Indeed it could but I think it will be fine.
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Meopta 15x56 HD - Reviews and Information (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter John A Roberts
- Start date
Winchester44: another thing to consider is that Meopta takes Outdoorsmans studs or the (expensive) Swarovski TA-SLC adapter.
Depending on your IPD you might want the thinnest option between the barrels.
If you don't wear glasses you should be fine with the 15x56.
I also fitted a Smallrig pano head to my monopod, with the RRS bino cinch.
A plug for the Sirui SVM 165 one-hand-extension monopod with tripod base:
It has quick release on top and bottom and folds down for easier carry or transport (forget overhead compartment though).
For me a bit of a gamechanger.
Bottom tripod clicks off and can be used separately with the head. Or be removed so the monopod top is used on its own. Spike/rubber feet are stored under the base. There is also a 12" extension to the tripod that clicks in which also is useful for benchtop use with the tripod base and head.
It is a system. Tripod base allows for leaving the bino on the tripod momentarily without tipping over. Actually demo'd this on a slanted driveway when I sold the Leica. There is also a new tripod base which is wider and has a pedal lock. I might get that. But for now I set the holding clamp screw to moderately tight so I can mildly wrestle the angle position and it stays.
Best tripod/monopod buy I have made.
Depending on your IPD you might want the thinnest option between the barrels.
If you don't wear glasses you should be fine with the 15x56.
I also fitted a Smallrig pano head to my monopod, with the RRS bino cinch.
A plug for the Sirui SVM 165 one-hand-extension monopod with tripod base:
It has quick release on top and bottom and folds down for easier carry or transport (forget overhead compartment though).
For me a bit of a gamechanger.
Bottom tripod clicks off and can be used separately with the head. Or be removed so the monopod top is used on its own. Spike/rubber feet are stored under the base. There is also a 12" extension to the tripod that clicks in which also is useful for benchtop use with the tripod base and head.
It is a system. Tripod base allows for leaving the bino on the tripod momentarily without tipping over. Actually demo'd this on a slanted driveway when I sold the Leica. There is also a new tripod base which is wider and has a pedal lock. I might get that. But for now I set the holding clamp screw to moderately tight so I can mildly wrestle the angle position and it stays.
Best tripod/monopod buy I have made.
Swarovski adapter on the Meopta 12x50 - was also used on the 15x56. Clicks off rapidly with the lever, leaving only the connecting stud so it takes up no real estate in a chest harness or bino bag.
Arca Swiss footplate/base on the adapter, same as the RRS Bino cinch.
Cheaper loaner tripod head on that image. A good one though.
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Well-known member
Not using the model name makes this thread very tiresome to read, because I'm not sure which model is being discussed. Is the model being talked about the Meopta MeoStar B1 Plus 15x56 HD? I'm not familiar with the history of all their models.
Does Meopta even have a website that lists their models? Their models only seem to be listed in a PDF of their catalog. It's rather odd.
Does Meopta even have a website that lists their models? Their models only seem to be listed in a PDF of their catalog. It's rather odd.
I am sorry you find it tiresome to read. There is however only one Meopta 15x56 HD.
The family name is Meostar, their best line up. It has had three iterations since the beginning, B1, B1.1 and B1+.
Differences between them have been discussed in various threads already but in short they all have the same optical configuration.
Since the Meostar 15x56 HD is the only one in that magnification made by Meopta it is commonly referred to simply as "the Meopta 15x56".
For people new to the brand there is the brand specific forum, plenty of information there. I started my search there myself.
Unfortunately Meopta has never been known to advertise or promote their products effectively. They are a big player in the optical industry but the binocular range is such a small part of their business that it is not likely to be given that much resources, which is a pity.
The family name is Meostar, their best line up. It has had three iterations since the beginning, B1, B1.1 and B1+.
Differences between them have been discussed in various threads already but in short they all have the same optical configuration.
Since the Meostar 15x56 HD is the only one in that magnification made by Meopta it is commonly referred to simply as "the Meopta 15x56".
For people new to the brand there is the brand specific forum, plenty of information there. I started my search there myself.
Unfortunately Meopta has never been known to advertise or promote their products effectively. They are a big player in the optical industry but the binocular range is such a small part of their business that it is not likely to be given that much resources, which is a pity.
John A Roberts
Well-known member
The main Meopta site is at: Home | Meopta :: Better view of the world
And the 2025 commercial catalogue is available in English, Czech and German versions at: Download | Meopta :: Better view of the world
It shows the current binocular offerings as:
The current 8x32, 10x42 HD and 12x50 HD B1 Plus models are also available for military and other institutional purchasers with a DF designation
- see the 'handheld devices' downloads at the above link.
