Meopta 12x50 MeoStar B1 Plus HD (1 Viewer)

[mpopo123]

GM All!

I was looking at this pair of binoculars for my wife to do amateur bird watching.

They are listed just under $1600 USD, is there another manufacturer I should look at for quality/value at this price point?

Just unsure about the ergonomics and fit of the Meopta.

Thank You in advance for your comments, stay well!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Have you considered the GPO Passion HD 12.5x50 Binocular ? Side by side I do not think you'll see a difference plus the slimmer design of the GPO is favorable to hold, GPO has a lifetime no fault warranty, the Meopta, at this time, would need to be sent back to the Czech Republic for service until such time that they reopen a USA center and the GPO is hundreds of $$$ less expensive

 

[Sheepwatcher]

The Maven B6 12x50 is optically and ergonomically excellent and is hundreds of dollars cheaper. It's also significantly lighter than the Meopta. Also, Maven has a program that allows you to test drive any of their binoculars for a couple of weeks. If you don't like it, you're just out the cost of shipping. Maven's customer service is also excellent.

 

[Isthatascratch?]

GM All!

I was looking at this pair of binoculars for my wife to do amateur bird watching.

They are listed just under $1600 USD, is there another manufacturer I should look at for quality/value at this price point?

Just unsure about the ergonomics and fit of the Meopta.

Thank You in advance for your comments, stay well!

I always love an EL 12x50 if you can get a good used one. They are excellent all round.

 

[Tringa45]

I was looking at this pair of binoculars for my wife to do amateur bird watching.

If she's just starting a 12x binocular would be a very poor choice.
Some specialists use a 12x50 for distant raptor watching but the gains are marginal compared to lower magnifications because any hand unsteadiness is magnified accordingly.
Other disadvantages are the weight, reduced field of view and short depth of field.
An 8x42 is arguably the best allround format or even an 8x32 if weight is considered an issue. The former has a large 5,25 mm exit pupil for good twilight performance and ease of view and even the exit pupil of the latter is comparable to the 12x50.

John

 

[tenex]

The price point of new MeoStars is not as attractive as it once was either. In that curious range I would prefer a nice used Ultravid or EL, or for less money perhaps a used MeoStar over a new Maven etc, largely for the build quality.

12x is an unusual choice but IMO appropriate for the conditions described in your other thread. Any 12x50 will be heavier and have somewhat less FOV than your own 12x42 but of course you know that, and are perhaps thinking of cost, or...?

 

[mpopo123]

Thank You for the reply's, I think I will focus on the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL.

 

[mpopo123]

Appreciate the assistance here, ordered the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL from B&H Photo.

I want to protect the binoculars when in transport or not hanging around the neck, can anyone recommend a good fitting case for these?

I guess for $2K you only get a "Bag", which I guess is useless.

 

[ads]

I compiled a large table of binocular cases available on amazon.com, but I don't know how to share it.

I prefer cases with handles. Maven offers cases in 4 different sizes:
Amazon.com

The compact size Maven actually fits my Kowa BD Series PROMINAR XD 8x42 with strap, so maybe the mid size variation would work for you.

 

[Patudo]

I guess for $2K you only get a "Bag", which I guess is useless.

I would hesitate to describe the bag now supplied with the EL/NL as "useless". It may not be as stylish as the former Fieldbag (which you can purchase separately) but it's not too different from the "shaving bags" that came with the old SLCs (and I think Habichts as well?) and indeed similar bags supplied by Leica and Zeiss for the BA/BN Trinovids and later Dialyts respectively. All of which were perfectly fine for their intended purpose.

$2K doesn't go as far as it used to - I'd rather Swarovski (or whoever) stinted on the packaging and accessories rather than the optics, which from my own (admittedly brief) comparison of the 8.5x42 "Legend" to my brother's Fieldpro, seem every bit as good except for the longer short focus.

 

[mpopo123]

Just wanted to report back to the forum on the EL 8.5x42 I had ordered, all I can say is WOW!!

Having a sunny afternoon here in Colorado after a few days of in climate weather, I was able to get out on the deck for observation. The glass is crystal clear and defined, and the fit and finish is suburb. They just feel perfect when holding them in your hands.

Thank You all who chimed in and assisted with the expensive decision, I will have these for a long time.