Divein.com Review: Maven B.6 - 10X50

DIVEIN, an online magazine that tests and reviews gear, took the new B.6 10x50 binocular into the field, put them through the paces, tested them in a variety of scenarios, and provided their honest review.

Check out their B.6 review to find out more about what the DIVEIN team had to say about the new 50mm bino.

MAVEN B.6 - 10X50 REVIEW
By Alyssa A.

The Maven B.6 10×50 binoculars are a higher end glassing option that will appeal to birders and hunters. Its low light and night time clarity make it an interesting model for stargazing as well as tactical uses by law enforcement or security.

This pair is notable for its performance, robust build quality and ease of use. There are very few drawbacks of all the B.6 models and this 10×50 model demonstrates Maven’s innovation and high standard. It rivals the performance of many well established names like Nikon and Steiner. And it’s assembled in the US.

Let’s dive in and find out whether or not it delivers on the promise of affordable quality!

OVERVIEW

Maven’s first pair of binoculars with a 50-mm objective lens diameter, the Maven B.6 – 10X50 is the latest addition to the elite B Series. It delivers commendable performance in the field, comparable to premium models that cost nearly twice as much. With the company’s DTC model, it offers high-end quality at a reasonable price.

These binoculars are a higher-end version of the award-winning Maven B.1. They come with a greater field of view, better light transmission, and a wider-angle Schmidt-Pechan prism than the latter. Considered one of the brightest mid-sized binoculars in the market today, they are built to maximize optical light gathering for an improved overall glassing experience.

While a pair of 10X50 binoculars is less common and often recommended for astronomical observations, these optics are purpose-built. With the impressive brightness and enhanced image quality they deliver, they are suitable for different observational activities. You can use them for birdwatching and wildlife observation. They also prove useful for big game hunting.

They proved to be great for night time use as well, which will interest people within security or law enforcement.

The build of these is great and the ergonomics–from the rubberized house to the smooth focus wheel–make these a highly recommended glassing option for amateurs with a bit more to spend as well as birders and hunters that need good field of depth and clarity.

It’s very clear when comparing the B.6 binos with Maven’s C range of optics that this is a company that can innovate. Which is to say, if casual glassing is the thing, the C.3 10×50 offers a more affordable option.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Product Dimensions: 5.2” x 6.6” x 2.3” 
  • Product Weight: 30.7 oz 
  • Exit Pupil: 5 mm 
  • Linear Field of View: 341’ at 1,000 yds. 
  • Eye Relief: 18.1 mm 
  • Schmidt-Pechan Prism 
  • Dielectric Coating 
  • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass 
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses 
  • IPX7 Waterproof Rating 
  • Magnesium Frame 
  • Tripod Adaptable 
  • Inclusions: Double-Layered Microfiber Storage Bag, Lens Caps, Neoprene Neck Strap 
  • Available Colors: Grey/Orange, Black/Grey
  • Customizable 

IMAGE QUALITY 

The Maven B.6 – 10X50 offers one of the brightest glassing experiences today. The images appear as brightly and as naturally as you would expect from premium optics.

Particularly, these binoculars address chromatic aberration well. There is nearly no perceptible color fringing at the center of the field of view, so you can see images properly. Unless you look hard for chromatic aberrations or are in high-contrast settings, you will barely notice their presence.

These binoculars also have an excellent light transmission in low-light conditions. You can see images decently at night, as long as some kind of artificial light is present.

There is a good contrast between your target and high-contrast backgrounds like water. As such, the Maven B.6 – 10X50 allows for smooth panning and quick target-spotting.

Like the Maven B1.2 – 8X42, these optics are equipped with a wide-angle Schmidt-Pechan prism. The obvious difference is the greater magnification and bigger objective lens diameter.

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY 

These optics are made of Japanese components. These components are brought to and assembled in the US, which reflects the manufacturer’s commitment to quality.

Purged with nitrogen, the Maven B.6 – 10X50 is fogproof. As part of the B Series, it also has an IPX7 waterproof rating. This rating means that it can withstand being submerged in water up to a depth of 1 m for up to half an hour.

Meanwhile, the fully multi-coated lenses of these binoculars come with scratch- and oil-resistant coating. This coating reinforces their long-lasting performance and ability to combat wear and tear.

These optics are built around the flagship Maven B.1. However, they are slightly taller and heavier than the latter. Still, they are surprisingly lightweight for 10×50 binoculars. They almost look and feel like 10×42 binoculars, weighing only 30.7 oz. The Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10×42, for example, weighs 28 oz.

ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT

Rugged magnesium makes up the Maven B.6 – 10X50. The rubber coating offers a grippy housing that allows for convenient handling in both dry and wet conditions.

Ergonomically designed, the focus knob has an excellent position. You can find it quickly using your index finger. More importantly, it has the right amount of resistance. It turns effortlessly even when you are wearing gloves.

These binoculars also have soft rubber eyecups that are easy on the nose and eye sockets. They fold up and down, and can be positioned in four different ways. These positions include fully in, fully out, and two intermediate click-stops. You can position the eyecups easily against your eye sockets to see the entire field of view without any shadow.

COMPELLING OPTICS

One of the most impressive characteristics of the Maven B.6 – 10X50 is the brightness of the rendered images. Some users even praise it for delivering “uncommonly bright” images, as far as 10×50 binoculars of its price range are concerned.

