New MeoStar B1 Plus Binoculars (1 Viewer)

[lmans66]

I am tempted to get a Meoair....to compare to a current Noctivid (10x). I have. Honestly, I am sure it wouldn't be that much of a difference but I bet small things like 'glare' would be evident. I am guessing that quality wise....the MeoAir will be like all other Meopta Products and top of the line... we have a house on the eastern and western end of US and this would alleviate me having to move one back and forth.

I wish the 'color' of the Meoair was a slight different / darker shade of green though... jim

 

[gcole]

I am tempted to get a Meoair....to compare to a current Noctivid (10x). I have. Honestly, I am sure it wouldn't be that much of a difference but I bet small things like 'glare' would be evident. I am guessing that quality wise....the MeoAir will be like all other Meopta Products and top of the line... we have a house on the eastern and western end of US and this would alleviate me having to move one back and forth.

I wish the 'color' of the Meoair was a slight different / darker shade of green though... jim

Go for it ..... You have the Noctivid to compare directly what’s to loose ? They could be close Optically or equal to your eyes. You might even like them as much as your Noctivid, even their color green might suit you when seen in person. Last but not least, the Meopro air will put money back in your pocket when you sell those Noctivid. More money for your next purchase ? I better stop now before I talk myself into purchasing the Meopro Air 10x. I have the Sig Sauer S9 11x45 and I got it for half the cost of the Meopro Air. I could sell the Sig Sauer but it’s so Niceeee! .... I do not need another 10x pus binocular or do I ?

 

[lmans66]

Go for it ..... You have the Noctivid to compare directly what’s to loose ? They could be close Optically or equal to your eyes. You might even like them as much as your Noctivid, even their color green might suit you when seen in person. Last but not least, the Meopro air will put money back in your pocket when you sell those Noctivid. More money for your next purchase ? I better stop now before I talk myself into purchasing the Meopro Air 10x. I have the Sig Sauer S9 11x45 and I got it for half the cost of the Meopro Air. I could sell the Sig Sauer but it’s so Niceeee! .... I do not need another 10x pus binocular or do I ?

Not sure if I will sell the Noctivid....but what I do know is that I feel my hobby is 'buying, using ....selling....trying out'..... jim

 

[dries1]

Waiting on the B2 since I have the B1 in 7 and 8X42. I am curious if the optics of the "Air" will be more similar to the Meopro, (which I suspect), than the Meostar.

 

[Conndomat]

... we have a house on the eastern and western end of US and this would alleviate me having to move one back and forth.

Hi Jim,

selling one of the two houses that would solve the binocular problem...

Andreas

 

[pbjosh]

Hi Jim,

selling one of the two houses that would solve the binocular problem...

Andreas

Or make it worse, as the binocular budget would likely increase

 

[HenRun]

Waiting on the B2 since I have the B1 in 7 and 8X42. I am curious if the optics of the "Air" will be more similar to the Meopro, (which I suspect), than the Meostar.

EDIT: apparently the 8x42 MeoPro Air has gotten the HD moniker and Fluoried glass, so I revised the statement in this post!

The info I have gotten so far from Meoptas representative (not straight from Meopta) is that it will be the same optical configuration as in the Meostar * but the housing and various other parts are externally sourced. All is put together at the Meopta factory though. This bodes well for the Meopro Air which will be on par with the Meostar.

* except that the MeoPro Air 8x42 is now HD.

 

[tenex]

I have to say I find all these slight cosmetic variations of basically the same product in such a short time confusing and uninspiring (and the new "Plus" especially ugly). I'd love to see Meopta get its act in order and make attractive competitive products. We're certainly enjoying our new S2 scope... which actually seems to have gone through several idle cosmetic changes itself.

 

[HenRun]

Yes, seems like they are either testing the waters or stop-gapping the line up. It is confusing.

However I think that the Meopro Air is on the right path with (allegedly) the B1 "Plus" improved optics in a lightweight body and with outsourced parts to keep cost down. I think this series will be a serious performer for the price. Not the prettiest looking, but they do look more up to date.

The B2 series, when/if they emerge, will be very interesting to see considering they aim at making an impact on the top three with them.
I think they can do it but they have to reduce weight, better the ergonomics and get at least the performance of the Meostar HD to attract buyers. People are convinced by performance and the price can be "up there" as long as they deliver the goods.

The Meostar B1 Plus series will however be redundant, I don't see the point in keeping it at all, it will cannibalize on B2 series sales but I do think that the MeoPro Air will also attract B1 Plus Customers wanting the performance - minus the bulk.

The lower line binoculars I don't know about, there are soooo many good mid tier binocular manufacturers out there so why even bother?

