Which is better for birding?

The Maven B1.2. Its wider field, sharper edges and long eye relief make it easier to find and follow birds, especially with glasses. The Nikon is fine for casual birding at shorter distances.

Which is better in low light?

The Maven. A 5.3 mm exit pupil and the larger Schmidt-Pechan prism give it an edge at dawn and dusk. The Nikon's 5 mm exit pupil is close but not equal.

Can I use either with glasses?

The Maven, comfortably, thanks to 19.3 mm of eye relief. The Nikon's listed eye relief is far too short for glasses, so try before buying if you wear them.

Which is lighter to carry?

The Nikon, at about 575 g against 785 g for the Maven. Over a full day of hiking that difference is noticeable.

Is the Maven worth stepping up to?

Yes if optics matter most to you: sharper edges, a wider view and better low-light performance. If you use binoculars a few times a year, the Nikon covers it.

Does either come in 10x?

The Maven B1.2 comes in 8x42 and 10x42. The Nikon Prostaff P3 here is 8x42 only; 10x trades stability for reach.

Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars vs Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

The Maven B1.2 is the better optic: sharper edge-to-edge, brighter in low light, with a wider apparent field and long eye relief that glasses wearers will notice. The Nikon Prostaff P3 is the sensible pick for a first pair or a spare set kept in the truck, and owners rate it well for the money. Build differs too: the Maven uses an elite Schmidt-Pechan prism and metal-heavy construction at 785 g, while the Nikon is a rubber-armored polycarbonate body at about 575 g.

Choose the Maven B1.2 if you want the sharpest view, the brightest dawn-and-dusk performance and comfortable use with glasses.
Choose the Nikon Prostaff P3 if you want a light, waterproof, easy-handling 8x42 for casual birding and general use.

Prices

Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars: $1,100.00 at Maven Outdoor Equipment Company (last seen Nov 13)
Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42: $130.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
Difference: the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 is $970.00 cheaper than the Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 13)

	Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars	Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42
Field of view	135 m at 1,000 m (7.7 degrees)	377 ft at 1,000 yd (7.2 degrees)
Eye relief	19.3 mm, comfortable with glasses	Listed as 1 mm, which is not usable with glasses
Exit pupil	5.3 mm	5 mm
Close focus	3.0 m	About 3 m (9.8 ft)
Weight	785 g	About 575 g (1.27 lb)
Prism and coatings	Large Schmidt-Pechan prism, improved multicoatings	Roof prism, multicoated eco-glass
Body	Compact metal-bodied build	Rubber-armored polycarbonate, waterproof
Magnification options	8x42 and 10x42	8x42 only

Spec	Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars	Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42
Eye relief	19.3	1 mm
Width	141	5.1
Depth	54	2.1
Weight	785	1.27 lb
Magnification	8	—
Objective diameter	42	—
Angular field of view	7.7	—
Apparent field of view	56.6	—
Field of view at 1,000m	135	—
Exit pupil	5.3	—
Close focusing distance	3.0	—
Length	148	—

Spec	Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars	Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42
Maximum magnification	—	8x
Lens diameter	—	42 mm
Field of view	—	377 ft
Optics prism type	—	Roof
Brand	—	Nikon
Lens coating	—	Multicoated Optics
Exit pupil diameter	—	5 mm
Focus type	—	Manual
Lens material	—	Eco-friendly glass
Body material

Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars vs Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

Prices

Maven B.1.2 8x42 Binoculars vs Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

Prices

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store