Most high-end spotting scopes ship with a variable-power eyepiece
that can be swapped out for a fixed-power unit (usually 30X) that’s sold
separately. The fixed-power eyepiece generally has better light
transmission and field-of-view than the zoom. The problem is, few
hunters actually buy the second eyepiece, so the versatility of the
system is offset by the additional cost and dust-introducing components
of the detachment mechanism.
Meopta has addressed this problem with the MeoPro 80, a lovely 80mm
spotter that has an integrated, non-removable 20X–60X eyepiece. The
simplicity of the scope allows Meopta to bring the MeoPro to market at
about two-thirds of the cost of its flagship spotting scope, the 82mm
MeoStar S2. But we found the MeoPro has nearly identical optical
performance to its big brother.
It was runner-up in the 12-scope field for low-light performance. The
MeoPro, assembled in the U.S. with Czech components, wowed the test
team with its edge clarity, brightness, and durablity. In a competitive
field of high-power units, the Meopta was the spotter that testers
reached for most frequently when they wanted to glass bull elk on a
mountainside miles away, or to assess hits on our 600-yard rifle target.
- Angled Viewing
- 20-60x Magnification
- Extra-Low Dispersion HD Glass
- MeoBright Ion & MeoShield Multi-Coating
- Waterproof/Fogproof/Shock-Resistant
- Magnesium and Aluminum Chassis
- Rotating Tripod Collar w/ Mounting Foot
- Sculpted Rubber Armored Housing
- Built-In Anodized Aluminum Sunshade
The angled view MeoPro 20-60x80 HD Spotting Scope from Meopta combines a 20-60x wide angle eyepiece, extra-low dispersion HD glass lenses, and a nitrogen-filled housing to create a high-magnification zoom optic designed for low-light and weatherproof performance. An 80mm fluorite objective lens is engineered for maximum light gathering ability and color fidelity. Lens elements are fully multicoated with Meopta's proprietary MeoBright anti-reflective coating, which maximizes the light transmitted throughout the optical path and enhances image contrast. Exposed lens surfaces are also finished with MeoShield scratch-resistant coatings.
Durable construction and user-friendly design match the optical performance of the MeoPro 80 spotting scope. The CentricDrive focus wheel is oversized and textured for non-slip focusing in the rain or when wearing gloves. The objective housing is nitrogen-purged and gasket-sealed to deliver waterproof and fogproof imaging in freezing temperatures and high humidity. For added protection, a magnesium and aluminum chassis provides a shock-resistant foundation for the optical system. The retractable aluminum sunshade, long 18.5mm eye relief, and rotating/locking tripod collar make the MeoPro 80 a full-featured spotting scope for a wide range of outdoor observing tasks.
- Construction Details
- Nitrogen-filled fogproof/waterproof housing
- Magnesium and aluminum chassis
- Rubber armored body
- Use and Handling
Specifications
Magnification | 20.0 - 60.0x |
Objective Lens Diameter | 80 mm |
Field of View | 3.25-1.5° field of view (40-65° apparent viewing angle) |
Minimum Focus Distance | 19.7 ft / 6 m |
Eye Relief | 18.5 mm |
Diopter Correction | ±3 |
Mounting Thread | 1/4"-20 |
Weatherproofing | Waterproof/Fogproof/Shock-resistant |
Length | 14.3" / 36.4 cm |
Weight | 67.97 oz / 1,926.92 g |
In the Box
Meopta MeoPro 20-60x80 HD Spotting Scope (Angled View)
Objective Lens Cover Ocular Lens Cover Lens Cloth Soft Case Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty
How does the cost difference between the MeoPro and the MeoStar affect features?Optically, the MeoPro and the MeoStar
are practically identical. But, there are a couple differences that
keeps the MeoPro in the more affordable price range.
The first is the fixed eyepiece of the
MeoPro. While the MeoStar S2 can use different variable eyepieces, the
20-60X can’t be removed. And, for most hunters, this is completely
acceptable.
