Help choosing 8x25 (3 Viewers)

[mekidear]

I have the Kowa BD 8x25 and consider them a fine choice for a small binocular that's less finicky to hold than a two-hinge model. The Kowa also come with a close-fitting leather (-like) pouch which keeps them very compact to stow into a backpack or camera bag. Optically they're fine for what they are. Viewing comfort with such a small exit pupil can never equal that of a larger instrument. If I could change anything about them, it would be that I'd like a slower focuser.

All that said, they are somewhat inferior in every way to my Maven 7x28 which are really only a few mm larger in every direction. They can be made to squeeze into the Kowa's pouch. Build quality is better, they have multi-stage eyecups, they have the improved viewing comfort that comes with the larger exit pupil, and most importantly, better clarity, sharpness, contrast. I really can't fault the view in any way. An important note, they're specified as having a narrow 6.5° FOV but you actually get a much more acceptable 7.2°. I highly recommend them.

The Maven does look good but I was thinking maybe they are too close in size and weight to my Leica 8 x 32 to get used much.
Will have another look though - thankyou.

 

[mekidear]

Had another look at the Mavens and am wondering why I discounted them!

Not significantly bigger or heavier than some of the 8x25s on my shortlist, ED glass, better specs in nearly every way, good reviews, lifetime warranty and available direct for £180 delivered.

There must be a catch!

 

[mwhogue]

Had another look at the Mavens and am wondering why I discounted them!

Not significantly bigger or heavier than some of the 8x25s on my shortlist, ED glass, better specs in nearly every way, good reviews, lifetime warranty and available direct for £180 delivered.

There must be a catch!

Once you decide that double hinge versions are not for you, the Maven 7x28 is a good candidate. As a matter of personal preference, the only "catch" is the small AFOV. Without double checking the specs I think it's listed @ 47.5. Since I use mine mostly for work it's not an issue for me. The 7x28 is a lot of bin for the money.

Mike

 

[Mark9473]

As for the Maven 7x28... I am really curious about them. I see you are from Belgium, where did you get them? They don't seem to be offered easily in Europe.

I got them here: Maven C2 7x28

 

[Mark9473]

Once you decide that double hinge versions are not for you, the Maven 7x28 is a good candidate. As a matter of personal preference, the only "catch" is the small AFOV. Without double checking the specs I think it's listed @ 47.5. Since I use mine mostly for work it's not an issue for me. The 7x28 is a lot of bin for the money.

Mike

I commented on that in my earlier post
The spec is wrong, it's more like 50° AFOV, which is still narrow but not claustrophobic.

 

[NDhunter]

I suppose you should just save up and get the Zeiss Victory 8x25. It is the best one out there.
Jerry

 

[yarrellii]

I got them here: Maven C2 7x28

Thanks, just checked the link but it says that it "Ships in 1 month or more", which is quite uncertain. While doing so, I've had a déjà vu, remembering that I had already been trying to buy the Maven there but found the same. Let's hope the can make the available sometime soon. Thanks!!

 

[Mark9473]

Maybe send them an email to ask for clarification ? Perhaps they only place an order with Maven when they have a customer order. Or they only get a shipment every two months, or some other reason.

 

[yarrellii]

@Mark9473 That's what I've done earlier today Let's see what comes out. Thank you very much anyway. I hope one day I can lay my hands on a C2 7x28, because it looks really enticing.

 

[mekidear]

I have ordered the Maven from mavenbuilt.co.uk in the UK
List price £200 and I found a 10% off voucher online so I paid £180 shipped.
They have 2 left in stock and other places are on back order, so maybe the model will be deleted or upgraded soon. Or maybe it is like Easyjet - says only 2 seats left when the flight is still only half full!!

Will give you my in-expert opinion on the Mavens when I have given them some use.

All advice and suggestions appreciated thankyou

 

[Mark9473]

maybe the model will be deleted or upgraded soon.

Hmmm... maybe I should try to buy a spare while there's still a chance.

 

[Mark9473]

Maven's amazon storefront says 13 left in stock. Amazon.com

 

[Trinovid]

Help choosing 8x25

First binocular that comes to mind is the legendary Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25. Some of the only people on the forum without them are those of us still planning on getting one.

 

[yarrellii]

Reply by Optics Trade regarding the availability on their website:
"Currently, the Maven C2 7x28 is on backorder, and we are unfortunately unable to confirm the exact delivery time at this moment. Based on recent estimates, once we receive an order, the binoculars could be available within approximately 3-6 months."

