David, Lee and Steve...Thanks for your comments & suggestions!
My reasoning for mentioning just these 3 is due to reading overall reviews and comments, both here and other optical forums, of their many positive attributes (in 8x30\32 formats)! Trying to stay around +-$500, so:
The Opticron Traveler looks good, but FOV too narrow for 8x32!
Conquest HD - Out of my budget unless purchasing used. More of a full size bino, but optical quality and great ergonomics would fit my needs well!
Viper HD - In budget and has close focus of just 1m, nice. Rugged and great no-fault warranty, but somewhat smallish FOV (looking for 140m+). Still good optical quality and build, could work for what I want!?
Maven B3 - On budget, great FOV, lightweight and most compact, great no-fault warranty, high transmission for a 30mm (92% av. color spectrum-according to Mike), smooth focus but might be too fast (Mike states 270deg from CF to infinity), forum reviews state neutral and accurate color fidelity! Loose bridge (as per Frank D), has been given more resistance (as per Mike). Overall, B3's may be just the travel ticket for backup to my 8x32 SV's!?!
Ted