I happen to have an old Nikon Monarch ATB (wife's old pair, close to 15 years old now!), owned the Tract 10x42 for many months, and own a Meostar 8x32.
First, either the Tract or a Meopta will be a HUUUUUGE upgrade over the Monarch ATB. Your eyes will pop when you see the immense difference in clarity, brightness, sharpness, and reduced color fringing. This is way better glass. Both the Tract and Meopta will play ball optically with anything in the $1k-ish price point.
IMO, the Toric UHD 10x42 Schott HT version has the best optics of ANY glass I've looked through that is under $1,500 retail (i.e. the Swarovski SLC level). It is very bright and clear with a wide FOV, a large sweet spot, very gradual roll-off at the edge, extremely neutral, and EXTREMELY sharp. Like super crazy sharp, sharper at long distance than anything I've tried below $1,500 other than the Kowa Genesis with their XD lenses (which are widely praised for having terrific "micro contrast").
The MeoPro Air are so new that there aren't many reviews, however the Meostar line is beloved and always on the short list for best glass in the $1K range. I adore my Meostar 8x32 and think they punch way above their prices optically. Meopta makes GREAT glass.
If the Airs are 95% of the Meostar HD optically, they will be worth every penny and certainly be competitive with the Tracts optically. Based on my experience with Tract and Meopta, and measurements of various Meopta models, I would predict:
- the Meoptas will be slightly warmer, with a bit more depth and color contrast/saturation, and superior chromatic aberration control (less color fringing)
- the Tracts will appear more neutral (even slightly "cool") in comparison, and perhaps a wee bit "crisper" in terms of microcontrast that makes them feel a tiny bit sharper when resolving tiny details (that said, the Meoptas should be very sharp as well)
I bet it will be close to a draw optically, depending on your tastes, and again both will be about as a good as it gets for a "sub alpha".
The biggest differentiators are going to be ergonomics, build, and the companies.
The Tract build quality is just fine, they are solid and rugged, but the exterior materials (while comfortable) feel a bit cheap and the mechanical engineering quality isn't the best. Meoptas on the other hang are absolute tanks, with very high end build and finish that exude solidity and engineering prowess. Remember, Meopta makes their own glass and binoculars and has for decades, Tract is a new company who orders them to be built by others (Kamakura).
Secondarily, while I have nothing but praise for the high level of personal service I received when I had an issue with my Tracts, if this is a long-term investment and you want to use these for 10-20 years..... well, I know for sure which company I would put my money on still being there. And I also know where I would bet my money on the binocular to be still functioning mechanically almost as good as new when you hit that 10-20 year mark.
If the Airs are anywhere near the level of build quality of the Meostars, those should survive a lot of abuse and keep on chugging. And if they do eventually give out, Meopta will take care of you (and so will Tract.... if they are still around). The Meopta warranty is awesome and the company gets great marks for their customer service and you know the binocular will be repaired to be as good (or better) than new. And the superior brand reputation / longevity will also result in much better resale value if you decide to change in a few years.
So bottom line for me:
- long term investment? a big splurge for you? do you get anxiety buying something expensive and want to feel confidence that it will last? Meopta, no question. Even if the Tracts are 5-10% better optically (unknown at this point), the Meopta are a far better investment, based on the mechanical/build quality, company reputation / longevity / engineering prowess, and superior resale value... and I would bet money that these will be really, really good optically. Meopta is that good, that consistent, up and down their product line.
- just want the brightest, sharpest, crystalline view in a compact package and you won't be devastated if the company goes under and/or the binoculars fail in 5-10 years? like the idea of supporting an "upstart" brand / small business trying to make a name? the Tract Schott HT are about as good as it gets under $1500 optically, they are a proven and tested model with tons of glowing end user reviews
BUT
.... in a perfect world, you get both and decide for yourself