Too many times, the ‘compact bino’ is synonymous with beginner-quality and cheap mentality.
As tested over and over again with Maven, ‘cheap’ can never be said about them. It’s why I took the C.2 7x28 binoculars out for a spin and was surprised with the results.
The Maven C.2 7x28 binoculars are a compact pair with mammoth-sized performance. Its mid-range quality is the result of expertly combined materials that forms the optical, mechanical, and build integrity of the binoculars.
Even though I’m guilty of being biased towards big glass, the petite C2s won me over.
If you have forgotten what it’s like to shave off the weight, size, and burden of trudging around heavy gear, you need to be reminded of what small can actually pack these days.
Quick Overview...
What We Like: Glass quality
What We Don’t Like: Not tripod adaptable
Best Uses: Hunting, Bird Watching, Wildlife Observation, Sightseeing, Event Observation, Recreational Use
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Diameter: 28mm
- Coatings: FMC
- FOV: 341 ft/1000 yds
- Eye Relief: 16mm
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.6 x 1.4”/12.4 oz
- Tripod Adaptable: No
Our Verdict: The Maven C.2 7x28 binoculars have a lot of glass benefits that belies its physical size. The demand for high-performance compact binoculars is greater than ever and the C.2 meets all requirements as a mid-range optic.
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 wildlife observation, event observation and hunting has been integral in putting together this Maven C.2 7x28 review.
How Does the Maven C.2 7x28 Perform?
It might be hard to believe that one can be objective when there is a product that they are obviously keen on. The Maven C2 tests this notion because it’s hard not to be won over by it. Compact and with premium glass, the C2 7x28 binoculars are easy to love.
Its price point for a compact binocular may raise some eyebrows but there’s a lot going on under its skin. Just because it’s small and portable doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have extra-low dispersion glass, specialized prism coatings, and a weatherproof-ready, rugged body. It checks all the above.
Accessories are included but the only caps that come attached is the rainguard. It fits snug, but keeps both dust and water from seeping in.
It doesn’t have objective lens caps which is a bummer because I found myself consistently and accidentally touching the lenses. A lens pen will work wonders in this case – and keep it on your person during use.
The C2 binoculars perform well and is deserving to be ranked in the mid-range class. Overall quality is obvious, and when you pay for what you get, you land quite the deal with Maven.
Who is the Maven C.2 7x28 Best Suited to?
The Maven C2 binoculars work exceptionally for bird watching and observational activities when a compact model is a must-have.
From my testing period, I found that the near focus ability is not as good as you may expect. It’s pretty spot on for actual focusing, but there is a visible merging of circles up to a distance of 15 yards. For those looking for proximate use, the C.2 falls short.
For mid-range distances, it offers maximum performance in pocket-size form. For the quantifiable amount of quality it has, its price point makes the Maven C2 7x28 worth it.
Features & Benefits
Glass Quality
The Schmidt-Pechan prisms are made with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass that significantly reduces CA (Chromatic Aberration) and improves color fidelity and sharpness. The dielectric coating helps maximum reflectivity within the prisms for a bright, high-contrast glassing experience.
In other words – the C2 has the works when it comes to glass. It might be small, but it has big performance that puts it in competition with manufacturers like Swarovski and Zeiss – yes, I said that.
Build Quality
The Maven C.2 binocular has a polymer frame, weighs 12.4 oz, and is 4.5” (approx.) tall and wide. It falls right around the same specs for alternative binoculars with physical 10x25 specs – all in all, it’s the definition of compact.
Though pocket-size in a sense, it’s not foldable. That may be a deal-breaker for those looking for a true pocket-size pair of binoculars but can be a good thing for those who favor stable collimation versus having the folding feature.
Like all of Maven’s binoculars, it’s completely waterproof and fogproof with nitrogen gas. Rugged, weatherproof, and built for the outdoors.
Moving Mechanisms
The C2 binocular probably has the most smooth-moving mechanisms I’ve ever tested on a Maven product and other alternatives. The diopter is not stiff at all but does not move under accidental brushing against it.
