New: Maven B.5 18x56 Binoculars with MOA/MIL Reticle

Achieving an “outstanding” 88% on the Best Binoculars Ratings scale and then going on to win the BBRaward for Best High-Power Binoculars, there it is no secret that after fully testing the Maven B5 18x56 Binoculars, they are now a firm favourite of mine and in my opinion certainly one of the very Best High Powered, Long Distance Viewing Binoculars on the market.

But did you know, Maven Optics has now gone one step further by customizing them to further meet the requirements of target shooters and hunters:

Maven B.5 18x56 MOA / MIL with Reticle

Maven has engineered a version of their B.5 18x56 binoculars specifically for target and competitive shooting by integrating a fixed reticle into the view.

The embedded etched MOA or MIL reticle can help both shooters and observers by removing some of the guesswork and providing a clearer interpretation of the shot.

For those who don’t already know, a reticle can be used to either interpret the range of known targets or help with sizing at known ranges. Thus a binocular with a reticle can offer the added advantage to those needing instantaneous field assessments during large game hunting scenarios.

Maven B5 18x56 Binoculars vs Maven B.5 MOA/MIL Version

From the Abbe-Koenig Roof Prisms, and Fluorite Glass Lenses, to the Magnesium Chassis and one of/the best-focusing wheels on the market, the excellent news for us is that the Maven B.5 MOA/MIL version is essentially identical, keeping all the characteristics of the original 18x56 B.5. and therefore maintains all their high-end components, features and resulting handling and image quality.

As I have already reviewed the standard 18x56 B5 binoculars, there is no need for me to repeat myself and cover all those features again. So below I will concentrate on the reticles and what they bring to the table, but if you are interested in this version of the B5, I encourage you to go through my full review.

MOA or MIL Reticle

With the Maven B.5 MOA/MIL binoculars, you get the option to choose either a MOA (Minute of Angle) or MIL (Milliradian) reticle if you decide on this version of the B5.

Using the Reticles

Maven 18x56 B.5 MOA/MIL binoculars are designed for intuitive use, meaning that you simply set up and use them as you would any standard binocular by adjusting the Diopter Adjustment Ring (right eyepiece) and eyecups to suit your personal needs and preferences.

From there you simply zero-in the focus of the reticle to make it sharp using the dedicated Reticle Focus Ring that is located near the left eye-piece.

Then for additional precision, you can use the Reticle Leveling Ring that enables you to perfectly align the integrated reticle to match the terrain.

Which Reticle?

Selecting the right reticle for you is very much an individual choice. What works for one person might not work for someone else. Typically, which choice you should make will largely depend on your preferences, needs and past experiences:

Mil-Dot reticles were once the preferred choice for the dedicated, competitive shooter. Milliradian dot reticles provide shooters with a wealth of data, giving them the capability to call out directions in MIL measurements and enabling calculations for wind speed and target distance, thereby making it the go-to choice for snipers in the past.

For the casual shooter, some will argue that a Mil-Dot offers an overwhelming amount of information, which probably explains its slight decline in popularity. However, for traditionalists aiming to elevate their shooting skills, a Mil-Dot reticle can still make the right choice.

MOA – Shooters or hunters proficient in using Minute of Angle can take advantage of calling out directions in MOA measurements, enabling them to adjust their aim for increased shot precision.

MOA reticles are generally designed for long-distance spotting and shooting. Similar to a MIL-Dot reticle, they use angular adjustments for every 100 yards. However, unlike MIL reticles, MOA reticles are generally preferred when you need to make more exact adjustments and thus are useful in Benchrest (Firing from a stable bench or table using a front and rear rest to support the rifle) or F-Class (firing from a prone position using a bipod or front rest to support the rifle) competitions.

MOA adjustment is roughly 1-inch for every hundred yards while Mil reticles adjust in 1/10 MIL increments.

1 MIL is equivalent to 100 yards or 3.6.” They are relatively easy to use, and many shooters prefer this reticle to others.

Regardless of your choice, each reticle incorporates incrementally numbered markings for swift reference – a crucial feature in high-pressure situations with rapidly evolving scenarios that necessitate immediate follow-up calculations and shots.

Cost & Where to Buy

As with all other Maven binoculars that I have tested, including the standard Maven B.5 18x56 Binoculars and this version with the MOA/MIL Reticle, Maven foregoes the normal retail channels and instead uses a direct-to-consumer business model they can keep unnecessary costs to a minimum.

Maven has set an RRP for the Reticle version at $1,700, whilst the standard Maven B.5 18x56 binoculars have an RRP of $1,600. Current Retail prices are sure to be lower than this:

Maven B.5 18x56 Binoculars with MOA/MIL Reticle: Check Current Prices & Where to Buy

Recommendations & Further Reading

• Maven B5 18x56 Binocular Review
• About Maven Optics & all my reviews of them
• Maven CS.1 Spotting Scope Lineup Expanded
• Guide to Rangefinder Binoculars & Reticle Ranging Binoculars
• Guide to Choosing Binoculars for Hunting
• High Powered, Long Distance Viewing Binoculars
• Tripods I use for Binoculars & Scopes
• Introducing the New: Maven S1.2 25-50x80mm Spotting Scopes