I'm looking pretty closely at the Maven B.5 line as I get a 20% discount. I've read a ton of threads trying to figure out which magnification level would be best, but I haven't really come to a conclusion. My main use would be on a tripod for PRS matches. What are your opinions on magnification for this use case?
- Thread starter Vyx313
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Either will work but you should be worrying more about getting a bino with a reticle in it if you will use it at matches. The reticle will be more of a help than the difference between 12x and 15x.
I generally don't like going over 12x for binos.
I have a pair of Vortex 12x UHD's and the Razor spotter with the 22x mil eyepiece that I take to matches. 12x is wide enough FoV to find targets easily but not so zoomed in you shake all over hell. The 22x with .2 mil reticle is awesome for judging wind (mirage) and sizing/bracketing targets.
I have a pair of Vortex 12x UHD's and the Razor spotter with the 22x mil eyepiece that I take to matches. 12x is wide enough FoV to find targets easily but not so zoomed in you shake all over hell. The 22x with .2 mil reticle is awesome for judging wind (mirage) and sizing/bracketing targets.
I was originally looking at the Bushnell Match Pro 15x with reticle but the reason I went back to the Maven's was due to their glass quality. From what I've been reading, they seem to be several tiers ahead in glass quality.
Is the tradeoff of having a reticle worth giving up the better glass quality?
Is the tradeoff of having a reticle worth giving up the better glass quality?
Thank you for this input. Do you think the 15x FoV is too narrow? The local matches are typically 400-900 yds.
Have a friend who I shoot matches with who used to use a Swaro bino and now uses a Match Pro and is happier with the reticle and says the glass difference makes no difference. I use a set of Match Pro also and nothing I can't see that I would need to see with them and being able to have the reticle to see target sizes to plan holds or when spotting and watching impacts.
Not necessarily but the eyebox on 15x+ binos typically sucks. Even tripod mounted if it's windy it can get to be frustrating. I don't have experience with the models you're looking at but just in general with binos I keep it 8-12x. YMMV, mostly a point of personal preference.
Oh wow, thanks for this. I didn’t realize they had come out with a set with a reticle. I guess that brings me to the question of how close is too close for 18x Binos? Matches around me are pretty much limited to 400-900yds.
Have you looked through the Bushnell Match Pro 15x? Love mine - I always get positive feedback when people look though mine at matches.
This is a concern of mine. I’m in Wyoming and what many might consider windy, typically call a light breeze.
It's not a concern with the Match Pros. They are easy to get behind and use even in the wind. I have used them in matches since last year and both rimfire and centerfire.
Thank you everyone for the input, definitely gives me some more to think about. I'll give the Match Pros another look.
In the meantime, I'll see if I can get to a WyCo match and look through a few sets maybe even compare the Maven w/reticle and a set of MatchPros if possible.
In the meantime, I'll see if I can get to a WyCo match and look through a few sets maybe even compare the Maven w/reticle and a set of MatchPros if possible.
Athlon offers a set of 12x binos with a reticle also. Might be worth a look.
ETA Also Apex Optics offers one too. One for sale in the PX.
www.snipershide.com
ETA Also Apex Optics offers one too. One for sale in the PX.
Optics - Price reduced! Apex summit pro 12x50, mil reticle, new in box
My original ones met an unfortunate demise when my tripod blew over and the binoculars hit a rock. Apex sent me a brand new pair. Amazing customer service. While they were gone I went back to my spotter and decided to stick with it. $550 shipped Brand new with all accessories. PayPal or Venmo...
www.snipershide.com 
I have used the Maven B5 18x (non-reticle) and the Vortex UHD 18x side by side, and separately the prev version Leica Geovid-R 15x LRF binos. All with eyeglasses.
I had no problems with eyebox or keeping them steady handheld for short stints.
The typical use for me was pdog shooting in high-ass constant ND winds, either off a bench with elbows on the bench or standing off a tripod. In those cases it was no problem. Use long spikes on the tripod as it helps in the wind, btw.
I was quite surprised at the experience, of which I was previously led to believe was going to be a shaky mess.
The Mavens were a bit better than the Vortex, and the Leica just rocks. Love the LRF in it. No reticles in any of them. 15-18x completely replaces a spotter for my use, which is small rodents out to 500-ish yards.
