Maven B3 30mm ED Compact Binocular (8x30, Black/Gray)

Looking for a lighter, wider angled, 8x to replace my 10x42 Vortex Diamondback HD. Figured I’d see what 2.5x the cost might get me. I don’t usually write a lengthy review, but figured I’d make the effort in case it helps someone decide, since there are so many choices and opinions out there. I watched a ton of videos and reviews but didn’t find many reviews on these.I've been out birding with this set and here are my thoughts thus far:-Build quality is excellent. Light but feels very substantial and easy to hold steady. It looks great in gray + orange and not at all gaudy. They feel super rugged. Focus wheel oozes quality and works great.-I'm no optics expert but super clear, very, very sharp image, an upgrade over my Diamondback, no question at all, the difference was very obvious. Best way I can explain it is that I had moments where I couldn't tell I was looking through lenses at all these were so clear. Simply stunning to my eyes. Amazing and for sure a big step up from my Diamondback which I've loved and also highly recommend if you don’t want to spend as much money. The increased detail and wider FOV more than makes up for 8x vs 10x to me, so I didn’t long for getting any closer as my view was so sharp and clear I could pick out a ton of detail with no problem. The wider field of view makes it easier to lock in on birds in the air which I’d really hoped would be the case. 8x feels like the sweet spot for me, with an image this sharp.-Eye relief was excellent to me. I had no problem viewing with my glasses on.-Is it worth the 2.5 cost jump over the Diamondback? To me, yes as I'm birding pretty much every day now so I can justify the investment if it puts a smile on my face to use, which these do.-How do they compare to others in this price range? I don’t know since these are the first $500 plus binoculars I’ve used and they’ve instantly won me over. I was debating spending even more, but I'll stop right here as these more than meet my needs in terms of image quality (stunning image to my eyes), portability, and ruggedness/build quality. They really do look very cool as well, which matters to me when spending a nice chunk of $$.-Finally, my family was skeptical that they'd be able to tell the difference with these more expensive binoculars but they were blown away as well. Giving my Diamondbacks to my kid who's getting into birding now as well and hanging onto these.

Photo 1 shows the "made in Japan" stamp so they were probably "assembled" in the U.S.A. Photo 2 shows what the binoculars come with a soft cloth bag. Living near the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, I've owned about 30 different binoculars over the years and these are right there with the Alpha tier binoculars like Swarovski Companion 8x30, Kowa Genesis 8x33, Zeiss Conquest 8x30, or Nikon HG 8x30. The Maven's are extremely clear, bright, and comfortable. The size is excellent for taking them with you out of the house. Granted the 30mm lens means smaller eyepieces so if you got a big head, these are not for you. Also, if you wear glasses, don't buy these (the eye relief is not enough for eyeglass wearers). They are tho, built solid with a large metal focus wheel and metal locking diopter ring. Do not be afraid of buying a pair of Maven's just because you never heard of them. I sold my Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 and Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 and replaced them with these B.3's. I simply can not say enough about these excellent binoculars.

Background: I help conduct research on wood warblers, and am a lifelong birder. This is coming from the last few months and season working with these binos extensively.Coming from doing bird photography with long white L lenses and others, I was opened to the world of "mini" binos with some cheap nikons 25s. I loved how I could literally take them everywhere, even in my pocket sometimes, but the optics were lousy compared to the experience I am accustomed to with photo equipment. I started itching to bird "ultralight"- without the camera/bags/tech/etc.My excuse came with the new field season, in which I need a solution for monitoring fast-action warbler behavior and feeding. I was between these 8x30 Mavens, the new canon IS models, Zeiss Terra, or the flagship Mavens. A few friends have the Terras. Great view, light, but they feel less wide and more restricted against my B3. The Canon IS was somehow too big to adopt as a mini bino and not as focused on pure optical excellence. While I lusted a bit after the big mavens, they are definitely not mini either. :)On the B3:- These have a very wide and "easy to get right" view. I frequently bird first thing in the morning with my coffee thermos. I can literately one hand these, perhaps with a stabilizing touch from the thermos hand if a bird is far away. The B3 are really that small and easy to walk with.- The optics are super, super sharp.- Because of how easy they are to use and nail focus, I have found dusk and dawn a non-problem. the number 30 is not impressive for light transmission, but it really doesn't matter; if you can't get that view steady, sharp, and in super-high contrast, the view is no good.- The ability to resolve detail any time of day consistently is a pleasure. Regardless of heat, glaring sun, chilly fogs, mists and rains, things look great! :)- Size: These fit in a pullover / vest pocket. I keep mine in my work bag all day too. They do not interfere with hiking all day, unlike my cameras or my 50mm cheapo binos.I hope this is helpful!