Maven 15 vs 18

[werth338]

Going to add a higher power bino setup to the fold. Going to run Maven B5s. These will get the majority of use for PRS but also western hunting. Use of spotting scope is up on the air. I am leaning towards 15x but the 18x is very intriguing. Based on uses, would you run a 15x or 18x and why?

 

[Glassaholic]

Surprised no one ever commented. What did you end up going with?

My thoughts: assuming you will also be using a set of 8x or 10x around your neck, why not go big with the 18’s. If you’re using them for long distance spotting in the field you’re going to be scanning around large areas for Western hunting. I’m sure there are some good arguments for the 15x, but that’s my 2 cents, and really, it’s not even worth that

 

[werth338]

I ended up going with 15s. Great points and I was back and forth for a while. Wanted a little more FOV and can't remember what the other item was that had me go 15s. Feel like there are times 15x is a bit much for some matches. I haven't gotten them out west yet. Glass quality and image are excellent so no complaints there. I think they are close to some of the bigger and more expensive brands.

 

[carbonbased]

For prairie I dog shooting out west (yeah, I know not really “western hunting”), I found the Maven 18x B5’s to completely supplant a spotter. Only thing wrong with them was no rangefinder. I used Maven’s demo program, so I sent them back (reluctantly). Could’ve purchased them, but I really wanted a LRF integrated.

This year I bought a pair of Leica 15x LRF binos. Heard from a couple retailers how they sort of suck, “about as good as Vortex Fury glass” was a typical comment. Boy, were they wrong.

 

[werth338]

I used the demo program to test the 15s. Had them at a match and was able to compare to SLCs. The SLC edged them a little but not worth the price difference in my opinion. I have a set of Swaro EL TA for my LRF binos.

The Fury seemed to get a lot of hype. I haven't been behind the Fury or Leica so can't comment with experience but would be surprised if they were on the same level.

 

[carbonbased]

I used the demo program to test the 15s. Had them at a match and was able to compare to SLCs. The SLC edged them a little but not worth the price difference in my opinion. I have a set of Swaro EL TA for my LRF binos.

The Fury seemed to get a lot of hype. I haven't been behind the Fury or Leica so can't comment with experience but would be surprised if they were on the same level.

I own both. Furys are fine. The Leicas are outstanding. I’m sure top end Leicas and Swaros are better, I’m sure, but I have no experience with the latest models.