When you look through these binoculars, there are hardly any noticeable chromatic aberrations. Field curvatures are nearly non-existent, so you can expect edge-to-edge clarity.
Spotting targets using these optics is pretty easy. They offer impeccable contrast that lets you distinguish targets from the backgrounds quickly.

The Maven B.6 – 10X50 delivers phenomenal low-light performance, too. While the glassing experience is far from flawless, you can still see images decently at night in well-lit areas. Of course, the images are not as clear as they are in the day. These optics’ performance at night, however, is still quite commendable, especially considering its price.

Like most modern-day optics, these binoculars are fog-proof and waterproof. We also like that their lenses have a scratch- and oil-resistant coating. They can take a beating, and last in tough and demanding situations. Additionally, like the Maven B1.2 – 8X42, they have an IPX7 waterproof rating. This waterproof rating is a testament to heavy-duty construction, as it means that the product has been tested at a water depth of 1 m for 30 minutes.

After dealing with considerable rain we left them outside in a downpour. There was no fogging, nor any sign of damage whatsoever. They passed a typical waterproofing test with flying colors.

In terms of handling, Maven made sure that these optics can weather any situation. The grippy rubber armor makes them easy to handle in the field. Whether you are wearing gloves or not, it is unlikely that you will drop these optics. You can hold on to them firmly even in the most challenging environments.

The Maven B.6 – 10X50 also boasts a well-balanced profile. The hand positioning feels comfortable and natural. More importantly, it is pretty lightweight for 10X50 binoculars. Surely, they are built for all-day glassing.

Many comparable, high-quality optics have stiff or uncooperative focus wheels, such as that of the Athlon Midas 8×42 UHD and the Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10×42. The focus mechanism is an important consideration when buying optics. For that reason, we can’t talk about the pros of getting these optics without highlighting its silky smooth focus mechanism.

These binoculars provide a well-balanced focus system. Particularly, it strikes a nice balance between speed and precision. The focus is also consistent between the two tubes. Made of high-grade metal, the focus wheel turns effortlessly. You can find the right focus in no time, even with your gloves on.

Meanwhile, the Maven B.6 – 10X50’s eyecups allow for a comfortable glassing experience. Accommodating all preferences, these eyecups can be set in four different positions. These positions also hold well, so you can have an uninterrupted viewing experience. They are made of soft rubber that ensures a comfortable feel against your eye sockets and nose.

ONLY A FEW ISSUES

We field tested the 10×50. The B.6 also has a 12×50 model and definitely is nicer with a tripod. That’s because of the shake you get with this zoom as well as the weight with so much optics in a solid magnesium house.

While the 10×50 isn’t too shaky when standing still or lying prone, it’s still hefty and a tripod is recommended for longer use.
This is where the first issue arises, a design flaw perhaps, where the tripod cap is hard to get at with the wrong adaptor. Maven sells one that works well with it, but 3rd party models might be difficult to screw into these binos.

The only other foreseeable problem lies in the lack of protection around the objective lenses. If they drop on the front, as they do at some point in time, there’s no rubberized cover to prevent them getting dented here. Ordinarily not a big deal, but it’ll make screwing in any filter lenses difficult.

Other than that, these are great.

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

Maven is fairly new in the game, having been around only since 2013. Many leading competitors who have established authority in the optics arena, such as Nikon, have been developing products for decades. Nonetheless, in the past few years, this manufacturer has already brought to the market some award-winning products like the Maven B.1.

The company was born out of the founders’ desires to create affordable yet quality outdoor gear. Its DTC model sets it apart from its major competitors. Without a hefty retail markup, it guarantees that you get high-quality optics at reasonably affordable prices.

Over the years since its launch, Maven has developed a wide range of products that rival the performance of many trusted, high-end optics. These products include spotting scopes, riflescopes, rangefinders, monoculars, and binoculars.

With the company’s Custom Optics Builder, you can also customize your optics. Different anodized colors and camouflage patterns are available. You can add a unique, personal touch to your gear, thanks to this customization program.

CONCLUSION

The Maven B.6 – 10X50 is the latest addition to the award-winning B Series. As part of this elite lineup, it offers an optimal glassing experience. It lives up to the company’s promise of dependable performance in the field, faring as well as the most expensive binoculars in the market without the expensive price tag.

In a way, these optics set the new standard for premium quality at a budget-friendly price. An upgraded version of the Maven B.1, they deliver improved brightness, clarity, and low-light performance.

While 10×50 binoculars are great for hobby astronomers, these optics are also ideal for all-day observation. You can take them out to observe birds and wildlife, or even for tactical situations.

If you are looking for affordable optics with premium quality, these binoculars are a pretty good choice. They are comfortable and easy to use, and have a smooth and precise focus. Their light gathering capability in low-light settings is quite commendable. More importantly, they can perform well even in the toughest conditions.

WHAT WE LIKE 

  • Impressive brightness and contrast 
  • Impeccable edge-to-edge sharpness 
  • Good low light and night time 
  • All weather tough 
  • Grippy housing 
  • Lightweight and well-balanced profile that allows for natural handling 
  • Smooth and precise focus 
  • Lunar observation is nice 
  • Great with sunglasses (diopters give generous and forgiving eye relief) 
  • What We Don’t Like 
  • Mounting on tripod can be tricky with the wrong adaptor 
  • Rims around objectives lack protection

WHAT WE DON'T LIKE

  • Mounting on a tripod can be tricky with the wrong adaptor
  • Rims around objectives lack protection