The other difference is in the eyepieces of the MeoStar itself. There’s a nifty little system that, obviously, the MeoPro doesn’t have because the eyepiece can’t be changed out.
Expert Verdict
The scoop on the scope is, the Meopta MeoPro 20-60X80 spotter is a great deal for the quality. We’re rooting for the underdog, and the only reason they’re the underdog is because hardly anyone knows about them. But, when you recognize the high quality and superior optics of this spotter, you’ll know the price is more than fair. However, it doesn’t get much smaller than this. This is about as slim and lightweight as it gets for Meopta.
Knowing that you’re going big with Meopta scopes, you might like the MeoStar S2 82 HD. It comes in both straight and angled bodies, and it even includes for interchangeable eyepieces. You can check it out here – https://www.targettamers.com/spotting-scopes/meostar-s2-82-hd-review/.
If you want to stick with a brand you know a lot more, the NightForce TS-80 20-60x80mm Hi-Def spotting scope is right up your alley . It has everything the Meopta has, but it’s got the NightForce (NF) brand behind its build. When it’s NF and practically indestructible, “the force is with you!”
But, if you don’t need the power of Star Wars in the hunt or taking long-distance photos of rare birds, Meopta will be force enough. In fact, we liked this optic so much we have it a spot on our list ot the best high-end spotting scopes, If the underdog has been nationally recognized by renown hunting media sources, it’s dang-well good enough for us!
Meopta Meopro 80mm-HD / 20x-60x Angled Spotting scope review
I have now owned this spotting scope for about a year; and have been
able to compare it side by side almost on a weekly bases with a Leica
APO 82mm, a Leica APO 77mm, a Swarovski ATX-85mm, Spotting scopes, and a
Minox MD-62w-ED spotting scope. (I am an equipment geek; and bring
people out Birding. Letting them Demo all the different spotting scopes
and binoculars that I own: while they are out in a Birding environment!
So that they can make an educated purchase without any possible undue
influence by a profit motivated sales person? I purchase all the
equipment with my own fund's.) This Meopta MeoPro 80mm HD is an
excellent value at it's selling price from B&H Photo! Possibly the
best value on the market for an 80mm spotting scope? Compared to the big
three: it is at least 50% less in cost! It is bright, gives a clear
sharp view, it has a smooth center barrel focus control wheel (which is
easy to control with gloves on in the winter), the zoom control
knob/wheel on the eyepiece is smooth in operation. (The zoom eyepiece is
affixed at the factory: so it can never accidently fall out. Which
cut's down on the manufacturing cost, and over-all cost of the product
to the consumer.) It is rubber armored, and accepts an 86mm UV Haze
filter.(I use UV Haze filters on all my spotting scopes that will accept
a filter!) If there is anything negative at all about this spotting
scope: it would be that it is a little on the heavy side? Even for a
large 80mm objective lens sized spotting scope. This can be overcome
somewhat by using a good lightweight carbon fiber tripod with it. This
spotting scope is one of my absolute favorite spotting scopes! When I am
out Birding alone; this spotting scope is always set up along side my
Swarovski ATX-85mm spotting scope. In all do honesty; I can not say
enough about how much a value this spotting scope is for the money, and
how many nice features you get for the money spent on it. This is a top
end spotting scope that the average person/Birder can afford without too
much difficulty. The people at Meopta are great to deal with, and their
warranty is excellent. (Yes; there are differences between it and the
$$ super spotting scopes! But: unless you are a real technical optic's
geek, and-or a optic's specialist? You would never be able to find, or
barely be able to see the difference's? Even when shown some of the
finer point differences when asked about: the average Birder's that I've
encountered could not see, or stated that it was ever so slight! They
would, or could never spend several thousand more to purchase the
very,very best available. I don't think you could want for more, or get
more for what this spotting scopes offer's for the selling price. And
it's assembled in America using Zeiss Schott glass lenses!
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