Maven has released a new B series binocular line, the B.7. The 8x25 is a compact, foldable binocular that falls between the C.2 28mm binoculars and the B.3 30mm binoculars.
The Maven B.7 8x25 and 10x25 have a well-known and conventional configuration. The new B7 has B-series glass, are foldable, and are a high-quality pair of binoculars for hunters, wildlife observers, and serious outdoorsmen.
Though small, the B7 packs a punch in optical quality. In this Maven B7 review, I examine its glass performance in the field and the downsides of foldable binoculars. I also highlight the features of the included pouch and provide a side-by-side comparison to the Maven C.2 7x28 binoculars.
Let’s go!
Quick Overview...
What I Like: Optical quality
What I Don’t Like: Lose the IPD setting
Best Uses: Hunting, Tactical Use, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation, Backpacking, Sightseeing, Hiking, Recreational Use
- Magnification: 8x
- Objective Diameter: 25mm
- Coatings: FMC
- FOV:
- Eye Relief:
- Dimensions:
My Verdict: The B.7 8x25 binoculars are the first of its kind from Maven with a dual hinge design. This enables a completely foldable binocular that is only 2.75” wide at its most compact. Outfitted with B series optics and build quality, the B7 stands to be a high-end, micro binocular for any application.
Why Trust Me?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing binoculars in the field and on the hunt, and thousands more hours researching, writing, photographing and creating videos about them, I feel I have earned the title of expert when it comes to optics!
Optics are not just my passion, but also my full-time job!
I get my hands on as many of the optics I test as possible (through buying, borrowing or begging!) and run them through their paces to make sure they will perform out in field.
Check out our optics testing process here.
Over a decade of experience birdwatching, tactical use and hiking has been integral in putting together this Maven B.7 8x25 review.
Who is the Maven B.7 8x25 Best Suited to?
The Maven B.7 8x25 binoculars are especially suited to outdoorsmen that desire general all-purpose use from their glass in a pocket-size package. Unlike most mini binos, these are considered high-end ultra compact binocular from its glass to its build.
I would say that the 8x25 binoculars are far above alternatives as this configuration is usually considered part of the entry level series with many manufacturers, except perhaps Swarovski.
If you want the best glass for bow hunting, tree stand, sightseeing, wildlife observation, and watching sports events, the B7s will outperform the competition for the money.
How does the Maven B.7 8x25 Perform?
Overall, the Maven B.7 8x25 binoculars are easy to handle in the field as they are in urban environments. Given their compact size, they’re discreet to use and incredibly straightforward for one-hand use. They aren't tripod mountable, but it’s not needed given its 8x magnification and smaller objective lenses size.
What I loved most is that I could use these with one hand. The low 8x power made things so easy to focus and just people watch. Though my pics don’t show it well enough, I could read signs over 100 yards away. I will mention that because of its foldable design, it does take two hands to get started glassing – to set the IPD.
The pouch is awesome, and since it’s so small, I would attach the pouch to my belt so that I can keep my larger binos in my chest harness. The B.7 binoculars would be an excellent supplement to a hunter’s pack when you’re moving through backcountry terrain. Pull them out for the timber but use your 15s or 18s on the tripod for distance.
The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass makes a big difference as it controls chromatic aberration very well. I did not have an issue with CA during field testing. The color fidelity is natural, and on close-focus targets, it reflects the organic beauty of wildlife and flora.
Please keep in mind that aberrations seen in my photos are the result of digiscoping and post-formatting for publishing. It’s much better in person than I can show in the pics!
Features & Benefits
Optical Quality
In general, though the 8x25 binoculars are small, it doesn’t mean that they’re not packing. The B7 binoculars have ED glass, Schmidt-Pechan prisms, and they have a dielectric coating that is a must-have for roof prisms design binoculars.
There are 2 groups and 3 elements in the objective assembly where the ED glass is located, and there are 3 groups and 4 elements in the ocular assembly. The result is a sharp and clear sight picture that meets the optical standard I have for Maven ED glass.
