Kowa BD II 6.5 x 32mm or Maven B3 6x30?

[binoculars]

Anyone have both to compare them?

 

[Blue72]

I own the maven 6x30 and Kowa 6.5x32. They are quite different and depends what you are looking for in a binocular. But if it’s for astronomy then the Kowa wins hands down. I can pick up the North American nebula way better in the Kowa



but here is my findings



Mavens

1. smaller form factor for traveling or carrying with you

2. Warmer color temperatures

3. Sharp to the edge



Kowa

1. much sharper then the mavens in the center, but slight distortion in the outer edges

2. more comfortable view

3. neutral color temperatures

4. brighter

5. the FOV feels wider even though there is a slight difference



there is no clear winner, it’s subjective. You need to try both to see what your eyes like better

 

[binoculars]

Did you notice any rolling ball effect with the Kowa? I'm about to buy one after reading your post. Every time I add a maven to the cart I back away for some reason.

 

[ChrisAU]

If I had read that before buying B3 10x30's a week ago I may have just gotten the Kowa 10x32's. Though I am impressed by the B3 10x30's. I did have Kowa 6.5x32's in the past that were great for thick woods hunting.

 

[Blue72]

No, but it doesn’t mean it’s not there. I have never experienced that with any of my optics. Maybe I’m oblivious to it

I w

Did you notice any rolling ball effect with the Kowa? I'm about to buy one after reading your post. Every time I add a maven to the cart I back away for some reason.

 

[tony]

Theres a thread or 2 on this exact question.
I have the Kowa BD2 6.5 and 10x42.
I don’t have anything to compare them too. But, for what I need they are perfect.