Michael54
WKR
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2019
- Messages
- 881
I recently bought a pair of maven c1 and kowa bdii in 10x42 with the total intention of comparing them side by side and sending back the pair i liked the least. I figured id share my thoughts here.
Weight- the kowas are lighter than the c1's. Not sure of the exact difference but it is definitely noticeable.
Build- both seem well built but the c1's take the edge. They seem like they could take a real beating.
Fov- this is basically a tie. Although both advertise significantly different numbers i was actually shocked at how close they really are comparing them side by side. Slight edge to the kowas
Picture quality- kowas hands down. I could clearly see turkeys at 700 yards with the c1's, i could compare beard lengths on the gobblers with the kowas
Low light- kowas have the edge. I put both side by side at dusk looking at a dead log inside the field edge. I got a full 5 minutes more visibility out of the kowas.
Focus- c1's have a LOT bigger sweet spot. Once i got them focused i almost never had to touch the focus knob. The kowas have to be adjusted on almost everything. The focus knob on the kowas is more comfortable. Both seem to be aluminum however the kowas seem to have a subtle traction grid and the c1s have an aggressive grooving.
Price- c1's were $357 after tax and the bdii's were $404.10 on sale at Cameraland
1st unboxing reaction- c1's showed up on saturday and i really liked them. To the point where i told a buddy i kind of wished i only ordered the c1s. I would completely be satisfied with the c1s.
The kowas arrived on wednesday. WOW was my immediate reaction. I could instantly tell that they were lighter and the picture quality was clearer.
For me personally although i would be totally satisfied with either pair as my binoculars for the next 20 years the mavens are on their way back. The two selling factors for me was the clarity of the kowas and the low light performance. I mainly hunt here in pennsylvania with a trip out west every few years. If i was out west with binos on a tri pod all hunting season every hunting season i would have probably kept the mavens and returned the kowas. Mainly because of the sweet spot the c1's have. I have never owned or used alpha glass and this is a perfect case of ignorance is bliss for me. In my opinion after looking at, researching, and shopping for sub $500 binos over the past year or so these two brands definitely outperform most of the others in their class.
Weight- the kowas are lighter than the c1's. Not sure of the exact difference but it is definitely noticeable.
Build- both seem well built but the c1's take the edge. They seem like they could take a real beating.
Fov- this is basically a tie. Although both advertise significantly different numbers i was actually shocked at how close they really are comparing them side by side. Slight edge to the kowas
Picture quality- kowas hands down. I could clearly see turkeys at 700 yards with the c1's, i could compare beard lengths on the gobblers with the kowas
Low light- kowas have the edge. I put both side by side at dusk looking at a dead log inside the field edge. I got a full 5 minutes more visibility out of the kowas.
Focus- c1's have a LOT bigger sweet spot. Once i got them focused i almost never had to touch the focus knob. The kowas have to be adjusted on almost everything. The focus knob on the kowas is more comfortable. Both seem to be aluminum however the kowas seem to have a subtle traction grid and the c1s have an aggressive grooving.
Price- c1's were $357 after tax and the bdii's were $404.10 on sale at Cameraland
1st unboxing reaction- c1's showed up on saturday and i really liked them. To the point where i told a buddy i kind of wished i only ordered the c1s. I would completely be satisfied with the c1s.
The kowas arrived on wednesday. WOW was my immediate reaction. I could instantly tell that they were lighter and the picture quality was clearer.
For me personally although i would be totally satisfied with either pair as my binoculars for the next 20 years the mavens are on their way back. The two selling factors for me was the clarity of the kowas and the low light performance. I mainly hunt here in pennsylvania with a trip out west every few years. If i was out west with binos on a tri pod all hunting season every hunting season i would have probably kept the mavens and returned the kowas. Mainly because of the sweet spot the c1's have. I have never owned or used alpha glass and this is a perfect case of ignorance is bliss for me. In my opinion after looking at, researching, and shopping for sub $500 binos over the past year or so these two brands definitely outperform most of the others in their class.
