Swarovski slc 10x42 vs Maven B2 or B6?

[hunterstoots34]

I’m looking to purchase a set of SLC’s but wondering about the Mavens. I’ve seen a few different people say they like the color of the Maven’s better and they are brighter for the obvious reason of exit pupil size. However, because the SLC’s are discontinued I am having a tough time convincing myself not to pick up a pair. To even get 10x42 Swaros now you aren’t spending less than $2000. Any thoughts from people who have used both the Swaros and Mavens?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

If you want a premium view don't overlook GPO Passion HD's and the Kowa Genesis

 

[Knoxp]

If you want a premium view don't overlook GPO Passion HD's and the Kowa Genesis

Doug,

Of those two which has the edge?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Doug,

Of those two which has the edge?

They are bother excellent. Optically I'd give the edge to the Kowa Genesis, however, ergonomics go to the GPO Passion HD's . I think these are both amazing options and the prices are sweeter than anything close to them. Right now, during out Year End Sale, is a great time to get into one. Please give us a call to discuss this

 

[CApighunter]

I think a used pair of B2s for $750-800 is one of the best bang for your buck deals out there. I preferred mine over SLCs, but keep in mind they are substantially larger. Only reason I sold them was to upgrade to some Zeiss SFs, but the B2s are fantastic glass and I’m sure the B6s are no different.

 

[Hoodie]

If you're concerned with size as far as the Mavens go, I've had both 9x and 11x in the B2 and currently have the 8x42 B1.2 and 12x50 B6. In my opinion the optics of the B1.2 and B6 are just as good and they're both lighter/handier than the B2.

Can't go wrong with anything in the Maven B series though.

I have heard fantastic things about the Kowa Genesis and GPO Passion as well. Other options frequently compared to the SLC that I can vouch for are the Nikon Monarch HG and Meopta Meostar.

 

[elkguide]

It really comes down to your eyes and hands.

I have Swaro 10X42 SLCs and 10X42 ELs and a Maven S1a 20X50X80 spotter. There are plenty of days when I think that the ELs are better than anything and other days when I think the SLs beat everything out there. I would have to say that the ELs are a little better viewing wise, however I think the SLs have better ergonomics. Yet when it came time to replace my old spotter, I found the Mavens to be just right for me, my eyes and let me see what I wanted to see.

Try and hold and look through as many as you can.

 

[Buckmaster]

I’m looking to purchase a set of SLC’s but wondering about the Mavens. I’ve seen a few different people say they like the color of the Maven’s better and they are brighter for the obvious reason of exit pupil size. However, because the SLC’s are discontinued I am having a tough time convincing myself not to pick up a pair. To even get 10x42 Swaros now you aren’t spending less than $2000. Any thoughts from people who have used both the Swaros and Mavens?

What did you end up deciding? I am looking at the same situation, however would wait for a used slc if needed

 

[hunterstoots34]

What did you end up deciding? I am looking at the same situation, however would wait for a used slc if needed

got my hands on some SLC’s and to be honest was not impressed. The edge to edge clarity was no better than my Dad’s original Maven B1 10x42. At the Great American Outdoor Show the Maven rep said the B2’s were better than the B6’s in his opinion. I still haven’t bought a pair but if I were going to it would be one of the Mavens. I really didn’t feel the SLC’s we’re worth the extra few hundred

 

[Buckmaster]

Great thanks, it's seeming like it's a fairly close comparison between the 3

 

[hunterstoots34]

Great thanks, it's seeming like it's a fairly close comparison between the 3

Yes for sure. If you the size and weight matter to you then the SLC’s win hands down

 

[Buckmaster]

got my hands on some SLC’s and to be honest was not impressed. The edge to edge clarity was no better than my Dad’s original Maven B1 10x42. At the Great American Outdoor Show the Maven rep said the B2’s were better than the B6’s in his opinion. I still haven’t bought a pair but if I were going to it would be one of the Mavens. I really didn’t feel the SLC’s we’re worth the extra few hundred

My previous binos were a 10x50 and incredibly bright at night, saved my rear end few times.
Definitely use them during daylight, however a lot of glass can do that just fine, gets more tricky after hours. I've used them many times in dusk/Twilight even after dark predator hunting or sometimes to figure out how to get back to the truck in the dark
I need to stay around 10x (9 would be fine) but I'm always reserved when thinking about 10x42's as the exit pupil size in low light could be an issue.
If I had the cash swaro 10x50 would be perfect.

 

[JGRaider]

People always compare various glass to the SLC's, EL's etc for a reason. If they were the same price as "X" brand you'd pick Swaro every single time. You'll take a beating on resale with Maven, Tract, Kowa compared to Swaro.

 

[Buckmaster]

People always compare various glass to the SLC's, EL's etc for a reason. If they were the same price as "X" brand you'd pick Swaro every single time. You'll take a beating on resale with Maven, Tract, Kowa compared to Swaro.

Very much agree! I currently have an ATS 80 Swarovski spotting scope and love it. Got an outstanding deal on it new but it's the Gen right before the HD coding is unfortunately . still love it however.

On the resale value of maven, currently they are reselling between 15% and 20% below new cost at best it seems.. that is pretty good resale value..
Swarovski definitely holds their value, the spotting scope I've had for a number of years is probably increased in value from what I bought it for as a matter of fact lol, which is remarkable.
Again my issue is that I really need a 10x50 and the SLC's in that range were enormous (if I remember right) and the el's in 10x50 are very very hard to come by unless you want to spend near $3,000.
You are absolutely correct on Swarovski being more or less the gold standard that everyone is trying to reach (not that there aren't others in that field) and they've been that way for a number of years which is pretty amazing!