The C3 Binoculars by Maven are a great mid-range choice, and not just for the price.
A good pair of glasses is integral to any kind of hunter. Even those who didn't ever think they'd need them are amazed at how much a pair of binoculars can benefit your experience, and ultimate success, in the hunting woods.
Recently I had the chance to test Maven's new C3 Binoculars. I was pretty excited to try their new optic, given their direct-to-consumer business model and reputation of building high-quality optics.
To add a disclaimer, I'm not an optic snob in any regard, which is why the C series made the most sense for me. It's a more cost-effective series but still built with high-quality components. This 10x50 optic retails right at $400.
With the consumer direct business model, it'd be fair to estimate this particular set of optics would range in price around $800 in a retail environment.
The C3 binos are a recently introduced series that build off their strong foundation of optics performance. To borrow from their own online description, they have a really lightweight polymer frame, use extra low-dispersion (ED) glass, and include fully multi-coated lenses for an exceptionally clear, bright, high-contrast image with excellent color reproduction. I found all of that to be spot on.
First Impressions
Before using their new Maven C3 10x50 binos, I used everything from $100 optics to Vortex's 10x42 Diamondbacks. Upon arrival, I was impressed with the high quality look and feel of the binos.
I primarily hunt whitetails, so low light ability and clarity are key features when considering a set of new binos. I chose the 10x50 version, which I have found to be very strong in those dawn/dusk situations. The extra lens diameter makes a big difference. The lens coating keeps them scratch and oil resistant, which is ultimately a must for the longevity of a good optic.
The Build
The C3 is built with lightweight polymer frame and weighs in at only 28 ounces. The mid-range binocular utilizes the same dielectric coated Schmidt-Pechan prism system that can be found in their B.1 and B.3 binoculars. That helps to produce an exceptionally clear, bright, and high-contrast image.
I know a handful of folks who use the B series and are very happy with them, but at this point in my life, I can't justify spending that much on a set of binoculars. However, the C series offers a high-quality optic for a much more affordable price.
Warranty
When you're going to splurge on optics, it's good to know the company has you covered in the long haul. Their warranty policy is straightforward. It's unconditional for the lifetime of the product. If something becomes damaged or is at all defective, you can contact Maven directly for repair or replacement.
Anything that comes with that kind of coverage should be considered a high performer, and built to last.
I can't wait to keep using these binos throughout the season, but as of now, I'm more than happy with the quality of the C3. I have a pretty good feeling they'll remain in my pack for many years to come.
NEXT: MY WHITETAIL GEAR FOR THE 2018 SEASON
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