Maven B3 8x32 vs Meopta Meostar B1 8x32

[bowrunner81]

Has anyone been able to compare these or have thoughts on them? I have the B3 but was wondering if it’s worth upgrading. Any information is appreciated.

**** Edit The model of Meopta is actually the B1 Plus

 

[bowrunner81]

bump

 

[Ben RT]

I have owned multiples of both (three B3s, some Meostars, some were Cabela's B1 HD and B1.1, none were "Plus") over the past 8 or so years, along with one Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32. I've also had Monarch HG 8x42, Swarovski SLC HD 8x42 (still have).... and a ton more! The little Meopta was the first binocular to ever really blow my mind (ten years ago), and the others were just to see if there's something better for my eyes.

To be honest, I find the B3 to be very similar to the Meostar and the Conquest HD. They all have slightly different characteristics, but the Maven was lighter and easier for my eyes to get in the happy-spot (eyebox) than the Meopta, and the Zeiss was easier than both the others. I didn't think the B3 was the clearest, though I always felt that I found more wildlife with it (maybe due to color rendition?). I'd happily take either of them. If I wanted an upgrade (for MY eyes) within that sort of budget, I'd definitely get the Monarch HG 8x42 (which are very small and light like the 32s, but are optically almost equal to my Swarovski SLCs).

Maybe once budget allows it, try to have two pairs of binoculars and sell the one you like less (then buy another to try against what you kept!). Thats kind of what I did.

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[bowrunner81]

I have owned multiples of both (three B3s, some Meostars, some were Cabela's B1 HD and B1.1, none were "Plus") over the past 8 or so years, along with one Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32. I've also had Monarch HG 8x42, Swarovski SLC HD 8x42 (still have).... and a ton more! The little Meopta was the first binocular to ever really blow my mind (ten years ago), and the others were just to see if there's something better for my eyes.

To be honest, I find the B3 to be very similar to the Meostar and the Conquest HD. They all have slightly different characteristics, but the Maven was lighter and easier for my eyes to get in the happy-spot (eyebox) than the Meopta, and the Zeiss was easier than both the others. I didn't think the B3 was the clearest, though I always felt that I found more wildlife with it (maybe due to color rendition?). I'd happily take either of them. If I wanted an upgrade (for MY eyes) within that sort of budget, I'd definitely get the Monarch HG 8x42 (which are very small and light like the 32s, but are optically almost equal to my Swarovski SLCs).

Maybe once budget allows it, try to have two pairs of binoculars and sell the one you like less (then buy another to try against what you kept!). Thats kind of what I did.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

That was great information. I appreciate it! So you think the Meopta Meostars were on par with the Maven B3s somewhat?

 

[Ben RT]

That was great information. I appreciate it! So you think the Meopta Meostars were on par with the Maven B3s somewhat?

I'd (overall) put the Meostar slightly above the B3, but just a little bit. They "feel" like a much higher quality, but optically they were pretty close for me. I think you would need to try them out and make the decision for yourself.

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[bowrunner81]

I'd (overall) put the Meostar slightly above the B3, but just a little bit. They "feel" like a much higher quality, but optically they were pretty close for me. I think you would need to try them out and make the decision for yourself.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

Thank you for the information. That was helpful