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Meopta 15x56 HD - Reviews and Information (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter John A Roberts
- Start date
hopster
Well-known member
I would love to try the 15x56 on a monopod because the 12x works so well. I can imagine the longer reach would be so interesting once you get it steady. I find that easiest sitting down with the monopod in front of me at head height.
As you say, even at 12x thermals can be noticeable. I have never used a scope but how do people cope with thermals and other atmospherics at 40x?
Yarkho
Optics afficionado
The short answer is, we don't...
There are days when thermals are noticeable and distracting even in 10x. Last week I was on a (birding) vacation and spent many a morning hour on observation towers in the local reserves. On most of the occasions the thermals, coupled with wind, completely prevented me from identifying waders ~300m away. At most I could say that that the bird is gray (very helpful, i know) and that some might have orange legs. This after concerted effort to stay at the eyepiece and looking for calmer moments. It felt like observing planets in an astronomical telescope.
HenRun, thanks for the description of the handling of the Meopta 15x56, this gives me something to think about.
There are days when thermals are noticeable and distracting even in 10x. Last week I was on a (birding) vacation and spent many a morning hour on observation towers in the local reserves. On most of the occasions the thermals, coupled with wind, completely prevented me from identifying waders ~300m away. At most I could say that that the bird is gray (very helpful, i know) and that some might have orange legs. This after concerted effort to stay at the eyepiece and looking for calmer moments. It felt like observing planets in an astronomical telescope.
HenRun, thanks for the description of the handling of the Meopta 15x56, this gives me something to think about.
View attachment P4250013.JPG
The 15x56 (on the left) and the 8x56 (on the right) are very similar in size. The 15x56 is approximately 150g heavier.
I haven't seen or tried the 12x but I suspect it is almost the same size.
As for handling twixt the two Meopta's I own, the 15x is more suited to mono/tropod use hence the Aziak clamp fitted to the right barrel. The 8x is more than capable of being hand held and is a real low light monster.
It is not so much the weight, as 150g is not much of a difference, it is the ability to keep the higher magnification steady for longer periods.
But both are such lovely bino's to use and to hold. They truly are superb and I will add to my Meopta collection when I can.
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As you can see the 12x50 is quite a bit... ...less large...
With rubber lens caps on the 12x50 weighs in at 1075 grams.
Give or take a gram or two from any powder residue on the scale that might have affected the weigh in at the dealership.
But, yes, extra reach is seldom a bad thing.
I think I would be able to support around 18X on a monopod successfully.
With rubber lens caps on the 12x50 weighs in at 1075 grams.
Give or take a gram or two from any powder residue on the scale that might have affected the weigh in at the dealership.
But, yes, extra reach is seldom a bad thing.
I think I would be able to support around 18X on a monopod successfully.
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Wow that extra 6mm of glass really does make a difference to the size. Methinks the 12x is the next one on the list.
The scope is being used as the athmosperics allow on a per-day basis.
Yesterday evening I could rack up the APO Televid 65 to full 50X and stare a hare dead in the eye out on the field.
Other days I need to throttle down the magnification to whatever is usable. The ability to zoom in and out is useful.
Thermals can vary very much of course but as with all optical entrapments I find that the better the bino/scope the more manageable the thermals up since it does not add any abberations to the abberations.
Also for medium range viewing there is seldom enough "air disturbance" between me and the subject so a 30-40X is not a problem but if I am switching from that to something across a few fields or a km out there is so much more it looks like a mirage...
I spent half an hour out just this morning, together with the SFL 8x40, the 12X strikes a good balance for reach and portability.
And it fits, barely, in my chest harness/bag.
hopster
Well-known member
If we go out and do some distance birding we can swap 12x and 15x to compare.
Thotmosis
Well-known member
30 yrs warranty, that’s really cool!!
Winchester44
Well-known member
Well they finally arrived. Cloudy rainy day, but absolutely impressed. Far far better than Sig Zulu 9. Best focuser on a bino maybe ever, Very hand holdable for short periods and plenty of eye relief. Thumb reliefs are bit off center of gravity. Optically magnificent!! Depth of field for such a high mag is incredible, truly designed to scan the expanses. Can’t wait for a sunny day and get them on a tripod.
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That is great to hear, glad first impressions are solid.
It is a rugged bino and should serve you very well.
'I love the smell of a recommendation in the morning. It smells like victory.'
One stab at a first impression as they say, and I am delighted that it is a very positive one!
Enjoy your fantastic bino's, they blend optical quality and robustness in a masterful way.
Winchester44
Well-known member
Quick question what is a recommended or best way to carry these in the field? They are really too heavy for all day on a neck strap. I believe jumbo harnesses/chest packs exist, but it will mostly be on a tripod. I’m guessing some sort of case and in my day pack is the best. Unfortunately the factory case while classy is a bit flimsy and not very form fitting.
hopster
Well-known member
I take my 12x50 in a small backpack if I'm not using it, or else I attach it to the shoulder strap loops with a simple hack so that it sits high on my chest and is available for immediate use but the weight is taken on the shoulder straps like a harness.
If I'm carrying more I put it in the padded side pocket of an old fishing rucksack which fits perfectly and protects it.
Winchester44
Well-known member
Love my monopod!
Thermals are very much a concern where I am. Late in the day in the summer a scope is of very limited use over any real distance mover say 100mm. However in the morning when the air is calm , 40x is impressive through my Leica APO Telvid.
Winchester44
Well-known member
Agree with your sentiments based on first impressions. I’m curious why the thumb cut outs are so close to the ocular end on the long 15x56. I might not be holding them correctly. Just seemed a bit of a stretch to use them and still reach focus and balance them in the hand. This is really only fault I can find, but might be user error.
Winchester44
Well-known member
I love love my 12x50EL Swarovision. This 15x56 is definitely a step up in reach but 12x50 is a great balance. I sent through 4 chest harnesses to find one to fit it well. (Marsupial medium soaked and stretched out with two mason jars, now perfect)
Winchester44
Well-known member
I bet that 8x56 in low light is very impressive.