 

[HenRun]

On a side note:

Today I picked up the 8x32 Meostar and was supposed to try out the 10x42HD but they sent me the 8x32 and the 8x42.

The 8x42 is a bit dense but very comfortable in hand and works great with glasses though it took some time to adjust the IPD for me to get the best out of them. Solid and great grip and very relaxed viewing. Slight CA, about on par with more expensive Leica binos so not class leading but agreeable. Other than that they were impressive.

The 8x32 was impressive too. Great little package and very well built. Except for that the focusing ring was semi stuck. It only rotated slightly left and right and then got stuck which is a pity. At the distances I could get into focus I thought it was a keeper but as it stands it is going back.

I had not paid for them so returning them was no hassle. I just thought it a pity that QC was so sloppy on the 8x32. Optics seemed first rate. A little less CA than the 8x42 and a very nice imaging. I was hoping I would have my little pocket rocket for the weekend but no go.

I will have to talk to the distributor on Monday and see if he has another pair to send out, if not I am back to the hunt for a smallish 8x32.

 

[HenRun]

Waiting on the B2 since I have the B1 in 7 and 8X42. I am curious if the optics of the "Air" will be more similar to the Meopro, (which I suspect), than the Meostar.

I have to back pedal on my previous statement about the Meopro Air using the same optical configuration.
The 8x42 MeoPro Air uses "HD" glass containing fluoride elements - something the Meostar B1 Plus does not!

This actually implies that the MeoPro Air might outperform the Meostar in the 8x42 models when it comes to CA etc. Also the Eye relief is a whopping 22mm (!) which I think is better than the Victory FL I used to have.

https://www.meoptasportsoptics.com/us/produkt/meopro-air-8x42-hd-16589/

If this means they will introduce HD glass in a 8x32 MeoPro Air I am all for it. But I can't wait that long though, I currently have just the one Bino and it is on the other end of the spectrum.

 

[HenRun]

I am tempted to get a Meoair....to compare to a current Noctivid (10x). I have. Honestly, I am sure it wouldn't be that much of a difference but I bet small things like 'glare' would be evident. I am guessing that quality wise....the MeoAir will be like all other Meopta Products and top of the line... we have a house on the eastern and western end of US and this would alleviate me having to move one back and forth.

I wish the 'color' of the Meoair was a slight different / darker shade of green though... jim

After handling the 8x42 and the 8x32 B1 Plus respectively yesterday for about an hour and a half I think they are really nice and work great for me. The 8x42 was the most comfortable and I would think the 10x42 would feel the same. The 8x32 is small enough to be classed a compact but still comfortable to hold and - for me with medium hands - not too small.

I agree on the color of the new MeoPro Air though I have to see one on the flesh first. Quite often the color does not show accurately on screen. I think the MeoStar B1 plus look good with a nice green hue and both me and my friend felt like they are premium binoculars. The two tone/color scheme is normally not to my taste but I could live with it if they are excellent.

 

[HenRun]

Soo... ...now - a few weeks later - I took delivery on "the next" 8x32 Meostar B1 Plus. A great little-but-hefty-chunka-glass. Things are not going too good for me in the 8x32 department though.

Quick recap: It started way back with a first attempt at ordering a Meopta from a vendor in Germany: paid and was promptly email and told the one in stock was defective. Got a refund. Unknown defect. I forgot about this little hickup. Until today.

Then I ordered and waited a month and a half for a new B1 Plus which arrived a few weeks back: faulty. Got sent back.
Decided to go for the Zeiss FL 8x32 since I know what it is like. After two weeks and not hearing from the vendor I got the reply that they could no longer source the FL 8x32... ...so yesterday morning I ordered another Meopta B1 Plus 8x32 from Astroshop since I did not want to wait another month going through the local agent... ...and it arrived today! Top marks for speedy delivery!

At first glance all was well and I felt that my quest was over, at least for a good solid five minutes or so...

...well, it was stiff in the focusing too, only rotating half a turn either way before seizing up slightly. After turning it both ways a few times it loosened up and became smooth as my other Meopta - but now only the left side of the bino focuses!!!

Considering all other Meoptas I have tried or seen have worked well I can now report that three out of three brand new 8x32's have been defective.
I am returning the DOA Meopta and opting for a replacement or refund. I will make it very clear that they need to check, double check and triple check the next one they send out. Me thinks that there might be some trouble with the assembly of that particular model.

For the brief moment it worked the viewing was great, slightly behind the best I have seen/used but definitely good enough and priced well below the other options I have looked at.