In memory (not direct comparo), the Mavens were either very close to the Leicas or the same.
Maven has a demo program that I used. Try and return if you don’t like them.
I still own the Leicas.
I have heard rumors of other 15x-ish binos coming out with reticles and LRF. The just announced Vector X LRF bino can be configured to 17x, I believe, with the teleconverters screwed on.
Get the 15x Match Pros with a reticle. Glass is more than adequate for PRS spotting.
I much prefer 15x over 12x b/c it’s closer to the magnification I typically run on my scope. This allows
I much prefer 15x over 12x b/c it’s closer to the magnification I typically run on my scope. This allows
Running a bino that is close to the magnification you intend to shoot at isn’t something I had thought about before. I haven’t actually shot a match yet but figured I needed to pick up a pair of binos to find the targets before I’m on the clock.
Shooting a match and looking through some to see what works for you is a good idea even if being a slacker like @b6graham LOL I can say that as we know our own as I do the same at times in the past.
But finding targets is only one of the things you do. Knowing the width of the target can help you see your wind hold or how much you need to hold. It helps a lot at times.
Match Pro ED 15x56 Binoculars | Best Spotting Binoculars With Reticle
Purpose-built for the competitive shooter, the Match Pro ED binoculars are 15x and have an MRAD reticle BridgeSet IPD stabilizer for the long range shooter.
www.bushnell.com Theres these with a reticle ^^^^
TORIC UHD 15X56 SCHOTT HT Spotting Binoculars
The all-new TORIC 15x56 is designed for hunters who want high magnification and exceptional low light performance without the weight of a spotting scope. It features highly prized SCHOTT HT (high transmission) glass and an Extra Low Dispersion (ED) objective lens for incredible resolution and...
tractoptics.com I personally run these ^^^^ the glass is outstanding....I've ran reticle binos in the past and the reticle did not get used anywhere near what I thought it would.
The issues I get mostly are when I look around in the FoV just moving my eyes. One side or the other will black out on me. Might just be me, but it's much better with 10x and 8x binos than with 12x+. I love the UHD's but even the 12x set is touchy this way. 18's were much worse when I tested them out. Maybe a me problem but that's my experience.
Yeah, I have to goof with the interpupillary distance a bit before I’m good to go. Otherwise I also get some shadow.
Haven’t seen a lot of reviews on them yet, but I took a chance on the new Athlon Pro 12x with reticle, should be here today. I’m not a glass snob nor an expert but I’ll throw out an opinion when I get a chance to try them out. Just getting into comps and wanted something for spotting at matches that I could also take hunting that wouldn’t be too bulky.
It looks like Waco Kid is getting some today. Maybe after this weekend we can get some opinions on those.
I looked through a pair of the athlons this past weekend at a match. I was impressed for the price. Was good lighting so not sure how well they would perform if overcast or shadows but the reticle was pretty neat and got me looking for binos with reticles. It was a windy day (15-25mph winds constantly changing) and knowing how wide the targets were helped me make better wind budgets on my dope cards I thought.
Swaro SLC 15x. Switched to the EL12x. Feels like less strain on my eyes. Especially after a long day at a match.
I used to use Swaro SLCs 15x. I switched to the EL 12x. After 8 hours of constant use per day at a 2 day match, the 12x for some reason strain my eyes less. Glass quality is good on both.
Pretty sure Rob isn't speaking of me, but those are my feelings on the matter too.
Long time user if 12x Swarovski EL, switched to Match Pro for the reticle. It hasn't held me back.
As far as the difference in FOV, If your tripod head doesn't slew left and right you can always unlock your bowl to do the same.
This seems like the obvious answer, with the OP's 20% discount.
Well shoot, I thought Maven was also offering a reticle in their 15x56, my bad.
IMO, I think 18x binos would be okay for PRS spotting. Many use full one spotting scopes.
Athlons made it this evening. Tried to get a pic through them but holy shit that’s a pain with a cell phone. Got a couple but honestly it doesn’t look nearly as clear as the binos, maybe it’s a focus thing. Anyway, looked at a neighbor's house at around 425, power pole at 540, and some trees out to 1090 and feel like they are pretty good for the price. I hate buying Chinesium but also don’t have the budget for top tier with my other priorities right now, these should be good entry level reticle binos.
