Maven B1.2 vs Nikon HG

[Kyle Wheeler]

Has anyone spent time side by side with these two? Just grabbed some HGs and am loving them. The specs seems pretty similar to the B1.2. To my eyes Maven glass has a decent amount of CA which is why have typically preferred the meostars but I have not been able to test the B1.2 yet. Thanks!

 

[Hoodie]

These both have visible CA. The HG is maybe just a little worse in my experience, but it also has better color saturation and is a bit lighter. Maven's build quality is more robust for a minimal weight penalty. Maven's warranty is way better. Both are really good binoculars.

If you're looking for a $1k lightweight 42mm bino with great CA control, you should check out the Opticron Aurora BGA VHD. I would highly encourage reading some of the reviews of them on birdforum. I've got a Zeiss SF I'm comparing them to right now and I honestly can't see where the Zeiss is better optically. It's 10x (Zeiss) vs 8x (Opticron), so not apples to apples. But still. SF will probably hit the classifieds here soon.

Opticron is a real sleeper brand.

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

These both have visible CA. The HG is maybe just a little worse in my experience, but it also has better color saturation and is a bit lighter. Maven's build quality is more robust for a minimal weight penalty. Maven's warranty is way better. Both are really good binoculars.

If you're looking for a $1k lightweight 42mm bino with great CA control, you should check out the Opticron Aurora BGA VHD. I would highly encourage reading some of the reviews of them on birdforum. I've got a Zeiss SF I'm comparing them to right now and I honestly can't see where the Zeiss is better optically. It's 10x (Zeiss) vs 8x (Opticron), so not apples to apples. But still. SF will probably hit the classifieds here soon.

Opticron is real sleeper brand.

This is very helpful thank you!!

 

[Tahoe1305]

Only messed with for a bit of time to compare, but have had HGs for a while.

I agree they are a closer match new at $1k price point, the HGs can be had usually closer to $600 on here used. For that I’d go with them.

If you find some mavens for that cheap, maybe another conversation.

My 2 cents is you need to bump up to double the “used” price to about $1200 to really get a better bino (used swaro, etc).

You can get Zeiss for that price but personally I like the HGs better in all aspects but color and center resolution compared to the conquests.

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

Only messed with for a bit of time to compare, but have had HGs for a while.

I agree they are a closer match new at $1k price point, the HGs can be had usually closer to $600 on here used. For that I’d go with them.

If you find some mavens for that cheap, maybe another conversation.

My 2 cents is you need to bump up to double the “used” price to about $1200 to really get a better bino (used swaro, etc).

You can get Zeiss for that price but personally I like the HGs better in all aspects but color and center resolution compared to the conquests.

Thank you so much! As I’m looking the HG has bigger FOV as well. $600 for HG seems like a great buy.

 

[10ringer]

Stick with your HG’s until you’re ready to spend more than 1200. A used pair of zeiss SFL will have similar weight and dimensions with better glass. It’s not night and day better but it’s noticeable. To get better Glass than the HG’s sub 1000 you’re gonna pay a weight penalty.
Mavens B1.2’s are a touch brighter but the color saturation is better in the HG’s. In day time glassing I found the color of animals popped more with the nikons.


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[Thinkingman]

Thank you so much! As I’m looking the HG has bigger FOV as well. $600 for HG seems like a great buy.

I have the previous generation HGs and the FOV is like a picture window.
It's addicting and you don't appreciate it until you look through another bino and it's like you're looking through a paper towel tube.
I'm a huge fan of FOV for all optics.