The ability to see your paper target or your prey makes binoculars a really useful tool for shooters. The Maven Outdoor Equipment Company recently added two new offerings to their B Series lineup, the B1.2 binocular with 42mm objective lenses and the B.6 with 50mm lenses. I got the opportunity to review the new B1.2 binocs in 10x42mm, while TFB’s Nick C. grabbed the 12x50mm to review. Maven describes the B Series of optics as being their flagship line with upgraded parts and coatings, so let’s see how they held up to their specifications.
Maven Optics @ TFB:
MAVEN B1.2 BINOCULAR SPECS
| Magnification | 8x | 10x |
| Obj. lens diameter | 42mm | 42mm |
| Exit pupil | 5.25mm | 4.2mm |
| Field of View (FOV) | 8.0° | 6.6° |
| Apparent FOV (FOV x Power) | 64° | 66° |
| Field of view (ft/1000 yds) | 420 | 362 |
| Brightness | 27.6 | 17.6 |
| Light transmission (%) | 93.95% | 94.50% |
| Twilight factor | 18.3 | 20.5 |
| Multi Position Eyecups Y/N | Yes | Yes |
| Eye relief | 18.1mm | 17.8mm |
| Near focus | 4.9ft | 4.9ft |
| Eye width adjustment | 56~74mm | 56~74mm |
| Dimension WxHxD | 5.2×5.7×2.2 | 5.2×5.7×2.2 |
| Weight | 26.808 oz | 26.808 oz |
| Lens constr. obj. | 3 groups 4 elements (ED) | 3 groups 4 elements (ED) |
| Lens constr. ocular | 4 groups 5 elements | 4 groups 6 elements |
| Prisms type | Wide Angle Schmidt-Pechan | Wide Angle Schmidt-Pechan |
| Prism reflective coating type | Dielectric Coating | Dielectric Coating |
| ED glass | Yes | Yes |
| Lens coating | Scratch and Oil Resistant | Scratch and Oil Resistant |
| Diopter correction (dpt) | +/-3 | +/-5 |
| Pressure tested to what pressure | 1m for 30 min. (IPX7) | 1m for 30 min. (IPX7) |
| Storage temperature | -40°~158°F | -40°~158°F |
| Functional temperature | -13°~140°F | -13°~140°F |
| Frame material | Magnesium | Magnesium |
| Internal gas purged | Nitrogen | Nitrogen |
| Tripod Adaptable Y/N | Yes | Yes |
| Origin | Japanese components assembled in the US | Japanese components assembled in the US |
MAVEN B1.2 BINOCULAR – INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The packaging Maven uses is unique, but has a purely practical look to it with a minimalist approach to their branding. People generally just want to dig into the product itself, so the box essentially makes sure it gets to the user safely, which is a pleasant departure from overly fancy packaging that’s just going to be stowed away. Besides the binocular itself, Maven also provides a shoulder strap and connecting tackle, an instruction booklet and a lens cleaning cloth. The B1.2 binocular was in a little drawstring bag for an extra layer of protection while in packs or range bags.
The B1.2 binocular itself has an overmolded, rubberized layer over the binocular’s body, which has a smooth texture but is certainly grippy enough to not slip out of your hands. The objective lenses are covered by two individual caps that are also secured by a ring around each barrel. I am not in the habit of losing things often, but I was glad I didn’t have to worry about the lens caps rolling away somewhere. The ocular lenses are covered by caps that snugly fit each eyepiece and are bridged together.
I noticed that the left eyepiece was loose when I went to adjust the eye relief. I was able to screw it back in all the way, then applied finger pressure to make sure it was snug, after which I didn’t have any more problems with it when I adjusted the eyepieces. They are adjustable with three tactile positions, I just had to take care when the eyepieces were flush with the ocular lenses since there was no ledge to help keep fingers from brushing them. The supplied lens cloth was helpful and worked great.
The diopter ring was a bit stiff, but not overly so. It’s one of those things that you can set and forget about as long as the binocs are primarily used by one person. The Maven B1.2 binocular changed hands plenty of times with my big family, but no one had trouble adjusting the diopter.
The Maven B1.2 features a tripod mounting point.
I was quite impressed by the image quality when looking through the Maven binocs at any distance!
MAVEN B1.2 BINOCULAR – IN THE FIELD
Firearms and shooting is my biggest hobby, but my family and I like to do a lot of outdoor activities such as canoeing, swimming, biking, and day hiking, so I was looking forward to putting the Maven B1.2 binocs to the test. I also have the advantage of working night shifts, so I was curious how well they would do in an urban setting under the street lights.
My camera automatically used a longer exposure time, so the fuzziness is from my movement. Checking out a local bar during closing to make sure fights didn’t break out.
The Extra-Low Dispersion or ED glass is a major selling point, but the price does reflect its inclusion. The Maven B1.2 binocular has an image quality that’s extremely clear and crisp. The only thing inhibiting this binocular was the atmosphere between me and my subject. The color viewed through the binocs seemed as true as without them. I had a blast viewing everything from architecture and wildlife to targets at the shooting range.
I was able to track a blue heron gliding over a lake just before sunset with the binocular and camera.
The size of the new B1.2 binocular was just right as to fit into my long range, quick deployment bag, whereas the slightly larger B.1 model that this replaced probably wouldn’t have fit, or at least wouldn’t have zipped shut. I also had to try out Maven’s claim of waterproofing, which I didn’t really doubt, but it was begging to be tested. Thus, I took them down to my outdoor testing facility in the local creek. The current was apt to take the binocs away, so I only had them under for about a minute. There wasn’t any leakage into either of the tubes, and I just blew on the lenses to clean them off. Even while wet, the grippy rubber covering was perfect and there was no danger of them slipping, I was more worried about my camera.
PARTING THOUGHTS
In terms of the overall construction, excellent picture quality and handiness, I can honestly say that the Maven B1.2 10x42mm binocular is the best binocs I’ve ever used. However, I have to say that the price of $950 is out of reach for a lot of people, myself included, and I’ll be loath to send them back. I know there’s a lot of people out there with bigger equipment budgets than mine though, so if the Maven B1.2 is within your budget and you like seeing far away things with absolute clarity, you won’t be disappointed.
You can view Maven’s dedicated B1.2 page HERE for the 8x and 10x versions, or visit their main webpage, Mavenbuilt.com to see all of their products. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.