Maven B3 impression (1 Viewer)

[Harber8]

I recently picked up some 8x30 B3's to compare with my 8x30 E11's. I was looking for a roof glass to take on trips, or go camping with. The only small roofs I have previously owned were M7's, and they were pretty good. I also have some 10x42 SE's I recently bought, so I had two great porro glasses to compare the Mavens with. I've taken them to several area lakes for the last week. I'm a bit shocked. The Mavens are way better than I thought they could be. The SE's are a bit sharper, but I'm not surprised at that. They are supremely sharp, pretty much the best I've ever looked through. The E11's and the Mavens are close in that regard. Both very sharp. Where the Maven shines is the overall view. Colors, contrast, fov, everything. They are just excellent. I keep switching back and forth between the SE's and the Mavens, and I really can't pick a favorite. Different views, but both really good. The E11's fall a bit behind in color saturation and contrast. These little 8x30 Mavens are seriously good binoculars. The view is addictive. They have me wondering why I need anything else. Birds appear very clear and detailed. I've read conflicting options on the B3's as far as optical quality goes. Some say they are about equal to the M7's, some say they are quite a bit better. I'd have to say they are pretty hard to beat, unless a lot more money is involved. I'm very, very impressed with them. I keep looking at these very small bins, and wondering how they be this good. Obviously, if I wish to keep my optical happiness, I'd best stay away from alpha glass.