Last evening there were nine (!) deer and a hare out in the field so I propped up the 15x56 Meopta for some great viewing of the flock, well spread out. At first I counted six deer (we spotted five from the house) but when scanning the treeline three more were bedded down in the brush. This morning I wish I had the 8x32 with me as the elusive fox was crossing a paddock as I passed with the car on my way to work, he dashed off and stopped under a tree and stood there looking back at me. This is why I want a small 8x32 with me at all times.

 

[lmans66]

Sad to hear of your quality issues and on '3'..... I am surprised. The 8x32 B1.1 is a remarkable bin so the 'plus' should be better and perhaps it is, if you can find that good one!.... Best of luck on your quest, jim

 

[HenRun]

Thanks for the reply Jim. Until the moment of failure I was very happy with the B1 Plus. Fits my eyes/glasses and optical expectations. It does go well with the 15x56 I already have and the optical properties as well as handling are very similar, which is great.
I am in contact with another vendor who will inspect the next 8x32 prior to shipment so I am hoping I will get my hands on a good copy eventually.
I like the compact size and I like the weight and balance of it.

I didn't mention that after the second Meopta I ordered the Zeiss 8x32 FL at a place that supposedly had stock but was told after nearly three weeks that they could not source one up after all.

So, I caved in and ordered Meopta #3, the current disappointment. The past two and a half months have been a sour waiting game for sure.
At this point I just want to be done with the ordeal of ordering a "keeper" pair. Need to hang in there just a little bit longer...

It is just a pair of binoculars - I know - and there are other things to worry about but the funny thing is that I've had three pairs for many years and very little use/rotation between the three and the very same year I sell off the lot and start over I am using the one I have almost every day, the 15x56.
With the rekindled interest and after our move out of the city I am really pining for a second pair with a lower magnification...

 

[HenRun]

Unexpected turn of events:
I was a bit hesitant about ordering yet another Meopta 8x32 since it would be some 3-4 weeks before the next one would arrive and I had just about exhausted my patience with lemons and returns and my options started to look expensive.

Lo and behold, a Zeiss 8x32FL turns up in the classifieds over here, good condition and reasonably priced 🤓 the very same day I was about to call the Meopta agent about another try...

So after the weekend I hope to have the Zeiss sent to me and the quest might be over. I am no stranger to the 8/10x32 FL so I know it will fit my distorted skull and my beady eyes.

There is still room for a Meopta in my heart but now I can patiently wait for the B2 series. 😎

 

[Swift802]

Following the launch of the MeoStar B1.1s last year, with the revised dioptre adjuster, Meopta has re-launched this as MeoStar B1 Plus with new armour. They were launched at SHOT Show this year and feature in the Meopta news magazine Meonews.

Meopta binos have at last acquired MeoLux coatings to replace the MeoBright coatings. MeoLux coatings have been around for several years on Meopta riflescopes but I am sure this is their first application on binoculars. In addition Meopta’s rain-shedding coating MeoShield is here replaced by MeoDrop. There are no other specification changes compared with B1.1 or B1.


Lee

Hello Lee,
No MeoLux coatings for the B1 Plus as per the product poster that John Roberts posted. That’s a shame. They show MeoBright, MeoShield and MeoDrop for the B1 Plus range.
It seems that MeoLux is still reserved exclusively for the top of the range sights only? That’s what I gather from the most recent product poster anyway.
Thank you and all the best,
John.

 

[lmans66]

What will the B2's be and when ?..... suspense, jim

 

[NDhunter]

John:
Those Meo-terms, such as Bright, shield, drop are just a copycat name thing that Meopta is doing on Swarovski.

Those same type of lens coatings are very common and being done by most all manufacturers.

Jerry

 

[Swift802]

John:
Those Meo-terms, such as Bright, shield, drop are just a copycat name thing that Meopta is doing on Swarovski.

Those same type of lens coatings are very common and being done by most all manufacturers.

Jerry

Hi Jerry,
I see what you’re saying. Meopta make great binoculars though. My 2005 Meostar 10x42 are much loved by me. Not quite at alpha level as I have compared them to a 2008 Swarovski EL WB, Zeiss FL, and Leica Trinovid BN and Ultravid HD.
They resemble the view from the Trinovid BN the most. Very similar. They’re not as bright as the others mentioned.
Very well built though.
Back to the coatings question though. The thing that I notice most on the Meostar is the lack of a hydrophobic coating funnily enough.
The lenses tend to get fouled quicker than my optics with such coatings. Even on a walk I find it surprising how fouled the lenses become in fine weather. For me this is where a good hydrophobic coating is worth its weight in gold. It saves on the cleaning of the lenses if nothing else.
I am just curious as to what Meopta has in store for the B2. As mentioned by others, maybe they’re saving their latest and greatest coatings for a B2 and the B1 Plus is more of a stop-gap?
Time will tell.
Thanks and stay well all,
John.