Maven vs Swarovski Binos

[dwhite0622]

I’m looking to upgrade my binoculars and I’m currently using the Maven B2 11x45. I’m interested in the Swarovski EL 10x42 with Swarovision. Both are highly regarded, but I’m struggling to understand the tangible differences in terms of performance, optics, and overall experience. Swaro has been king of the mountain for a long time and I’ve found myself more and more curious about whether it’s worth it. I know there are a lot of reviews on each, but I haven’t found many comparisons of these two.

Specifically, I’m wondering:

• How does the optical clarity and brightness compare between the Maven B2 11x45 and the Swarovski EL 10x42 with Swarovision?
• Does the larger magnification of the Maven B2 11x45 provide any noticeable advantages or trade-offs, especially in low light or for long-distance viewing?
• How does the field of view and ease of handling differ between the two, considering the size and weight?
• Are there any significant differences in build quality, durability, or features that would make the Swarovski EL a better choice despite its smaller magnification and higher price point?

Any thoughts or experiences would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[kota]

so much of those judgement calls are personal to you, so the only way to truly know is for you to compare.

Some thoughts…I had NL 12s and traded down for EL 10s. If I had to do it over again I would probably go with EL 8.5s. Lower magnification is so much easier to glass free hand, and I am spending more and more time still hunting in the heavy cover where the lower power excels. Also, trying to relocate a buck on a stalk…you are trying to find him while still staying out of view, so you won’t be able to have the perfect set up to hold your glass steady. Less wiggle makes it easier to pick antler tips and flicking ears out of the brush.

With good 10s on a tripod you can still glass up deer from well over a mile, so I don’t find any value in 11-12x over 10s, and wouldn’t feel under gunned with 8s. Clarity trumps magnification.

My hunting partners and I compared glass this fall one afternoon. 10x Nikons, 10x mavens, 10x EL. Don’t know the models, but roughly $250 Nikons and $500 mavens. All agreed that the difference in each tier was really significant. The mavens were nice and a great value, but not close to the ELs in terms of edge to edge clarity, clear view, color definition and brightness. Next tier mavens will close the gap but it’s up to your eye to see if there is a difference, and to your personality/wallet to see if you care about it.

My 2 pennies at least

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

ELs are going to be clearer and brighter, edge to edge clarity will be better
I don’t think there is enough difference in the 10x and 11x for long distance, low light performance would be similar, edge to EL
Field of view is larger on EL and entire view is usable edge to edge, so while on paper the FOV isn’t that much bigger, it’ll feel bigger than it is because of that.
Handling is personal preferences
EL is double bridge so stronger but likely no practical difference

EL will be a big step up and is the best deal in optics right now. Shop around for used or look for demos and you can get them for $1500-1600

 

[Article 4]

ELs are going to be clearer and brighter, edge to edge clarity will be better
I don’t think there is enough difference in the 10x and 11x for long distance, low light performance would be similar, edge to EL
Field of view is larger on EL and entire view is usable edge to edge, so while on paper the FOV isn’t that much bigger, it’ll feel bigger than it is because of that.
Handling is personal preferences
EL is double bridge so stronger but likely practical difference

EL will be a big step up and is the best deal in optics right now. Shop around used or look for demos and you can get them for $1500-1600

Spot on!

 

[buffsmoker]

Nice set of 8.5x ELs posted this morning for a fair price. Might be worth a look.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

 

[Stud Duck]

One thing I noticed with top tier glass is that if I'm glassing for extended periods of time, I don't suffer from eye fatigue as much. That being said, I have no experience with Maven.

Something else to consider is, Swarovski isn't going anywhere any time soon; think warranty, parts, service, etc. Several years ago Zen-Ray was the flavor of the month and over on birdforum.net, I brought this very same point up and was called out by one of the senior members there. Wonder where he's sending his Zen's for service now?

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’ve used both for periods of time over the last decade. Agree ELs are better and the 11x will be a negligible advantage.

I think j the biggest tangible difference will be ELs are much smaller. I didn’t like how big the B2s (or vortex UHDs) were. Glass is good for cost though.

 

[Trial153]

I am not getting this comparison, the price points are totally different. It's up to you to determine if the cost to benefit ratio is worth to you. I have NLs, Els, and SLCs ...the maven ergonomics on their big glass were nonstarter for me.. I didn't like the feel. I did think that C1 my buddy had were ok for the money and felt decent in hand.
Go to a dealer and try them out for yourself. Or rent pair and do a side by side.

 

[Kurts86]

The Maven B2’s are just heavier in general and almost feel a size bigger than 42mm Swarovski’s. I don’t think the B2’s give up much to Swarovski on glass, mostly just a little edge to edge clarity. With EL’s you do have the field flattening optics that Maven doesn’t have. I personally prefer the 9x45 Maven to the 11x45 but that’s personal preference.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I have ELs and have used the b2 in 9 and 11x. Off the tripod the ELs are amazingly clear and the FOV to the edge is pretty amazing. Form factor I would say the ELs are better as well. For the $ the Mavens are quite good. But with the reduced EL pricing I’d think about going that direction if you can.