The focus wheel is large. Truth be told, probably over-sized, but I prefer it over tiny wheels that force you to fiddle with. It’s not built into the bridge but sits on top and your fingers can naturally find and adjust focus without you ever having to leave your sights. Silky focusing is an understatement for this focus knob.
The eyecups move with multi-positional clicks. Including all-the-way-in for those with glasses for 16mm of eye relief, there are four positions. You must make sure that you’ve clicked into position securely or they do buckle down to the next position. That’s a little annoying, but once you have it, it’s not going to go anywhere.
Outdoor Applications
There is a market for compact binoculars and its primary use falls into birding and observation applications. There isn’t much to say except for that it’s perfect for the job.
There is little to no CA, Maven-standard sharpness and clarity, and it’s ideal for on-the-go observation due to its physical size.
While it can be used for the target range, its best range performance for groupings is less than 100 yards. Shoot ‘n See targets obviously help and groupings are visible through the 7x28s, but these targets can be a waste for distances under 200 yards.
A high-quality riflescope can eliminate the need for binoculars or spotting scopes at the range.
I did have it tested out for law enforcement use, and while the glass impressed, they did want more magnification to read signs, plates, etc. from strategic locations. However, it did perform great for people-watching with some level of covertness.
Limitations
Not Tripod Adaptable
Unlike its higher power cousins, the 7x binoculars are not tripod adaptable. This is perfectly acceptable for most people who are wearing them with a neck strap or stashing them into a pocket. However, for those with the jitters, 7x is high enough power to affect the glassing experience.
Unfortunately, the lack of tripod threading on compact binoculars is not unique to Maven. This is the standard for most compact binoculars from premium brands. There are also optical consequences to consider when integrating this feature into binoculars, so that may be a legit reason for the omission.
Popular Questions
The Maven C-Series of binoculars are made in the Philippines with both Japanese and Chinese components. The C-Series is the economical series of optics, and you can learn more about the series differences in our Maven breakdown video.
The Maven C.2 binocular series features 7x28 and 10x28 models. Glass and build quality are identical. The 7x model has a larger FOV of 341 feet at 1000 yards and the 10x model with 262 feet at 1000 yards, but you gain in magnification without significant loss in light transmission and eye relief.
The C.2 7x28 binoculars come with lens caps for the eyepieces. It’s a rainguard as it is a one-piece design. Typical of compact binoculars, it does not come with objective lens caps. It’s best to keep it stored in the included drawstring bag for ultimate protection of the glass during non-use.
The Maven B.7 binoculars have a better build quality and more glass elements than the C.2's. This means improved waterproof rating and a better image quality from the B.7 binocular - but also a higher price tag to go with it!
The Unconditional Lifetime Warranty by Maven means that you can have your C.2 binoculars repaired or replaced without proof of purchase, and it’s covered for life. The warranty adds significant value to a low-priced pair of binoculars.
Conclusion
In an age where bigger is better for numberless applications, the compact binocular often gets overlooked.
I am guilty of that exact mentality, and the Maven C.2 7x28 binoculars reminded me that today’s standard of glass applies to miniature models too.
So much so has the C2 made me a believer, I’m convinced I need a compact pair for myself. If it had objective lens caps, it would replace my stow-in-the-truck binos in a heartbeat. I guess I have some cap shopping to do.
Further Reading
Good thing the lens covers can be used for ocular and objective. Just order an extra one or two. I’ve had the two lens caps interchanged and even thou the objective is slightly bigger the caps haven’t stretched out.
My first pair were sent back due to over loose center hinge, the second pair were fine, a small maven case is available, rain guard is rather tight and the large neck strap out of proportion to the modest binocular size, (for me anyway), however the performance is very good for the price point these sell for, Maven also answer any queries very quickly.
Hi Dave. I'm really glad your second pair turned up without issue! I really like the little pair of binoculars too - does great for me in the woods. Thanks for sharing your experience.