Because of its small configuration, it is a little darker when I’m using 10x, 11x, and even 15x binoculars side by side. It’s not my first choice to pull out when I’m glassing at low light and at extended ranges past 1000 yards.
However, for birdwatching, observing insects, and people-watching, the B7s are discreet, small, and exactly what is needed for fast glassing.
The B.7 binoculars have excellent chromatic and spherical aberration control. I could not detect any CA, and the level of edge softening is almost non-existent. What I did notice is some slight color loss in the last 5-10% of the edges of the FOV but focusing on the peripherals like that is hard on the eyes and is obviously not how you’re using the few binoculars.
The depth of field is fantastic. I could focus for extreme long range and still acquire good focus on targets at maybe 20 yards but definitely at 30 yards.
With Schmidt-Pechan prisms, light is bent a total of five times versus the six in a basic roof prism. It has a light transmission rate of 93% and a wide 356 feet FOV.
Build Quality
Overall, the B7 8x25 binoculars have the same high standards of build quality that is expected of a Maven B series binocular. It’s IPX7 rated for waterproofness, is nitrogen-purged for fogproofness, and it has a magnesium chassis versus the polymer frame of the C series binoculars.
The B7s have an itty-bitty focus knob that has an almost 0.75” diameter. It’s small and cute but most importantly it does its job. Though micro-sized, it has excellent resistance, but is still easy to use with one finger. Due to the bridge design, it is located a little higher up than where my finger would lay. I have detected no rough spots or play in the entire focus range.
I have to chuckle a little bit here. I’ve known Maven diopters to be really stiff. Stiff enough that you won’t ever have any unintentional changes to it. However, the B7 diopter is what I’d describe as pleasantly stiff. It’s a lot easier to move than other Maven diopters I’ve dealt with, but I doubt the B7s would move on its own.
The eyecups have 4 positions including all the way in and all the way out. I really like the sound they make, but don’t worry, they’re not loud. The eye relief is listed at 15mm. It’s doable with wear glasses, but with curved lenses on sunglasses, it’s too tight.
As far as glassing with the B7s with the eyecups extended all the way out, I found that it’s better to kind of place the eyecups along the top just under the brow and sort of keep the bottom of the eyecups away from the face. This is how I got the best sight picture and the best collimated image.
The glass has a scratch and oil resistant coating which is always a great feature, and the objectives are recessed deep enough into the bells – about 0.75” I want to say.
Folding Design
The Maven B7 binoculars fold at two points at the bridge as each barrel has its own hinge. This allows each barrel to tuck in and under the bridge – the part that connects the two barrels. This makes for a very compact design. The width when folded is 2.75” – approximately.
These can literally fit in most pants, jacket, and shirt pockets that are worn outdoors, but the armor does make fabric catch. I would recommend keeping the pouch on your person and using the pouch as its sole storage unit during non-use.
Of course, you can always just wear these with the included neck lanyard. They’re super lightweight at 12.4 oz. If you’re not using the pouch, you won’t always have to fold the binoculars back up which allows you to maintain your IPD setting and glass immediately with one hand.
Included Pouch
Maven includes a soft carry case with the B.7 8x25 binoculars. I like that it doesn’t have a Velcro or zipper closure – it’s magnetic. There’s a 1.5 x 0.5” (if I were to guess the size) magnet strip in the flap and in the case. It’s strong and you can hear them connect (thunk) when closing the flap – still quieter than Velcro!
The pouch has a lot of attachment options. It has small D-rings on each side for attaching to a neck lanyard (which is included by the way!). It has straps on the back that you could attach to any Molle panel, say on your hunting vest. The long, vertical snap closure could also serve to wrap around a belt. Yes – there are plenty of attachment options to keep the pouch on your person.
It fits the B7 binoculars perfectly. You wouldn’t want to put anything else in there because if the binoculars don’t go all the way down, the magnetic flap will not close in place.
Maven B7 VS C2
One of the primary differences between the B7 and C2 series is the build quality. The B7 8x25 are waterproof to submersion for 30 minutes versus the five minutes of the C2. This is quantifiable via the IPX7 rating given to the B7 versus the IPX6 rating given to the C2.
