My experience with Meopta is that there is a significant difference between the HD and non HD models in the Meostar line-up. The 10x42 HD and the 12x50 HD especially have superb center resolution, high contrast and very low to zero CA in the center of the image. In this regard I think they are hard to beat. Equal, perhaps, but not beat.
I have the 12x50HD. Bought one, traded up to a Swarovski Pure NL 12x42 - but ended up trading back since I prefer the Meopta 12x50HD for my use. I think it is the best 12X for my purposes as it is very resilient to bad lighting conditions. Better than the Pure NL. The Swarovski EL 12x50 is very, very nice but I find that the Meopta performs slightly better in the very center. Nobody has to agree, it is just my opinion. Had the cost been the same I would maybe have chosen the EL, but I am not sure. Still have that great feeling when I use the Meopta 12x50 HD, every single time!
With regards to the Meopta 10x42HD I think it is a great binocular. However in the 10x class there are so many excellent options which makes it hard to single out ONE binocular and considering how many there are out there the Meopta 10x42 HD is no particular stand out, except for class leading CA control in the center of the image.
For the non HD models I find the 8x32 Meostar a little gem. It is not as well resolving at far distances to my eyes as many of the other 8x models I have tried. It lacks that little last bit of crispness at far distances. Especially in dull weather. Compared to the 10x and 12x HD models this is obvious.
But, I have very fond memories of it and it is one of the binoculars I have dearly missed for several reasons.
It just feels so right in hand and the eye box is very comfortable. Also, it is a very cool looking binocular. By strange luck I did find a new old stock B1.1 8x32 on sale just last week - so it is on the way over to me as I write.
I could not resist.
I have had a few superb binoculars over the years that I have no "connection" with other than that they are great binoculars. There are others that I for one reason or another enjoy using more, even if they are in fact lesser performers.
The Meopta 8x32 together with the Leica 7x42 UVHD+ are my favorite binos. The SFL 8x40 outperforms then in pretty much every optical aspect but it does not resonate the same to me as the other two.
The SFL is the best bang for the buck 8x binocular in my book and I don't ever need "better" but it is more clinical in the view it presents. Does not set a foot wrong and comes easy to recommend for sure.
The best eye box I have ever looked through is the Meopta Meostar 7x42 which is truly a "wow" moment for me. It is a heavy but comfortable brick of a binocular. It too lacks that "crispness" at the longest distances but has a very nice view at mid to near distances. Lovely bino!
The thing, the only thing, that put me off is the amber tint. It made cloudy days look fantastic but late summer days and evening light became very orange, too much for me. Compared to the clean colored look of the SFL 8x40 it was too much. At the time I compared it to the 8x32 Victory FL and that was when it really stood out to me that the 8x32 FL is quite green in color cast, the SFL very neutral/clean and the Meopta Meostar 7x42 the polar opposite of the 8x32 FL. Subjectively speaking of course.
All of them great binoculars in their own regard.
Recently I have not used many binoculars and I find it is easy to "forgive" some, if not most, shortcomings of a binocular once you get past a certain performance level. I simply get used to it and comparing becomes less interesting as long as I don't find anything I really don't like. I sometimes look through my old Swarovski Pure NL and really enjoy the view, but I don't miss the binocular.
In the case of the Meopta 7x42 it was the amber/orange cast, and weight, nothing else. But it is enough to put me off looking for one.
In case of the SFL 8x40 I honestly don't like the panning at mid distances, but that's it.
Everything else is as good as it "needs to be" or better. The panning behaviour is a bit of an issue, especially compared to some other binos that pan better - though they are not optically better.
In case of the Leica 7x42UVHD+ the smaller AFOV is very apparent coming from the SFL as well as a little worse ergonomics/balance. But, fifteen minutes into using the Leica you get used to it and the view is very rewarding and "relaxed" and as long as I did not switch back and forth I would prefer the Leica view.
Even if it meant a little compromise in actual performance.
With the Meopta 8x32 B1.1/B1+ I find the combined performance in all aspects makes for a great pair of binoculars.
Since there does not seem to be a B2 series coming out any time soon I will happily reunite with the older little pocket rocket. I know the strength and weakness of it. It will replace my Zeiss VP 8x25 - which is arguably a technically/optically better binocular, but I find I miss using the Meopta for more than one reason. It is not a substitute for an Alpha class 8x bino for me, but a very good extra bino, and as such just needs to be really good and comfortable to use.
The ultimate dream bino does not exist for me in the 7/8X range.
A Noctivid 7x32/35? A Meostar B2 HD 8x32? I don't know. A 600g 7x40 Meostar HD perhaps, with 1.8m close focus. Yes please!
In the mean time I will have to make do with what I have... (sighs internally).
Joking, of course, SO many fine binos out there, enjoy and use!