That's a good question!
I had the non-HDX 10x30 and non-HDX 16x42 in 2022, and later tried the new 16x42 HDX. The IS and weight are excellent. They are awesome for casual viewing, kids and seniors, or scanning on the move. I would highly recommend them for that use.
For "glassing" or picking...
Local shop has the SFL for under $1000. I went back to look through them again and double check the price.
Very tempting but I'd like to compare side by side with the Conquest as some claim that it's a wash optically. Unfortunately mine are on the slow delivery truck. I wouldn't be surprised...
I never weighed the Kowa 8x33, but see them listed at 21 ounces.
I can tell you that going from the 8x33 Kowa to the 8x42 SLC was very noticeable in my chest purse. I expect the same, going back down to the 8x32 CHD. 6-8 ounces may not seem like a lot, but I have other crap in the purse! And...
Kowa 8x33 are probably too heavy for the OP but they are 33mm.
I had the Kowa 8x33, MHG 10x42, Toric 10x42, two Zulu6, and 8x42 SLC all at the same time and the Genesis is a good binocular. Didn't have a compact Maven, CL, or CHD though.
I had some personal issues with the Kowa and sold them...
Let us know what you think, if you get the Maven 8x30.
The claimed weight is impressive with the polymer frame. And having 30mm instead of 32mm surely doesn't hurt.
I do recall some claiming that the actual weight is a few ounces heavier than advertised, but it's still lighter than the Conquest.
I have been blown away by some budget optics. The Terra 8x25 was a killer deal when it was $200. It was very close to the last 8x30 SLC and newer 8x25 CL, when I compared them. The CL had the best resolution and the SLC was best in lowlight and for stability (easier to hold due to size and...
I just got the 7x28 Maven today, and they are going back as well. The sharpness is lacking, but the overall build quality is good. Good eye cups! Bad flare though, and has tunnel-like appearance.
Seems like Maven spent the budget on build quality, and skimped on the optics. I was afraid...
I received the Verano 8x32 last week, but the diopter didn't work correctly and there was damage near the hinge. Sent them back yesterday.
Image seemed pretty good though, just using one eye! Stray light control was very decent. Eye cups didn't maintain position very well. Seems like...
If 242/243 has worked for you in the past, I don't think I would change. It can be a pain in the neck to remove from a receiver though.
242 and 243 work great for bedding, as you probably know. It doesn't provide adhesion, but you already have incredible clamping force from the fasteners, and...
Thanks for sharing that.
The AT is an interesting design but the reliability would be concerning on a hunt if it started acting up.
Can it be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled like many standard tripod legs?
Buy this scope and the eyepiece of your choice! The EP are available.
Still holds its own against any scope out there for a fraction of the cost of a Kowa, Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica, etc.