This is Maven’s premium product, a sized-up version of its excellent B.1, but without the massive 56mm objectives of the B.5. Maven’s 12×50 is still portable enough to carry, balanced and grippy enough to hand-hold without shaking, and offers enough optical reach to count antler points at long distances. The B.6 occupies a smart place in the market, halfway between the crowded field of capable 10x42s and the big, purpose-built 15×56 binoculars that require a tripod mount in order to use effectively. The knurling on the B.6 is grippy in all conditions. Given the build, quality of the glass, and smart ergonomics, we’d expect this optic to be priced closer to $2,000. Our take is that this is a great deal, especially considering the massive optical horsepower of this 12-power binocular. Some readers may question why we gave a $1,050 binocular our Great Buy award, which typically goes to raging bargains that cost a fraction of a grand. At nearly 2 pounds, it’s a hefty binocular.Large chassis size may not fit in standard harness pouches.Direct-to-consumer brand cuts out retail pricing.Quality Japanese glass and construction.Stylish charcoal armor with orange-and-silver accents.Beefy single hinge and open barrel facilitate one-hand operation.Smart ergonomics make it easy to hold, and excellent glass delivers a bright, crisp image. Great Buy: Maven B.6 12×50Ī big, serious binocular designed for Western hunters, the B.6 provides more magnification than a standard 10×42 without the heft of a 15-power. Simply stated, this is the best walk-about binoculars we’ve ever tested, one that you’ll hardly feel around your neck. It also gave the big 56 and 50mm submissions a run for their money in our low-light test. The 8×40 configuration of our sample took the top score in our resolution evaluation and charmed our testers with its stunning image, thoughtful ergonomics, and extremely light weight. The SFL40 is also available in a 10×40 variation. Other noteworthy attributes: the 3-position tapered eyecups, beefy hinge (Zeiss calls it the DoubleLink Bridge), and grippy open barrels. Priced just above the Conquest, the SFL40 (also manufactured in Japan) should appeal to hunters and birdwatchers looking for an investment-grade binocular under $2,000. The SFL40 fits nicely into Zeiss’s product line between the very good Japanese-made Conquest line and the flagship Victory line. Because the focus zooms from 1.5 meters to infinity in just 1.4 revolutions, it’s easy to cover the landscape quickly, even with gloved hands. The single-hinge design and oversized focus wheel make one-hand operation a cinch.
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