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The Binocular Advisor

Binoculars of Note

Meopta B1
High-end Binocular Review, 2008

by Michael and Diane Porter

Meopta B1

Our survey of top binoculars (High-end Binoculars Review, Bird Watcher's Digest, September, 2008) included the Meopta Meostar B1 binocular.

Rather compact for a 42mm binocular, the Meopta Meostar offers good optics and sturdy construction at a moderate price. It's half the price of the costliest items on our list.

Our judges found the focus knob and hinge too stiff. Indeed the focus knob of the 10x42 model dragged against the side of the barrel housing. Although the binocular's rugged rubber armoring presents a harder surface than most of the binoculars in our survey, it was pleasant to touch. At only 5.5 inches long, this is a relatively compact binocular, if not a particularly lightweight one (30.4 ounces).

In its favor, the 8x42 Meostar boasts the widest field of view of any full-sized binocular in our survey, barely edging out the Vortex Razor 8x42 by one foot.

Meopta is a Czech company known for designing and manufacturing optical products for industry, including riflescopes and spotting scopes. It was formed in 1933 and is now the only optical manufacturer in the Czech Republic.

See our Ratings Chart for the statistical comparison of how the Meopta Meostar B1 compared to other top-end binoculars in our survey.

In the US, the Meostar carries a North American limited lifetime warranty that is transferable to subsequent owners. The Meostar comes in 8x42, 10x42, 7x42, 8x32, 7x50, 10x50, and 8x56.


Bird Watcher's DigestCopyright 2008 by Michael and Diane Porter.

This article appears as part of the High-end Binoculars Round Up in the September, 2008, issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.

 

 


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