Great optics - Meopta MeoPro HD 10x32mm Binocular

I'm reviewing the 10x32 Meopta Meopro. The key here is "10x32". No one in their right mind should prefer a "10x32". Life with an 8x32, 8x42 or 10x42 is much easier. Also the 10x32 build is not the best pick for eye glass wearers, they seldom have enough eye relief. It just comes down to the laws of optics. All in all, most 10x32's are just plain scary.
These, however, are not.

Optics
The optics are outstanding. Very clear, bright and absolutely pin sharp. They rival the best of my 10x42's. These have the ED glass in the objective lens and all the latest/greatest prism and lens coatings. This all works together to produce an amazing picture.

Body
I like the size, color and built of this binocular. They are about 3/4" shorter and 3/4" thinner than the average 10x42 binocular. Probably about 4 ounces lighter as well. These are certainly not pocket binoculars, but still a very handy size. I like the sage green, because, despite what most optics manufacturers think, we don't all live in dark spruce forests.

Ergonomics
Very user friendly. Large eyecups that twist up. They lock at two reasonable settings. There is a bit of movement, but it's not been an issue. These large eyecups make the use of compact binoculars more enjoyable. (I own a pair of reverse porro prism in 8x26 and the eyecups are the size of bottle caps. So despite the great optics, they are a chore to use.) Not so in this case. Great big, full eyecups.

The focus wheel is large and easy to use. It is not firm enough though. This doesn't really come into play as a problem, but I think Meopta missed the boat to show ultimate quality here. Maybe they'll read this someday. Moving on...

The Diopter is perfect on the right barrel. Not too loose, not too firm. Smooth movement.

View Presentation

I like that when I bring them up, there is no figure eight or barreling, just a perfect dark circle surrounding the astounding view. This is likely a function of good barrel darkening, proper eye relief and good collimation. It's a bit of a rarity in a mid-range 10x32 build. Very pleasant.

Fix list

Dear Meopta, what on earth caused you to put the lanyard guides on the belly of the barrels? They go on the sides, like most binoculars. Where they are now, it causes a pivot point to tilt forward when worn with a neck strap. I have to wonder how this came to be.

The Case and Neck strap

Usually, I don't even mention things like this. It is the optics and ergonomics that make or break a binocular for me. However, as was mentioned in a Meopro 8x32 review, the binocular case supplied is poorly thought out. Not so much a quality issue, as most any case suits my needs, but this case doesn't do it's job. It utilizes an opposing pair of magnets to seal the over-flap to the main body. However, unless the binocular is totally free from lens caps, rain guard and neck strap, it will not close, as the bulk slides the magnets too far apart to seal. (in other words,..10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound pouch). In addition, seal or not, I'd hate to think about shaking it upside down.

The supplied neck strap is very skinny. It also uses a set of very petite click-locks that are just plain scary. I actually like this binocular a lot and will not trust it to this case and neck strap. I'm fine, I have lots of this stuff, but beware that you may have to improvise. If nothing else, throw this stuff away, the binocular is worth it by itself.

So there it is, the good and the bad. I've always done reviews strictly by optical merit, because in the end, that's what counts. I'm rating the binocular a "5", because I really like it. Outstanding compacts are hard to find, and this one is a winner. It's a shame Meopta put more thought into their product box (very fancy box), than they did the case and neck strap.

I highly recommend the actual binocular.