Ouch. Well, I'm in no hurry, let's wait and see.

 

[mekidear]

I have not had long with the Maven C2 8 x 28s but initial impressions are mostly good.

I wont say much about the optics, there are plenty of comments already and I am not particularly picky or knowledgeable in this respect. Image is nice and sharp and does deteriorate slightly towards the edges, nothing that bothers me though. Oddly it stays sharper top and bottom than it does left and right - I guess something to do with the orientation of the prisms? Field of view is narrow compared to my larger bins but if you want something compact I guess that is the compromise. Regarding CA and the other finer points of optics - ignorance is bliss, I don't notice anything and don't really know what these are - best to keep it this way to avoid going down an expensive rabbit hole

Build and feel of these binoculars is fantastic but I do have some concern regarding the eyecups, they are too easy to turn. This is not a problem when viewing through them but I suspect that in the field they will need constant re-setting. Time will tell on this one.

The rain guard is not something you can flick off quickly, each cup needs wiggling off individually - which usually moves the eyecups. I don't think it would be difficult to mod the rainguard to improve matters but it is not great as it is.

Carry bag is nicely made but not something I would carry binoculars in - great for your lipstick and eyeliner though

Carry strap is way over the top, lightweight bins + heavyweight strap does not make sense. I guess they have just used the same strap over the whole range. I have used the strap from my old knackered little Hawk 8x 25s which is much more to scale and perfectly adequate.

So overall - really really good but with reservations regarding the eye cups.

Unfortunately I am now wondering if I should have splashed some cash on some modern lightweight 8 x 30s instead and sold my heavy Leicas to pay for it

 

[mwhogue]

I have not had long with the Maven C2 8 x 28s but initial impressions are mostly good.

I wont say much about the optics, there are plenty of comments already and I am not particularly picky or knowledgeable in this respect. Image is nice and sharp and does deteriorate slightly towards the edges, nothing that bothers me though. Oddly it stays sharper top and bottom than it does left and right - I guess something to do with the orientation of the prisms? Field of view is narrow compared to my larger bins but if you want something compact I guess that is the compromise. Regarding CA and the other finer points of optics - ignorance is bliss, I don't notice anything and don't really know what these are - best to keep it this way to avoid going down an expensive rabbit hole

Build and feel of these binoculars is fantastic but I do have some concern regarding the eyecups, they are too easy to turn. This is not a problem when viewing through them but I suspect that in the field they will need constant re-setting. Time will tell on this one.

The rain guard is not something you can flick off quickly, each cup needs wiggling off individually - which usually moves the eyecups. I don't think it would be difficult to mod the rainguard to improve matters but it is not great as it is.

Carry bag is nicely made but not something I would carry binoculars in - great for your lipstick and eyeliner though

Carry strap is way over the top, lightweight bins + heavyweight strap does not make sense. I guess they have just used the same strap over the whole range. I have used the strap from my old knackered little Hawk 8x 25s which is much more to scale and perfectly adequate.

So overall - really really good but with reservations regarding the eye cups.

Unfortunately I am now wondering if I should have splashed some cash on some modern lightweight 8 x 30s instead and sold my heavy Leicas to pay for it

@mekidear,

Thanks for the follow-up review.

Build and feel of these binoculars is fantastic but I do have some concern regarding the eyecups, they are too easy to turn. This is not a problem when viewing through them but I suspect that in the field they will need constant re-setting. Time will tell on this one.

Unfortunately my example has the same issue. But since mine also had a haphazard focus function I assumed it was just a somewhat faulty specimen and never got around to exchanging it on ***zon. How is the focus function on yours?

Mike

 

[mekidear]

Focus is good.
Smooth and easy to focus.
Just under 3/4 of a turn to infinity

 

[mekidear]

I had a few hours at a local Nature reserve today to test the Mavens and compare to my Leica 8x32 BA's

For me there was little in it optically except for the field of view in which the Leicas were far superior.

Because of their weight and bulk I am now unlikely to use the Leicas much and am considering selling them and replacing with a more modern, lighter compact 8 x 32 such as the Opticron Traveller.

I am just toying with the idea but would appreciate if anyone could give me an idea what my Leicas might be worth?

They were purchased new in 2001 and are in very good condition, I believe Lenses are fine, they have only been cleaned 3 or 4 times. Shortly after buying these bins I got married, so they have had occasional use, rather than the regular use I had envisaged :-( I have the original leather case (never used) , passport, receipt etc.

Thanks