I have been looking for a set of binoculars with an integrated MIL reticle for spotting and range estimation since I had to turn in my issued pair. My original binoculars were a fixed 10X that was a good pair for field use and some spotting because of their size and weight. The Maven Optics B.5 18X binoculars come with a MIL or MOA reticle and a large 56mm objective lens, providing a clear picture with a higher magnification. I was able to use these for a few weeks during a sniper course as an instructor and they were good for spotting with a large field of view and magnification to see the hits on our paper targets at 100 and 200 yards. They were excellent for observation in the field while observing team movements and hidesite construction up in the mountains.
The Maven B.5 binoculars come in a slide box and include all the items you would need to protect your investment, both in storage and in the field. It comes with a neoprene neck strap and lens covers for both the objective and ocular lenses. The objective lens covers have retaining rings to stay attached to the binos and the ocular lens covers are retained by the neck strap. The neck strap has two side release buckles so you can remove it or the lens covers. The box included a soft cloth bag to store them in when not in use or can be used as a lens cloth.
The Maven B Series is their elite line of optics designed to meet demanding needs of discerning users, but at a lower cost. They achieve this by selling direct to consumers with no retail markup. The B.5 series is a modern styled, solid constructed binocular that comes in 10X, 12X, 15X and 18X power with a 56mm objective lens. Only the 18X is available with a MIL or MOA reticle. This is a large objective lens, similar to my first pair of Steiner’s Military 10×50 binoculars I used at work. The large objective lens was great for use in low light or mixed light conditions. Maven uses Fluorite Glass (made from fluorite crystal), that reduces chromatic aberrations to a minimum and breaks the light spectrum up uniformly. The contrast ratio and resolution capacity is much higher than other glass such as ED or HD. The lenses are multi-coated for scratch and oil resistance as well as waterproof and fog proof with a nitrogen purge. All B Series optics are made from Japanese parts and glass but manufactured individually in the U.S. and undergo a more rigorous inspection than their other series. The frame is constructed from magnesium and a bit larger, adding weight and durability, allowing them to compete with some of the best optics on the market.
The fixed MOA or MIL reticle is a simple “T” shape in only one lens to allow for a clear field of view for observation and identification. The integrated MOA reticle has 160 MOAs across the top and 80 MOAs down, all subdivided into single minutes and numbered every 10 minutes. The MIL reticle has 40 total MILs across the top and 20 MILs down, broken into half MILs and numbered in multiples of 5. The first 4 MIL portions of horizontal and vertical are subdivided into 2/10th MILs and the 5th MIL is divided into 1/10ths for accurate milling and range estimation.
The B Series includes the features you would expect to find in higher end binoculars including the adjustable eyecups and diopter. The center has a knurled focus ring with smooth movement and the front has a capped threaded tripod adapter port. The 18X and 56mm lenses bring these binoculars in at 8.2” and 45oz (almost 3lbs) but the solid feel and durability are worth it for the amount of light transfer and clear (near edge to edge) picture. They include an actual lifetime warranty that if they become damaged (not including deliberate or cosmetic) or found to be defective, they will repair or replace them. Because of their direct to customer sales, they also have a demo program to allow you to field test slightly used, like-new models for two weeks with option to buy custom, standard or even the demo models. This is available for all their optics. You can’t beat that. Maven Optics also has a custom shop to really make your chosen optic your own. For several models you can select from a handful of patterns and colors for the body and then select an accent color for all the rings. Finally, you can select a 30-character custom engraving for the ocular ring to make it your own. The custom build only takes up to 4 weeks, that’s pretty fast turnaround for custom options.
Final Thoughts: These are quality binoculars with premium features and an actual lifetime warranty that comes in cheaper than other competitors because of their direct-to-consumer marketing. The larger size and weight are countered by the large objective lens and clear, edge-to-edge picture. The reticles are usable for range estimation yet still minimal enough to not obscure your view. These will be used in most of my outdoor activities for years to come.
By the numbers:
Comfort – 4.5/5 The body is textured, and dials or knobs are knurled for positive grip. The eye cups provide a good shade and correct eye relief when using them. Only reason I dropped a .5, was the weight and size of carrying or packing them.
Durability – 4.5/5 These are a solid feeling set of binoculars and I strongly feel they will be very durable but I haven’t had enough time to carry them around and drop them a couple times to confirm it. I did read that Fluorite lenses are less durable than ED or HD glass but it didn’t sound like you had to baby them anymore than you would for any other set of optics. Plus they have an actual lifetime warranty.
Functionality – 5/5 Very clear picture with high power magnification, plus all the features you want in binoculars. And a ranging reticle.
Weight – 4/5 They are bigger binoculars (8.2”) with larger 56mm objective lenses but the frame is made of magnesium to help keep some of the (2.8lbs) weight down. The weight is on the heavier side if you are using them for pack hunting.
Value – 5/5 These are not cheap, but they do come in lower than their competition even without the integrated reticle. I Feel the price point ($1700) does match the quality of the features and build. If you don’t need the integrated reticle you save $250 for the 18X binoculars.
Overall rating – 4.6/5 These are high quality binoculars at a price that matches their features and are more than competitive with other brands. Only down side could be the size and weight if having to pack them for work or hunting.
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.
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