Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Thoughts & Opinions on Maven 6x30 Binos...?

Campfire:

I find myself on a bit of a quest to find a good set of lower power binoculars that meet my needs and would appreciate some thoughts and experiences here.

For hunting the woods of the NE, I want a magnification of about 6X. I have a nice set of 8x42 glass and want a more compact and lower power set for bowhunting and woods hunting. I think 6x will work well and have used the Yosemite 6x30 which has been good.

Ideally want a compact package under 20 oz with long eye relief (17 mm min) as I wear glasses,

The Maven 6x30 seems to tick all the boxes but I can't test drive them so interested to hear about any thoughts on this glass.

Alternatively, are there any other optics I should look consider? Want to stay under the $500 mark for these.

One set that probably hits the mark is the now discontinued Vortex 6x32 Vipers. Maybe I should try to locate a set of these on the secondary market, but would appreciate thoughts on that glass as well.

Thanks in advance for any input!!

BB

Only other one I can think of is the Kowa 6.5x32.
I have the old Vortex Fury 6.5x32, and it is a great woods bino. I am sure the Maven and Kowa are better though.

The Kowa has a 10* FOV which is outstanding in close quarters

I can vouch for this one.
I compares very favorably to the 6x32 Viper and with a wider FOV.

Thanks for the thoughts, guys.

I have actually tried the Kowas and was not happy with them overall, and returned them.

The biggest issue (for me) was the eye relief. It was really just a bit short, seemed shorter than the advertised 17mm and just could get comfortable with them.

To be honest was not overly impressed with the optics either. Could have been my sample though....

BB,

That's interesting feedback. Could have been a bad copy or just don't work for you - it happens.
If you do land the Maven, please let us know what you think of it.