TFB Review - Maven Optics S1.2S - 25-50x80 Spotting Scope
The Maven Optics S1.2S-25-50x80 Spotting scope was provided by Maven for this review, and while I am allowed to keep this optic after the conclusion of this review, it will not impact my current or future opinions on the brand and their products. The Maven Optics S1.2S - 25-50x80 has been used extensively over the past 9 months on the range and at a local farm.
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Brief History of Maven
Maven Optics was founded in 2013 in Lander, Wyoming, by Brendon Weaver, Mike Lilygren, and Cade Maestas, three optics industry veterans who previously worked together at Brunton. Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, they named the company "Maven" to reflect their goal of driving brand momentum through expertise and quality. The trio launched Maven with a direct-to-consumer model, bypassing traditional retail markups to offer high-performance binoculars, spotting scopes, and later rifle scopes, starting with the B.1 binocular in 2014. By partnering with Japanese manufacturers for premium ED glass and components, Maven has gained industry recognition, earning awards for products like the B.1 and B.2 binoculars. Their focus on customization, quality, and affordability, combined with an unconditional lifetime warranty, has allowed Maven to become a competitive player against both foreign and domestic optics giants.
Specs
Magnification - 25-50x (variable zoom)
Objective Lens Diameter - 80mm
Glass Type - Fluorite glass
Optical Coatings - Fully multi-coated lenses
Field of View - 115.2 - 83.8 feet at 1000 yards
Close Focus Distance - 16.4 feet
Eye Relief - 18-17 mm
Exit Pupil - 3.2-1.6 mm
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Focus System - Barrel focus system (smooth but slightly stiff)
Interchangeable Eyepieces - Yes, compatible with variable zoom and fixed reticle eyepieces
Dimensions - 14.9 inches (length) x 6.3 inches (width) x 3.9 inches (height)
Weight - 65.1 oz (with zoom eyepiece) 60.1oz without
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Primary Material - Magnesium and polymer frame
Waterproof/Fog-proof - Yes
Mounting System - Integrated Arca-Swiss foot
Warranty - Unconditional lifetime warranty
Country of Origin - Japan
MSRP - $2,200
The Maven S1.2S is part of Maven’s acclaimed S Series, designed to deliver top-tier performance at a competitive price. With a magnification range of 25-50x and an 80mm objective lens, this spotting scope is built for versatility!
Optical Quality
The optical performance of the S1.2S is exceptional, setting a high standard for spotting scopes in its class. It features fluorite glass, known for its superior light transmission and minimal color fringing, paired with fully multi-coated lenses and a Schmidt-Pechan prism with dielectric and phase correction coatings. These elements combine to deliver crystal-clear images with remarkable edge-to-edge sharpness.
The 80mm objective lens ensures excellent light-gathering capability, making the scope particularly effective during low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk. With a light transmission rate exceeding 80%, colors remain vibrant and true, allowing me to discern fine details, whether observing distant wildlife or evaluating targets at the range. The clarity holds up across the entire 25-50x magnification range, showing off Maven’s use of premium Japanese components.
Build Quality
The S1.2S is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while remaining relatively lightweight. Constructed from a combination of aluminum, polymer, and magnesium, it weighs 65.1 ounces (approximately 1.84 kg), which is reasonable for an 80mm spotting scope. Its dimensions (15.9 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches) make it compact enough for field use without sacrificing performance. The scope is nitrogen-purged and carries an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without issue. This durability gives me confidence in its ability to handle rain, snow, or humid conditions.
The integrated Arca-Swiss foot is a great feature, ensuring you will have compatibility with a wide range of tripods, and the oil-phobic coating on the objective lens adds scratch resistance. The vari-speed focusing system is smooth and precise, allowing for quick adjustments even in less-than-ideal environments.
Real-World Use
In the field, the S1.2S proves to be a versatile and reliable companion. Its 25-50x magnification range allows me to scan broad landscapes at lower power and then zoom in for detailed observations, making it ideal for hunting, birdwatching, and even cow watching. For hunters, the scope’s ability to cover ground quickly is definitely an advantage, enabling efficient glassing of distant areas. Birdwatchers (like my girlfriend) will appreciate the clarity when identifying species, and the scope’s digiscoping adaptability makes it a favorite for wildlife photographers.
I’ve found the vari-speed focus system intuitive, allowing me to lock onto subjects swiftly. The scope’s performance in variable lighting conditions was pretty impressive to me. It maintains image quality even when conditions are less than ideal.
Swappable Eyepiece
One of the most compelling features of the S1.2S is its interchangeable eyepiece system, a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the S.1S. This feature allows users to switch between a variable magnification zoom eyepiece (25-50x) for general field use and a fixed reticle eyepiece for target and competitive shooting scenarios. The zoom eyepiece is perfect for scanning and detailed observation, offering flexibility in dynamic environments.
The reticle eyepiece, on the other hand, is purpose-built for precision shooters who need accurate ranging and targeting capabilities. This is an amazing feature for spotters calling shots to be able to look at the target through the same reticle as the shooter, making reengagement instruction much more intuitive to elaborate on.
Switching eyepieces is straightforward, and both maintain the high optical standards of the scope. This versatility makes the S1.2S a multi-purpose tool, reducing the need for multiple optics and enhancing its value for the end user.
Customization
Maven’s “Build Your Maven” program sets the S1.2S apart by offering customization options that allow users to personalize their scopes and I'm not aware of many other companies that offer this option. Through this program, available on Maven’s website, users can select different armor finishes, add engravings, or adjust other aesthetic and functional elements.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons | |
| Optical Quality | Fluorite glass and multi-coated lenses deliver exceptional clarity and low-light performance. | None significant; minor color fringing possible at maximum magnification, though minimal. |
| Build Quality | Lightweight, durable materials with IPX7 waterproofing and Arca-Swiss compatibility. | At 65.1 ounces, it may feel bulky for ultralight backpackers. |
| Real-World Use | Versatile for hunting, birdwatching, and digiscoping; smooth focusing system. | Close focus distance of 5 meters limits very near observations. |
| Swappable Eyepiece | Interchangeable eyepieces enhance versatility for field and precision use. | Additional eyepieces may add cost and complexity. |
| Customization | Unique personalization options via “Build Your Maven” program. | Customization may increase cost or lead time. |
| Overall | Lifetime warranty and direct-to-consumer model offer great value. | Premium price of $2,200 may be a barrier for some people |
Conclusion
The Maven Optics S1.2S - 25-50x80 spotting scope is a premium optic that combines exceptional optical performance, durable construction, and innovative features like interchangeable eyepieces. Its versatility makes it a great choice for hunters, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and competitive shooters. The customization options and lifetime warranty are also really nice to see on this spotting scope. But there is no free lunch. While the price and weight may deter some, the S1.2S delivers outstanding value for its performance, rivaling more expensive competitors. For anyone seeking a high-quality spotting scope with flexibility and durability, the S1.2S is definitely a great option to consider.
-Former Army Photographer / Videographer -Current Aviation Student -Future in debt due to Firearm collection
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