John
And the 2025 commercial catalogue is available in English, Czech and German versions at: Download | Meopta :: Better view of the world
It shows the current binocular offerings as:
The current 8x32, 10x42 HD and 12x50 HD B1 Plus models are also available for military and other institutional purchasers with a DF designation
- see the 'handheld devices' downloads at the above link.
John
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John A Roberts
Well-known member
In terms of the original B1 and variations:
The original B1 showing the different sizes; the B1.1 with the revised focuser/ locking diopter (from Lee/ Troubadour in the first link above):
The B1 Plus line with the new RA and the alternate colours offered on the initial production:
John
The original B1 showing the different sizes; the B1.1 with the revised focuser/ locking diopter (from Lee/ Troubadour in the first link above):
The B1 Plus line with the new RA and the alternate colours offered on the initial production:
John
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Almost as tiresome as those who cannot be arsed to research freely available information themselves. You answered with inordinate grace @HenRun, my reply would almost certainly have ended with ....off.
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hopster
Well-known member
I must admit I thought something similar when I heard that response!
True.
But isn't it a shame when you (and in this case I do mean you) go to extreme lengths to answer a question or do a detailed review on a newly introduced optic that there is always a knob who just doesn't get it.....and who replies in a manner which some might consider refreshingly direct, but which I consider to be fecking rude.
PatR - thanks for that!
I do enjoy taking part in enthusiast forums, like BF. Common interests unite!
For me it is very rewarding to have people with similar interests to banter with - and for the most part it seems BF has a pretty good mix of people with a diverse knowledge base.
Cultural differences aside it seems common interest can go a long way. There will always be fringe views and some stubborn old farts - in a few years I might end up belonging to both categories haha!
I do enjoy taking part in enthusiast forums, like BF. Common interests unite!
For me it is very rewarding to have people with similar interests to banter with - and for the most part it seems BF has a pretty good mix of people with a diverse knowledge base.
Cultural differences aside it seems common interest can go a long way. There will always be fringe views and some stubborn old farts - in a few years I might end up belonging to both categories haha!
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Well-known member
So there's only one Meopta 15x56 HD, but three models with minor revisions?
Meopta MeoStar B1 15x56 HD
Meopta MeoStar B1.1 15x56 HD
Meopta MeoStar B1 Plus 15x56 HD
What would be the harm in listing the exact model being evaluated?
Ads: if you had bothered to actually read my first post in the thread you would see that I started out with the exact information about the binocular model and version that I was referring to.
And no, it is not three "models".
It is three minor revisions of the very same model. As I wrote, again, I have the latest version.
Yarkho
Optics afficionado
HenRun, how would you describe the differences in handling the B1+ in 12x50 and 15x56?
The B1+ 15x56 looks like a beast. I have only ever held the 8x56 in a shop and thought, wow i expected it to be much worse. Then again, the 8x56 is lighter even if they are about the same size.
The B1+ 15x56 looks like a beast. I have only ever held the 8x56 in a shop and thought, wow i expected it to be much worse. Then again, the 8x56 is lighter even if they are about the same size.
Yarkho: I could not handle the 15x56 handheld. Too shaky for me. On a monopod it worked wonders of course.
I could handle it briefly for birds in flight but at mid range with trees in the background I could get dizzy from the magnification and panning rapidly.
In that case the small FOV worked against me. But for monopod viewing I actually liked the isolation the smaller FOV gave me with 15X since AFOV was good enough.
Summer time in the horse fields the thermals were already strong at 15X for looking across the fields!
With the 12X I have gotten confident in handholding it for shorter periods and I have no problems handholding it for birds in flight for longer periods and get no vertigo from it. On a monopod it is fantastic and it is less affected by thermals.
The shorter format of the 12X makes it more comfortable than the 15X for me for weight distribution. The 15x56 is a bit of a beast, that is for sure.
I could handle it briefly for birds in flight but at mid range with trees in the background I could get dizzy from the magnification and panning rapidly.
In that case the small FOV worked against me. But for monopod viewing I actually liked the isolation the smaller FOV gave me with 15X since AFOV was good enough.
Summer time in the horse fields the thermals were already strong at 15X for looking across the fields!
With the 12X I have gotten confident in handholding it for shorter periods and I have no problems handholding it for birds in flight for longer periods and get no vertigo from it. On a monopod it is fantastic and it is less affected by thermals.
The shorter format of the 12X makes it more comfortable than the 15X for me for weight distribution. The 15x56 is a bit of a beast, that is for sure.
