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.

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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.

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Thank you for the information. That was helpful

 

[jaredg]

If you are choosing between the two, the Meos probably have better glass. I love looking through all of my MeoStars (scopes, spotter, binos).

However, you need to know that the Meos are not being serviced in the US right now. At all. I would love to pick up a couple R2 scope at EO right now. But will not purchase another Meo optic until they work through whatever issue they have with US warranty work.

I've never needed warranty work on any of my Meos.

 

[bowrunner81]

If you are choosing between the two, the Meos probably have better glass. I love looking through all of my MeoStars (scopes, spotter, binos).

However, you need to know that the Meos are not being serviced in the US right now. At all. I would love to pick up a couple R2 scope at EO right now. But will not purchase another Meo optic until they work through whatever issue they have with US warranty work.

I've never needed warranty work on any of my Meos.

I figured they were better but I wasn’t sure if it was worth the upgrade or not. I was looking at the 8x32 on EO. I like lower power and smaller objective lense binos, and those seemed to be a good deal.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

It really will be splitting hairs with those two optically. I can’t see a discernible difference.

But ergonomics go to Maven. Might just be me, but the Meo is odd in the hand. And with the talk about warranty issues, I wouldn’t choose them at this point.

Only issue I’ve ever seen with the Maven is that the rubberized coating peels pretty easily from going in and out of a harness that is sized where it touches the barrels.