Home » Binoculars » Maven B1 10x42 Binocular Review (Magnesium frame, ED Glass, Dielectric Coatings)

Maven B1 10x42 Binocular Review (Magnesium frame, ED Glass, Dielectric Coatings)


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Maven B1 10x42 Binoculars
Image Credit - Maven Built

Magnification: 10x
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Close Focus Distance: 6.6 ft
Dimensions: 5 x 6.2 x 2.1 in
Weight: 29.75 oz
Field of View: 341 ft/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 16 mm/4.2 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully multi-coated
Glass: Schmidt-Pechan
Prism System: Roof
Focus System: Center
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/IPX7
Eyecups: Twist-up
Tripod Adaptable: Yes
Rangefinder: No

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation, Event observation, Sight Seeing

Update: The Maven B1 10x42 binocular has been discontinued. Check out our hands on review of their new B1.2 10x42 here as a great alternative.

Maven B1 10x42 Binoculars

Don't be deceived by the low price of the B1 binoculars.  Once you see what's on its feature list, you'll immediately recognize this kind of quality.  The kind of quality that makes you think of Zeiss and Swaro.  But, how can that be for a binocular that costs under $1000?  We'll tell you all about that right here!

Maven B1 10x42 binoculars side on
Image Credit - Maven Built

The B1 is a roof prism binocular with a schmidt-pechan assembly - another element of high-end binoculars.  The glass is made with extra-low dispersion elements to reduce and eliminate chromatic aberration that you know as color fringing.

To support the level of clarity and color fidelity capable thanks to the glass, the prism also has dielectric coatings to ensure maximum reflection of light in a roof prism binocular.  All the bases have been covered optically, but what does mean in layman's terms for the hunt?

You'll have spectacular low-light resolution, true color rendition, and edge-to-edge sharpness that allows you to pinpoint the tiniest of movements among brush and color differences to spot a bedded buck under foliage.

It's a durable binocular that can endure many hunting seasons to come.  Built with a magnesium frame, IPX7 rating, and nitrogen-purged barrels, the B1 binoculars can withstand extreme environments with the harshest terrains.

Buyers say Maven is a brand where you're buying quality without paying for the marketing.  What you end up with is a B1 binocular that outperforms all others in the market, hands down.  We believe it.  We've tried and tested Maven optics, and we agree with the masses when they say Maven doesn't disappoint.

In fact, there's not a single complaint on the B1 binoculars.  Although they're far from inexpensive, they're exceptionally low-priced for what they should be listed at if you're taking current market prices as the standard.

Pros:

  • Price
  • ED glass
  • Dielectric coatings
  • Magnesium frame
  • Excellent quality

Cons:

  • Heavy

Maven B1 10x42 Binocular Q&A:

Are Maven's B1 10x42 Binoculars Heavy?

The B1 10x42 binoculars weigh 29.75 ounces.  The standard weight for binoculars with the 10x42 specs in full-size dimensions is somewhere between 29 to 33 ounces.  The B1 falls right into line with our general description of a mid-size binocular.

However, it's true that more 10x42 models are getting lighter than ever, even weighing in at 19-24 ounces.  But, sometimes weight is indicative of quality - it's not the rule, but sometimes it proves true.

In this case, the B1 uses a magnesium frame versus a plastic one, has better quality glass density with additional coatings adding to weight, and has more glass elements than cheaper and lighter binoculars.

You might want to take the few, extra ounces for the higher optical quality versus a lighter one that bottoms out on you in less than ideal conditions.

Do the B1 10x42 binoculars have an External Coating?

The objective lenses on the B1 binoculars do have an external hydrophobic coating to protect the glass.  It's a scratch and oil resistant coating that's applied to all of Maven's binoculars.

Why are Maven Binoculars Cheaper than other High-end Binoculars?

Maven sells direct to the consumer and cuts out the middle man in the retail market.  With that in mind, they don't have a retail price point to hit.  This allows them to take advantage of the best materials and put all the funding into design development and testing without unfair markups on the consumer.

The B1 is the perfect example of the business model in play.

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What are the Optical Differences between Maven's B1 and the C1 binoculars?

The C1 line comes in to offer a low price for a mid-level optic.  The B1 binocular is a high-end optic that's significantly cheaper than its competitors in the market.  Optically, they essentially have the same system, but the B1 has more lens groups and elements than the C1 that will affect overall resolution, brightness, and clarity.

Essentially, this will be more noticeable come low light hours when the B1 provides better HD quality for longer periods of time, not just against the C1 but against even the best binoculars in the market.

Can Filters be Used on the 10x42 B1 Binoculars?

The objective lenses are deeply recessed into the objective barrels, and it does have threading that will accept 49 mm filters.  So, yes you can use filters and other accessories that can fit the binocular.

What is the IPD range of Maven's 10x42 B1 binoculars?

The B1 binocular has a very forgiving IPD range of 56-73 mm.  The only other series of binoculars from Maven that can beat this IPD range is the B4 series with its wide 55-74 mm.

What Accessories does the 10x42 B1 Binocular come with?

The binoculars will come with lens and eyepiece caps, a double-layered microfiber storage bag, and a high-quality neoprene neck strap.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Excellent quality glass with objective ED elements and dielectric coatings
  • Hydrophobic coating to protect from scratches, oil, and debris
  • High-quality construction with magnesium frame
  • Accepts 49 mm accessories for use with filters and add-ons
  • Superior low-light performance to outlast everyone else in the field

Our Verdict on the Maven B1 10x42 Binoculars

To glass it up, the Maven B1s are a buy that you will never regret.  When you're spending serious cash like this, you expect your binocular purchase to hold up and last for a lifetime.

Maven B1 10x42 binos side on
Image Credit - Maven Built

When you buy Maven, you can expect lifetime satisfaction from performance, value, and warranty coverage.

Don't be surprised if you find that buying a Maven optic ends up becoming a habit.  Many buyers are on the Maven band wagon, and their collection of gear have the iconic, orange Maven logo on them all.

But, if you're just starting out with replacing or upgrading your binoculars and you've not quite got the budget to stretch to the B1s, you have to seriously consider the C1 10x42 binoculars.

The price point is ridiculously low, and we field tested this beaut' to justify the hype.

If you like the whole idea of getting more for less and you want to know all your options, you should consider another brand that does it well.  The Meopta MeoStar 10x42 HD binoculars are quite comparable to the B1s.  It has HD quality, a similar price tag, and a loyal crowd of followers behind it.

If you truly want the best value out of your optics, Maven is the brand to buy from.  We're not just saying that because of its specs on paper.  We can say that because we've used and abused 'em, they out-performed, and they're still going strong!

Update: The Maven B1 10x42 binocular has been discontinued. Check out our hands on review of their new B1.2 10x42 here as a great alternative.

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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