Maven B3 vs?

[sturner88]

So, I have decided to buy a pair of binoculars for the upcoming hunting season. Typically, I won't need to glass farther than 300-400 yards and for the most part will be just needing to ID specific bucks that we have seen on camera. I'm currently demoing a pair of Maven c1 10x42's and B3 8x30's. To my untrained eye, it seems the b3's are better in every category. I have Swarovski and higher end Leupold scopes so I'm fairly familiar with good glass, however when it comes to binoculars, I'm out of the loop.

For the additional $150, I think the 8x30's are the clear choice over the c1 10x42's. Is there anything around the price of Maven B3's that I should look at before purchasing or would anything else be very comparable.

 

[willfrye027]

B3’s are awesome glass. I’ve compared mine to a few other compacts. I felt like the Zeiss conquest 8x32s were a slight touch better, but a lot heavier and more expensive. They beat the pants off a pair of older swaro 8x32 slcs. The only thing they don’t do perfectly is handle glare glassing into the sun.

 

[Browninglover1]

We bought my dad a set of B3 8x30 and I agree with your assessment. They're a rock solid bino for the price.

 

[sturner88]

Thanks I’ll probably just keep the Demo b3’s unless I can find a coupon code

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’d compare to Nikon HG 8x30s. But I have some B3s and agree they are awesome and good value.

 

[sturner88]

Would you say the HG’s are just comparable? If so, I think it would maybe make sense to just keep what I’m demo’ing. If there is something in that class/category that is heads and shoulders better, I’d definitely look at them. If they’re just the same, might as well keep the mavens


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[Tahoe1305]

I haven’t compared the 8x but I had the 10x and they were my favorite compared to 10 other sets I was comparing to. I didn’t like the non transferable warranty though. They are a few hundred more than the mavens though and I have been happy with my mavens.

If you are happy with your mavens I wouldn’t let them go. I don’t think it’s worth the lesser warranty and extra $$.

I was just offering up a pair of 8x that would be comparable.

 

[sturner88]

I haven’t compared the 8x but I had the 10x and they were my favorite compared to 10 other sets I was comparing to. I didn’t like the non transferable warranty though. They are a few hundred more than the mavens though and I have been happy with my mavens.

If you are happy with your mavens I wouldn’t let them go. I don’t think it’s worth the lesser warranty and extra $$.

I was just offering up a pair of 8x that would be comparable.

Awesome, thanks. I really appreciate your input.


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[Marcus21]

Any comparison to the leupy bx4's?

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[sndmn11]

Any comparison to the leupy bx4's?

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That would be my suggestion. I have never had a look through the B3s, but in a similar price, those Leupolds I think are really good.

 

[grizz19]

I have a pair the maven B1’s and absolutely love them. Seem to do well early and late light conditions. I have compared them to a pair of Leupold bx5’s that my brother in law has As well as a pair of vortex razors 10x42’s my hunting partner has and to my eye my mavens are the best of 3.

 

[Marcus21]

Are your mavens 10x42 as well?

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[grizz19]

Are your mavens 10x42 as well?

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Yes they are

 

[Marcus21]

Cool thanks

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[Coffeetalk]

Maven is my choice over BX4

 

[corncob]

I recently bought a pair of BX4 8x32 on sale, and ended up returning them when I found a set of B3 8x30s. They ended up being close-ish in price (got the B3s used), but I would have paid an extra 100-200 for the B3s after looking through they both. Definitely a wider FOV for the B3s (zero tunnel vision effect) and even though they have a slightly smaller objective I think they do better in low light. You can tell a difference in build quality, too - the B3s just feel much better in hand.

I realize that's a pretty subjective comparison, but after looking through them both a few times I didn't waste a lot of time noting down quantitative comparisons. I guess the differences were that much, at least in my opinion.

 

[sndmn11]

I recently bought a pair of BX4 8x32 on sale, and ended up returning them when I found a set of B3 8x30s. They ended up being close-ish in price (got the B3s used), but I would have paid an extra 100-200 for the B3s after looking through they both. Definitely a wider FOV for the B3s (zero tunnel vision effect) and even though they have a slightly smaller objective I think they do better in low light. You can tell a difference in build quality, too - the B3s just feel much better in hand.

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if they were made in the same factory.

 

[corncob]

Yeah, possibly. I've heard that both the Maven and Kite Lynx are built by Kamakura in Japan. I don't know about the BX4s.

I do strongly prefer the eyecups, focus wheel, and diopter adjustment of the B3s, both functionality and form.

 

[Coffeetalk]

I returned the BX4s that were 8x32 also. My Cabela Guide 8x32 were noticeably brighter.

My money now is on Maven first, Leupold VERY close second. Either one is choice--

 

[Coffeetalk]

Forgot about Meopta--really nice glass!