For the past few months I've had a chance to use the new Maven CS.1 spotting scope and now it's time for my long-term review.
This is Maven's most affordable spotting scope and at $650, it costs less than a third as much as Maven's premium S series. It also costs hundreds less than its closest competitors - the Vortex Viper HD and Leupold SX-4.
Beyond price, what really sets this 15-45x65mm scope apart is its weight. Tipping the scales at 40.4 ounces, the Maven CS.1 is more than a pound lighter than either the Vortex Viper HD or Leupold SX-4.
While the Maven CS.1 won't take the place of a scope with a power powerful zoom and a larger objective lens, it has proven a very strong performer for my needs. I've used it extensively for target archery (checking line calls up to 70 meters (76 yards) away. I've also used it in the woods where my kids and I checked out the sights across the lake and in the trees.
I have very limited experience with super high-end optics ($2000+), but I've used a lot of mid-range spotting scopes and this one stands apart from anything in its price range that I've had a chance to play with.
I would like to have a larger objective lens for low light conditions, but that will add both cost and weight to the equation and Maven clearly didn't want to do that.
Maven backs up the CS.1 with a lifetime warranty.
This is Maven's most affordable spotting scope and at $650, it costs less than a third as much as Maven's premium S series. It also costs hundreds less than its closest competitors - the Vortex Viper HD and Leupold SX-4.
Beyond price, what really sets this 15-45x65mm scope apart is its weight. Tipping the scales at 40.4 ounces, the Maven CS.1 is more than a pound lighter than either the Vortex Viper HD or Leupold SX-4.
While the Maven CS.1 won't take the place of a scope with a power powerful zoom and a larger objective lens, it has proven a very strong performer for my needs. I've used it extensively for target archery (checking line calls up to 70 meters (76 yards) away. I've also used it in the woods where my kids and I checked out the sights across the lake and in the trees.
I have very limited experience with super high-end optics ($2000+), but I've used a lot of mid-range spotting scopes and this one stands apart from anything in its price range that I've had a chance to play with.
I would like to have a larger objective lens for low light conditions, but that will add both cost and weight to the equation and Maven clearly didn't want to do that.
Maven backs up the CS.1 with a lifetime warranty.
