great examples of companies who manufacture some high quality waterproofs, at sensible prices.
My friend who lives in Barmouth, has a Peter Storm waterproof, and comparing it with one of my older Mountain Equipment jackets, its well made, and performs really well in bad weather.
Just because a certain manufacturer, produces waterproofs, at the other end of the market, does not necessarily make them an inferior product.
You have sensibly set a decent budget for your clothing, so check out the sensibly priced clothing.