In Search of the Perfect Compact Binoculars for Active Woods Adventures (1 Viewer)

[OrionEyes]

Hey everyone,

I'm new around here and really excited to join this knowledgeable community! I've spent some time digging through old posts and threads but couldn't quite find the specific info I'm looking for. You all seem like the go-to experts for all things binoculars, so I’m hopeful you can help me out.

I love to keep things light and minimal when I'm out in the woods. My current pair, the Maven B1.2, has been great but they’re just too cumbersome for my needs. I’m on the lookout for a compact, lightweight pair of binoculars that won’t slow me down.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Maven B7 and the Swarovski Curio. I’m curious about the differences between these models, especially since they both use similar prisms. What really sets the Swaros apart from the Mavens in terms of performance and usability?

Also, I’ve looked at the Maven B3, but I’m not sure if they might still be too large for my needs. Any thoughts or experiences with these or any other models would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks so much in advance for your insights and advice!

 

[Maljunulo]

You should probably go somewhere where you can actually look through some binoculars, and see which ones suit you.

It might help if we knew where you are.

Welcome.

 

[OrionEyes]

I'm down in the southeast, in Georgia. Lots of trees and lots of hills. I just would like to look at nature closer while hiking.

Most stores around here only have Vortex optics, maybe a few Nikkons, but I've never seen Swaro, Zeiss, or Maven in any stores. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough 🙃

And I guess one of my main questions is, if the prisms are the same, are the binos practically the same?

 

[Maljunulo]

I'm down in the southeast, in Georgia. Lots of trees and lots of hills, not many sight lines like out west. I just would like to look at nature closer while hiking and have the ability to confirm if I'm looking at Toms, Jakes, or Hens while Turkey Hunting.

Most stores around here only have Vortex optics, maybe a few Nikkons, but I've never seen Swaro, Zeiss, or Maven in any stores. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough 🙃

And I guess one of my main questions is, if the prisms are the same, are the binos practically the same?

How close are you to a Cabela’s or a Bass Pro Shop?

Not sure what “prisms are the same” means, but I believe the answer is “no”.

 

[OrionEyes]

How close are you to a Cabela’s or a Bass Pro Shop?

Not sure what “prisms are the same” means, but I believe the answer is “no”.

I'm about an hour and half out in either direction... would it be worth it to make the trip?

Regarding the "prisms", I just noticed on the technical sheets it list for both the B7 and the Curio as utilizing Wide Angled Schmidt-Pechan prisms. I'm just wondering, since they utilize the same parts, how different can they be?

 

[Ignatius]

The prisms are indeed the same, albeit not wide-angled. Wide-angle or not is determined by the eyepieces and their optical design. The Maven B7 is available as an 8x25 and a 10x25 while the Curio is a 7x21. Viewing experience through B7 8x25 and Curio might be similar (I do not know because I only know one of the two), the B7 10x25 will be quite different because of the very different magnification and what that entails.

 

[OrionEyes]

The prisms are indeed the same, albeit not wide-angled. Wide-angle or not is determined by the eyepieces and their optical design. The Maven B7 is available as an 8x25 and a 10x25 while the Curio is a 7x21. Viewing experience through B7 8x25 and Curio might be similar (I do not know because I only know one of the two), the B7 10x25 will be quite different because of the very different magnification and what that entails.

I'm interested in the 8x25 B7 or the 7x21 Curio

 

[Elkhornsun]

My favorite compact binocular is the Swarovski 10x25 Pocket Mountain. They are light and compact to the point where they fit inside a jacket pocket or in a water bottle pocket on a backpack or fanny pack and with 10x provide a better image than any of my 8x binos. I have the 8x25 but they are now in use 100% of the time by my wife and I moved to the 10x25. The 10x25 binos weigh only 12.4 ounces and so I can have them hung off my neck all day long without any issues.

There is a great deal of difference in light transmission with smaller objectives. 25mm objectives have 56% more actual image area than 20mm objectives and so are going to gather a great deal more light.

 

[Maljunulo]

I'm about an hour and half out in either direction... would it be worth it to make the trip?

Regarding the "prisms", I just noticed on the technical sheets it list for both the B7 and the Curio as utilizing Wide Angled Schmidt-Pechan prisms. I'm just wondering, since they utilize the same parts, how different can they be?

Irrespective of whether they are the same type, they may or may not be "the same" assuming that you mean "identical" when you say that.

