Meopta meostar B1 plus 10x42 or 12x50?

[AgentP]

So I’m pretty much set on getting meostars. The deal I found them for is insane and can’t pass up. My big dilemma now is what magnification to get. I have some vortex diamondback 10x42s currently. I know not great glass but still will get the job done at close range. Having 10s makes me want to get some 12s. I will be hunting in Colorado so it can be thick timber or open country. For mule deer I’ll do 90% of glassing on a tripod. I also could grab 15s but that feels like a bit much. Anyone else have the 10s or 12s or both? What made you choose one over the other? I’m seriously leaning towards the 12s because I know I can eventually find some good used deals for a pair of 10s in Meopta, vortex, maven or maybe even Swaro

 

[Spiral Horn]

Don’t know if you’ve actually handled the Meostars. The optics are very good and are built like a tank, but on the downside - they also handle like a tank. It also sounds like you are looking for a pretty much dedicated tripod bino and using your current 10x for more forested environments. That being the case, I’d be looking more toward 15x. To me, the Maven B5 15x56 is a superb option in that regard.

Also, I’m personally not a big fan of 12x. To me, it is more of a compromise-power = a bit too much for handheld glassing, and less than ideal for dedicated tripod use.

 

[AgentP]

Don’t know if you’ve actually handled the Meostars. The optics are very good and are built like a tank, but on the downside - they also handle like a tank. It also sounds like you are looking for a pretty much dedicated tripod bino and using your current 10x for more forested environments. That being the case, I’d be looking more toward 15x. To me, the Maven B5 15x56 is a superb option in that regard.

Also, I’m personally not a big fan of 12x. To me, it is more of a compromise-power = a bit too much for handheld glassing, and less than ideal for dedicated tripod use.

No places near me carry it. Eurooptics has a great deal on the meostars. Was considering the mavens originally but if I can get meostars for the same price why not go for glass with field flatteners. I do hear they are bulky but I’ve also heard the same for mavens, luckily I have big hands. I’m hesitant for the 15s because it would only allow me to use them for tripod glassing. Im leaning towards the 12s because they can be used for some hand holding.

 

[nm.otter]

I can hand-hold 15s OK as long as I have something to brace or lean against. Not comfortable or effective for any kind of extended use, but entirely sufficient to distinguish a critter from a shrub once I've identified something in a preliminary scan with my 8s.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Keep in mind, until Meopta reopens a center here in the USA all service needs to go to the Czech Republic.

You should consider the GPO Passion HD Binoculars. Awesome optics and build quality

 

[Trapper330]

I have the 10's and the 15's. Awesome binos. The 15's go on a tripod and the 10's 0n my chest. I cannot hold 12's steady enough for using by hand. I really like the tripod use of the 15's.

 

[Blackbird]

I had the 12s for years they were a great bino for me. Utilized them off the tripod 90% of the time. Can take quick glances at things handheld but that’s all I would do. I never had to send them back to be worked on but it sounds like that may be an issue these days.

 

[Hoodie]

Meostars are great, but as far as I know they don't have a field flattener. If you're looking for a truly flat field you might want to step up to the Swaro EL. In my experience most binos in the $1k range that advertise field flattening still have some degree of curvature.

The 12x50 Meopta is pretty heavy. I'd go 10x42 based on weight alone, but that's just me. If I wanted a 12x50 there are much lighter, handier options in the same price range.