So my questions are, how does the Meopta Meostar compare to the LX in:'
Contrast?
Color saturation?
Sharpness (on-axis)?
Sharpness (off-axis)?
Focusers
ER (with glasses/sunglasses)
Thanks!
Brock
I spent a good deal of time this afternoon at the local Cabelas comparing the three Meopta Meostar configurations as well as the Cabelas Eurobin, a rebadged Meopta 10x42. Here are my impressions:
8x42 - The first thing that caught my attention when looking through this bin was the exceptionally wide field of view. At 411 feet it is a few feet wider than even the Zeiss FL. The image appeared to be as bright as the Nikons and my Leica Trinovids but a hair less bright than the Zeiss FLs. Based on size and image quality this was probably my favorite of the three configurations.
10x42 Meostar and 10x42 Eurobin - These two were optically and physically identical (minus the $200 price difference) so comments apply to both. This was probably my least favorite of the configurations. My only explanation is that it must be somehow related to the slightly smaller exit pupil as that is all I can come up with. I had trouble getting the correct diopter setting for this configuration but eventually found one that was somewhat comfortable. Image quality overall was comparable to the 8x42 but the narrower field of view and dimmer image were immediately noticeable. I just didn't get that relaxed feeling with this bin. Sharpness was as good at the 8x42 and it is the same size and shape as the 8x42 but this one just didn't give me that favorable impression which some bins do.
10x50 - This one was a surprise. I am not keen on big bins nor the 10x configuration but the image of this bin is extraordinary. I have to compare it directly to the 10x50 Swaro SLC (and did in the store) because that has to be what this bin was built to compete against. Brightness levels were entirely comparable between these two bins with the Meostar actually appearing a bit brighter...though that may be the result of better contrast or a slightly warmer color bias (more on that later). The image between these bins was virtually identical in terms of perceived sharpness, contrast and level of distortion. The only real difference I could note in the store was the slightly warmer color bias of the Meostar. I wonder if this could almost be somewhat of a comparison between the "Old SLC" and "New SLC" in terms of image quality. Though I have seen it mentioned that there is no affiliation between these two companies there are just so many similarities between these two bins both physically and optically (though the Meostar is about a half inch shorter in length).
The focusing mechanism on this bin is particularly smooth and very precise though a bit slow compared to my Nikon and Leica. It does allow for very minute changes in focus without overshooting the sweet spot. Overall built quality is excellent though not quite at the level of the SLCs. The Swaros' build and mechanics are "elegant" to me while the Meoptas seem just more functional. The central hinge, eyecups, etc... just don't have the "fluid" feeling that the Swaros do. I do not know if I would call it a quality issue or not but there is a definitive difference.
Now, as you probably have already figured out I decided to take the 10x50s home with me. I took them out to the local hawk watching site this afternoon to see how they performed. Physically they are a handful as their length and weight are significantly larger than what I have been accustomed to using. Optically they are superb and definitely similar to the 7x42 SLCs that I was using a few weeks ago. Image representation in terms of color, off axis distortion, sharpness and brightness are all very comparable. Probably the only negative worth commenting on is the level of chromatic abberation. There is some and noticeably more than the Swaro SLCs. Is it significant to the point of being distracting? No, not in my opinion but it is there and I can see it which means it might be more than some folks would be willing to tolerate as I do not consider myself someone overly sensitive to it.
If you have been following my thread in the Nikon forum I have also been keen on trying out the 10x35 EII. Well I ordered one through Amazon and also took it out to compare in the field with the Meopta. As expected the Meopta is significantly brighter with better contrast though the Nikon really did hold its own. When you consider the objective diameter is significantly smaller and the price is a little less than a third of the Meopta though then you really have to respect the image that this little glass presents. If it wasn't for the exceptionally short eye relief on the Nikons I probably would have decided to keep them instead.
In concluding I think the Meoptas are going to be keepers for me. They are definitely a nitch bin though as I cannot see me toting around a 10x bin for general use and especially not one that is as big and as heavy as these are. For those of you wondering how the Meoptas compare to the big three (make that four with the Nikon) I would say that they compare very favorably...noticeably better than their immediate competition in the $900-$1000 price range. My advice? Buy them now while they still are at this price point.