 

[Binovehje]

I cannot say anything about the Maven because I haven’t tried them. But I have the Curio and it’s amazing. Swaro will probably hold value better and are easier to sell if you ever have different needs. 7x is perfect for the type of usage you might use these. Longer depth of field that comes with 7x means you are more likely to be in focus or at least quicker to get there. 7x also is steadier which is important on a light and small device. My philosophy is that if you go small, go all the way there.

But in the end what matters most is how they fit your eye sockets. You want the binos to be a tool that you almost forget. They need to be very quick to use and do the job when needed. Therefore it’s better to test them first.

 

[Cest]

I have a Maven C series 7x28 and it is a great little binocular. I use it for bird watching and hiking. It's a good company.

 

[MiddleRiver]

Green Top and maybe Cabelas carry Zeiss. Take a look at 8x30SFL ;-)

 

[Maljunulo]

Only you can decide if the trip is “worth it”.

If you want to learn …… probably, if your mind is made up ……. probably not.

 

[mwhogue]

I'm interested in the 8x25 B7 or the 7x21 Curio

The B 7 is quite a bit larger, in relative terms. So you may prefer the overall handling of one or the other making actual comparison best if reasonably possible. Otherwise, the Curio has a much larger true FOV and the 7x might be better for you given your intended use in wooded areas. Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

 

[OrionEyes]

Irrespective of whether they are the same type, they may or may not be "the same" assuming that you mean "identical" when you say that.

Gotcha! That is what I was wondering. How different are they?

Green Top and maybe Cabelas carry Zeiss. Take a look at 8x30SFL ;-)

Those look awesome, but more on par with the CL. Not sure if I want to go that big... at least for the purposes of hunting. How do they handle for you?

The B 7 is quite a bit larger, in relative terms. So you may prefer the overall handling of one or the other making actual comparison best if reasonably possible. Otherwise, the Curio has a much larger true FOV and the 7x might be better for you given your intended use in wooded areas with shorter lines of sight. Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

I'm starting to lean towards the Curios. More compact and the larger FOV seems to be the bet.

Big thanks to all that have replied, it has been extremely enlightening! I'm going to try and take a day this weekend to hit up BassPro and see if they have any Swarovskis. And I've got to say, I've gone down the rabbit hole on this one, don't think this will be my last pair! I feel like I am inventing reasons for another before I even get these pocket ones (Looking at you B3 vs SFL vs CL).

 

[WJC]

Hey everyone,

I'm new around here and really excited to join this knowledgeable community! I've spent some time digging through old posts and threads but couldn't quite find the specific info I'm looking for. You all seem like the go-to experts for all things binoculars, so I’m hopeful you can help me out.

I’m primarily a turkey hunter and love to keep things light and minimal when I'm out in the woods. My current pair, the Maven B1.2, has been great but they’re just too cumbersome for running and gunning. I’m on the lookout for a compact, lightweight pair of binoculars that won’t slow me down.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Maven B7 and the Swarovski Curio. I’m curious about the differences between these models, especially since they both use similar prisms. What really sets the Swaros apart from the Mavens in terms of performance and usability?

Also, I’ve looked at the Maven B3, but I’m not sure if they might still be too large for my needs. Any thoughts or experiences with these or any other models would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks so much in advance for your insights and advice!

The original question was about the perfect compact binocular. Compact or tremendously big, there is no such thing as the PERFECT binocular!

If you were to ask five binocular experts to tell you, which is the perfect binocular, you would probably get five different answers… As opposed to five of the same answer, I guess!

 

[Billj123]

I'm going to suggest trying a Kowa BDII 6.5x32, not a true compact but a reasonably priced waterproof, small, light roof with a very useable wide field. Great depth of field for a roof and perfect birding in thick woods.

 

[OrionEyes]

The original question was about the perfect compact binocular. Compact or tremendously big, there is no such thing as the PERFECT binocular!

If you were to ask five binocular experts to tell you, which is the perfect binocular, you would probably get five different answers… As opposed to five of the same answer, I guess!

Facts!

I'm going to suggest trying a Kowa BDII 6.5x32, not a true compact but a reasonably priced waterproof, small, light roof with a very useable wide field. Great depth of field for a roof and perfect for birding in thick woods.

I like the looks of those Kowas! I'm really liking the 30ish mm optics, are any pocketable or are they more of a lightweight strap setup?

 

[Billj123]

Mine fit in the pocket of a bdu shirt but I prefer a strap & pouch.

 

[Billj123]

30's will weigh a bit more but no finicky eye placement issues and a much nicer field of view!