By Johnny Mack
If you are in the market for binoculars, spotting scope, or a rifle scope and have not heard of Maven optics, listen up. Maven jumped into the optics market in 2014, and is based out of Lander Wyoming. The company is built upon the idea that optics can be developed without compromise in quality or performance, all without the big box store markup.
This idea led them to sell exclusively to the consumer. Selling direct to consumer has its advantages and disadvantages. Something that Maven had to consider when implementing their sales approach. Their solution; to create a demo program that allowed customers to put a discounted deposit down to try out their products for two weeks. At the end of the two weeks, you could decide to keep the optic or return it for a full refund. They even include a free return shipping label. If you decide to keep the optic, great, you scored a high quality optic at a discounted rate and you are still covered under the Maven lifetime no fault warranty (demo products are only replaced with other demos).
Maven’s B series binoculars come in 4 sizes. The B.1 is a full frame traditional 8×42 or 10×42 ($900 – $950). The B.2 is an enhanced version with a bit more magnification and a larger objective ($1,000 – $1100). The B.3 is a compact pocket version with a 30mm objective ($500 – $550). The B.4 is a large body with a large objective ($1300 – $1400).
This November I had the privilege of demoing their B.2 series binoculars on a late season elk hunt here in the state of Washington. I traditionally like to run 10×42 power binoculars, but recently I have become a big fan of using a tripod to glass from. With that in mind, I chose to go with their 11×45 version. I felt that it would give me enough power to justify leaving the spotting scope at home on future hunts.
About the B.2 11×45
Not all optics are created equal. You generally get what you pay for. Knowing that, Maven developed their model for quality vs. cost. They wanted to develop optics that competed and rivaled European optics companies in quality but not price, and this is where Maven is making a name for itself.
The B.2 11×45’s are exactly what you would want out of an American company directly competing with the European bar that has been set in the optics world. They are amazingly clear with an edge to edge clarity that truly rivals its competitors.
The focus wheel has a positive feel coupled with a waffled texture, guaranteeing you will find your focus even when wearing thick gloves. The ergonomics of the eye cups were also something that stood out to me. Before you dismiss this as something not worthy to be noted in a review, you need to remember one thing: You cannot find what you cannot see. And if you are not 100% comfortable behind your binoculars, you are not going to be putting in the time necessary to find your quarry.
The 11×45 B.2’s are not a typical size in optical power and objective diameter. When it comes time to buy a harness to fit the 11×45 binocular, make sure to get a large bino harness or one that is made to fit 12×50’s.
After showing the B.2’s to a friend who uses Swarovski SL binoculars, he was blown away at how crisp and clear they were compared to his. One thing he noted, is that he would prefer to support American companies. So where do you stand? What are your thoughts? In the end, you get to choose where you want to spend your money.
SPECIFICATIONS
B.2 11×45 ($1100)
Magnification – 11x
Objective Lens Diameter – 45mm
Field of View @ 1000 yds – 314 ft
Light Transmission % – 94.80%
Eye Relief – 16.7mm
Near Focus – 4.9 ft.
Dimensions WxHxD – 5.7×7.1×2.2 in.
Weight – 33.25 ounces
Prisms Type – Abbe-Koenig
ED Glass – Yes
Frame Material – Magnesium
Internal Gas Purged – Nitrogen
Tripod Adaptable – Yes
Origin – Japanese components, assembled in the US
YOUR NEXT BINOCULAR
If you are interested in getting your hands on some Maven B.2’s, I highly recommend them. The quality and clarity of the binoculars are fantastic. The ability to trust your optic’s durability and the peace of mind that comes with a warranty like Maven’s is crucial to success in the field.
Thanks for reading this gear review. If you want to know more about the Maven B.2 11×45 binoculars and our experience with them, feel free to ask. If you would like to see a video review click here or watch below. In the meantime make sure to go subscribe to the Washington Backcountry YouTube channel as well as follow us on Instagram @Washington_Backcountry. I hope you enjoyed it. Knowledge is power and MENTORSHIP IS CONSERVATION.