Well, been testing the Hawke all day and so far its not doing well.
The focus knob is notchy and rough making it almost useless. I spent the day using the fine knob instead.
While the view at all distances is very bright, clarity after 200 yards drops off its not much use past 600 yards.
Side by side with my old Celestron, the Celestron still wins at long range.
Low light clarity is excellent, but since clarity falls off past 200, it doesnt do much good.
Build quality is average, but almost below average for this price range.
The Hawke does weigh as claimed, just shy of 32ozs, which is very good weight for a mid size spotter.
Part of me wants to keep it just because of its lightweight and compact.
But to spend $500 on a spotter thats poor at long distance, well whats the point.
I will fork it up and buy the Maven.
Based on the two Maven binos i have im certain i wont be disappointed.
I thought I would update as I received the Maven yesterday and have been testing it out.
As I thought, I was not disappointed by Maven. It is amazing for the price.
It is absolutely crystal clear. Not %100 edge to edge, but to %95 of it. And that %95 is again, amazing.
And it stays clear all the way to 45x, no loss at all.
Unlike my other spotters, I could clearly, and I mean clearly, make out individual cracks on chimneys bricks over a mile away.
Clarity great, depth great, crispness great, low light great, weight is great (claimed 40.4oz, I measured 39oz), build is great. Only thing I can knock it for is that edge to edge, not quite to the edge, but you wouldn't care its so minimal you don't notice unless looking for it.
It would be embarrassing to compare the Hawke or the Vanguard (or the Celestron).
I haven't used the Ares spotter so cant comment.
The next thing I could compare it to would be a Viper HD 85mm (friend has one we use at the range often). But that's an 85mm, this is just as clear at 65mm and i'm certain the Maven has better low light clarity.
Money well spent, no regrets
