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Meopta Meostar 8x32 review

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Topic: Meopta Meostar 8x32 review
Posted By: FrankD
Subject: Meopta Meostar 8x32 review
Date Posted: January/27/2009 at 19:45
Guys,
 
Sorry it has been a while. I seem to find myself having less and less time as the kids get older and the wife gets.....well, more of herself.
 
Wink
 
I am posting a couple of recent reviews I did of some bins.
 
With a great deal of excitement I finally have had the opportunity to get my hands around the new Meopta Meostar 8x32 mm binocular. I have owned almost all of the larger models (7x42, 8x42, 10x42 (Euro) and 10x50) at one time or another. My favorites have been the 8x42 and the 10x50. Now I get to add a new favorite, the 8x32.

Let me offer a bit of an explanation of my preferences before going into a full-blown review. After several years of trying dozens of bins currently on the market in a variety of different configurations I have come to the conclusion that I really prefer full size 7x42 and 8x42 bins to just about anything else out there. These two sizes provide me with what I consider the perfect blend of physical size and weight with a level of optical performance sure to please anyone for just about every application.

I have tried most, if not all, of the mostly highly regarded 32 mm glasses on the market and though they are superb optical instruments I just cannot get the same comfort level with them that I can with a 42 mm glass. My guess is that this is because of two reasons. One, the size of the exit pupil generated by the larger glasses and, two, the fact that the physical size of the larger glasses not only fits my hands better but also provides a more stable viewing platform because of the increased weight. I am making these comments in reference to a “full-time” glass not necessarily something to be used as a “backup” or to be used in situations where size and weight are paramount. If either of the latter issues is a concern then the 32 mm models most certainly win out as they do offer almost identical optical performance in a lighter, more compact package.

So, I guess you would then ask why I would be looking at the smaller 32 mm Meopta. Well, I have a fairly large selection of full-sized 42 mm glass right now. Enough that I don't really have the desire to delve further into that section of the market. So, what is the logical next step to consider? A 50 mm model? A 10x model? Either would be something I would like to eventually explore but for the time being I believe a 32 mm, and an 8x32 mm at that, is a niche that needs to be filled. I did have the wonderful little Zeiss 8x32 FL that could, realistically, serve most of the roles that I would put it into. But it, and some of its brethren in the price stratosphere, leave me with a bit of mixed feelings. They are all beautiful glass that provide views unequaled by any but their larger counterparts. The ergonomics of the 8x32 EL, the color representation in the Ultravid, the total lack of color fringing in the FL…all provide experiences that truly have to be …. well … experienced to be appreciated. Even the highly regarded 8x32 SE provides such a superbly realistic representation in its view that they, as a collective group, are difficult to ignore. So, you may ask why anyone would consider getting rid of such wonderful little instruments?

Well, my decision to sell these little gems was not easy. However, with two kids, a mortgage and a lot of other bills to pay I just could not justify owning them. Their performance was superb but their value was not. So, what of the little SE you might ask? It does provide a view that few, if any, bins equal and the price nowadays is well within most folks’ budget. All true but what it doesn’t have is the truly modern physical design that it deserves. The simple addition of waterproofing, in the form of an O-ring seal or true internal focusing, and the addition of modern eyecups would make this a binocular to be feared but without either it does not entirely meet my personal needs. And so, the search continues for that rare 32 mm binocular that provides superb optical performance and retails within a less cost prohibitive price range.

It should come as no surprise then that I was very excited to hear of the introduction of the 32 mm series from Meopta. I have always been a Meopta fan. Their binoculars are true competitors to the “Alpha” glass but at a price that is now less than half of their competition. There have been many times when I held the 42 mm Meostar up next to both the Swarovski SLC and the Leica Trinovid and wondered what justified the price difference. Granted, each has its own set of optical “uniqueness” but, in my opinion, the optical performance of the Meopta was certainly in the same league as these two other “classics”. So, after a great deal of patient waiting I finally have my hands wrapped around the wonderful 8x32 Meopta Meostar.

…and on to the review….

Physical size and ergonomics

The Meostar is a fairly diminuitive binocular roughly about 2/3rds the physical size of its larger 42 mm counterpart. It is also about 2/3rds the weight (21 oz and 30 oz respectively). The rubber armor that covers the binocular is practically identical to that of its larger brethren with the exception of a slightly more pleasing tactile sensation. I dare not call it “slick” in texture in fear of alienating someone that will instantly find objection with it. But it is “slicker” than that of the 42 mm model. This seems to be the result of both the texture of the material and also the amount of cushion it provides.

The binoculars’ ergonomics are excellent in my opinion. There are two small thumb indents on the underside of the barrels. They seem to be placed in just the right spot for my thumbs to slide smoothly into them. The physical length of the binocular also suits my hands quite well. Many 32 mm models are just too short for me to get a decent grip on them resulting in more image shake and a less overall appealing experience. At 4.9 inches the 32 mm Meostar does not suffer from this issue.

The focusing knob is practically identical to that of the 42 mm model in terms of both size and overall design. The issue of focusing tension and speed is a very individual one but I, personally, find the Meopta’s to be as close to perfect as I have yet to find. Only the original Nikon Venturer might be more precise and responsive. It takes just a bit over one and a half turns to go from close focus (of about 6 feet) to infinity. The diopter mechanism of the Meostar series is integrated into the focus knob. Individual click stop adjustments make aligning it fairly simple.

The 32 mm also shares the eyecup adjustment design of the 42 mm model though there appears to be one small intermediate setting between fully collapsed and fully extended. Both configurations utilize a tripod-mounting hole at the end of the central hinge for more stable viewing.

Optical performance

Many times it is difficult for me to put my optical impressions into words. The 32 Meostar presents just such a challenge. With that thought in mind I will start with the basics.

The first thing that jumps out at me when I look through these binoculars is the strikingly wide field of view (both apparent [64 degrees] and true [420 feet]). The second thing is how flat the image is. From technical drawings presented on the Meopta website I am aware of the use of a field flattener element in the 42 mm design. In practical use it is equally apparent that the 32 mm model uses the same design. In addition, there is also very little noticeable distortion around the outer edge of the image. In other words the size of the sweet spot of image in focus with the center of the field of view is huge. It is

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Frank



Replies:
Posted By: lucytuma
Date Posted: January/27/2009 at 19:59
Nice review Frank, while $800.00 is no steal, it is if you compare it to the $1500.00 of the big 3. 

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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: January/27/2009 at 20:12
Very nice review, Frank


Posted By: FrankD
Date Posted: January/27/2009 at 20:20
Thanks guys. I always have a lot of fun writing them when I get in the right frame of mind.
 
I do have to agree about the price comment. In the grand scheme of things $800 isn't cheap but it is a heck of alot more affordable than the $1600+ currently being asked for the "alphas"....especially when you consider the performance difference, or lack there of in this case.


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Frank


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: January/27/2009 at 20:23
Good job, Frank!Excellent  It would be interesting to see a comparison of the 8X32 Meostar with the new midsize Kowa Genesis.

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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: FrankD
Date Posted: January/27/2009 at 20:37
RD,

Yes it would. I think the Kowa might have a slight edge because of their use of ED glass but I believe the 32 mm Meopta might be closer to it than the 42 mm is to the larger Genesis model.


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Frank



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