The B7 has a magnesium chassis versus the polymer chassis in the C2. However, this has negligible benefits when only comparing size and weight. The B7 is made with Japanese parts and assembled in the US while the C2 is made with both Japanese and Chinese parts and are assembled in the Philippines.
As is obvious, the B7s fold up into a far friendlier pocket-sized package, so it’s fair to say that the C2s are limited in compactness compared to the B7. The included pouch is really nice considering that neither the B7 nor C2 lines come with objective lens caps. Yes, there’s the drawstring bag that’s included with the C2s, but I’m not usually taking it into the field with me.
When it comes to glass, the B7s have more elements in the objectives and more groups and elements in the oculars. This makes for improved image quality in the B7s that may be perceivable when it comes to resolution and clarity. Technically though, the C2 is brighter on paper, and that might be discernable to you, but it comes back to the resolving detail of the B7s provided by the extra glass elements that makes it better.
If you’re looking for the best price, I strongly recommend the C.2 7x28 binoculars. You can read more about them in my C2 field test here. If you want premium-grade optics with a micro-sized configuration, the B.2 8x25 is the way to go.
Limitations of the Maven B.7 8x25
Lose the IPD Setting
Overall, the B.7 8x25 binoculars have an extremely wide IPD range of 38-73 mm. This would be just as suitable for kids as it is for adults. This is made possible with the folding design. However, because it’s foldable, you do lose your IPD setting between the pouch and use.
This is true of all foldable binoculars and is not unique to the Mavens. It does get a little frustrating when going for a fast glass as it does require two hands. But once you have it, it’s so easy to observe with just one hand.
The hinges and bridge feel like good, heavy-duty quality and like they will last for a long time. There’s enough stiffness in the hinges that you won’t really lose your IPD during actual use, but since they are designed to fold, it can happen.
The compactness and light weight of the B7 binoculars are worth the cons of foldable binoculars.
Popular Questions About the Maven B.7 8x25
The new Maven B.7 line offers binoculars with a 25mm objective lenses diameter. The B.3 line has binoculars with the slightly larger 30mm objectives. The B.3 alternative will be brighter than the B.7 binoculars even if it’s not that perceivable to you, and they also have a much wider FOV.
However, the B.7 binoculars are lighter and foldable for a much more compact fit. These fit in the included pouch whereas the B.3 binos only come with the drawstring bag.
The B.7 binocular line from Maven are compact, foldable binoculars that come with a one-piece rainguard for the eyepieces but do not come with objective lens caps. Most micro-sized binoculars do not come with included caps, but the B.7 does come with a carry pouch.
Image by Tina Fa'apoi (Own Work) for Target Tamers
Maven offers the Build a Custom option for the B.7 binoculars. Though I’m partial to the iconic orange, silver, and grey color accents of Maven binoculars, there is also the grey and black unit too. The custom option offers various color accents, armor camo finishes, engravings, and more.
Maven optics B series binoculars are made with components and glass sourced from Japan and are assembled in the USA. “Japan” is stamped on the underside of the left barrel of the B.7 8x25 binoculars though it’s difficult to see.
Image by Tina Fa'apoi (Own Work) for Target Tamers
Maven offers an unconditional lifetime warranty. You don’t need proof of purchase, a warranty card, and neither do they care if you’re the original owner or not. The warranty follows the optic, not the buyer. Stock B.7 binoculars can be refunded for full credit within two weeks of purchasing.
The Maven B.7 8x25 binoculars are a great addition to Maven’s offerings. It's ideal for hunting, birding, and casual applications where a foldable design is wanted without compromise in optical performance. The B7 binoculars are premium grade for those who need the best out of a compact unit.
You could go with the C.2 7x28 binoculars even for heavy duty glassing if you want to save more than half the cost of the B.7s. But when the best is a demand for bow hunting, the tree stand, and avid birders where the foldable design and wider FOV is a necessity, the B.7 binoculars meets those demands.
A massive thank you to Maven for sending me these binoculars to field test. Please note, even though this product was provided by the manufacturer, all my opinions expressed are my own and are not in any way influenced by the manufacturer.
Further Reading
