This Maven optics review is based on my experience with the Maven B.6 10×50 binoculars. The binos I typically use is a Swarovski EL 12×50 that costs 3x the price of the B.6, so I started out well aware of how quality optics should perform.
So, how did Maven stand up to the test, and how did they perform against other quality binoculars? Let’s dive in and find out!
Maven Optics Review - Initial Thoughts
Upon opening the box, I could immediately tell that Maven puts a lot of thought and effort into first impressions. From the aesthetics of the packaging to the final soft case that holds the binoculars, everything is super sleek and high-quality.
Oftentimes, even with new purchases, there’s usually a small blemish of some kind to be found, but that wasn’t the case with these binos.
Maven Custom Optics Builder
The basic grey/orange color scheme that I received is simple and sleek, and it suits my style, but for those wishing to create a one-of-a-kind custom look to their binos, Maven offers a Custom Optics Builder on their website where you have full reign of the look of your Maven binoculars.
Maven’s custom builder allows you to customize basically every part of the binoculars. And the costs associated with the changes really aren’t that much compared with the starting price.
So, for just a little more than the original MSRP, you can have a fully-customized pair of Maven binoculars.
Maven B.6 Light Transmission
As with most hunting situations, low-light conditions come into play quite a bit. With deer hunting in particular, light transmission is especially important.
That’s where the Maven B.6 binoculars excel. They were designed to specifically to maximize optical light-gathering properties.
My Swarovski EL 12×50 does an excellent job of picking up substantial amounts of light when, to the naked eye, it seems there isn’t much at all to pick up.
So, how did the Maven B.6 compare? Being 1/3 the price of the Swarovski, you’d expect the Maven to perform worse in low light, but what actually happened was surprising.
With a 50mm objective lens, there was no noticeable difference between the two binos. Yep, the Mavens, sitting just over $1,000 offered the same level of viewing as the Swarovski, which sits a little over $3,000.
Absurdly awesome.
Maven B.6 Review - Clarity
Now, let’s talk clarity. Light transmission is key, but for $1,000, you expect clarity to also be on point. Again, the Maven B.6 did not disappoint.
When jumping from the Swarovski to the Maven, there was no distinguishable difference in clarity. Colors are sharp and the image is super crisp, clear, and bright.
The 50mm objective lens is to thank for bringing in a lot of light and creating an ultra-clear image at long distances.
Maven B.6 10x50 - Features and Specs
- Size: 6.6 in.
- Weight: 30.7 oz.
- Extra-low Dispersion ED Glass
- Waterproof and Fog Proof
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
- Twist-up, multi-position eye cups
- Waterproof and Fog Proof
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
- Phase Correction Coating
- Fidelity
Tripod Adaptable - Lifetime Warranty
Field of View Optimized
If you’re not super knowledgeable about binocular features, then you may not know that certain features allow you to maximize your field of view, or what you can visibly see through a pair of binoculars.
Some features available through the Maven B.6 binoculars aren’t super common among other binoculars. Interpupillary distance, or IPD, is the distance between the center of your left and right eyes.
Every pair of binoculars on the market allows for adjustment to fit your face. This is where you swivel the binoculars inward or outward to adjust for the distance between your eyes.
However, Maven takes it a step further with allowing you to adjust the diopter on each side of the binoculars. Your right eye and left eye likely don’t have the same strength, so adjusting the diopter optimizes the left side of the binoculars for your left eye and the right side of the binoculars for your right eye.
Just another feature that improves your overall field of view and sets Maven above their competition.
Maven B.6 Binoculars - Great With or Without Glasses
The same field of view can be attained with the Maven B.6 binoculars no matter if you are a glasses wearer or not.
That is the point of the twist-up, multi-position eye cups. For glasses wearers, leave the eye cups all the way in for maximum field of view.
Don’t wear glasses? Simply twist the eye cups to the position that offers the best field of view for your eyes.
Maven Optics Accessories
Some prefer to use their own strap or bino harness, but Maven includes a very nice strap that connects not only to the binoculars, but to the ocular lens cap, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.
The ultra-soft objective lens cap is permanently attached to the binoculars, so there’s no chance of losing those either.
As stated earlier, a very nice, soft pouch is included with the Maven B.6 binoculars, as well as an ultra-soft cloth for keeping the lenses clean and clear.
The Maven B series binoculars have the ability to accept Maven’s tripod adapter, which would allow for easy glassing. The adapter is sold separately.
Maven Optics Review - In The Field
A Maven optics review wouldn’t be complete without actually putting them to the test in the field. So, how did they perform?
Physically, they’re easy to handle, smooth to operate when swiveling, adjusting the diopter and spinning the focus wheel. They’re not too heavy or bulky.
Physically, they’re the perfect middle ground, where semi-compact design meets large-size field of view, clarity, focus, and color.
Maven Binoculars Comparison
I believe the Maven B.6 10×50 contains the quality, features, and specs that a hunter needs out of a pair of binoculars, but they have a lot of other options that may suit your hunting style better.
Maven offers a great comparison chart on their site to help you make an informed decision when choosing the glass that’s right for you.
Maven B.6 Binoculars - Final Thoughts
In my opinion, they’re the perfect do-it-all general hunting binoculars. They’re not too big to tote around on an all-day hunt, but they’re also not too small, leaving you needing more.
They’re available in 10×50 and 12×50. The 12×50 would simply make things appear closer, so for Western hunters who do a lot of glassing wide-open, vast landscapes, the 12×50 might be the better choice.
In Need Of A Spotting Scope?
A great spotting scope can compliment binoculars when glassing long-range for hours on end. We’ve put together some great options here.
