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.
The straight-through viewing MeoPro 20-60x80 HD Spotting Scope from Meopta
combines a powerful 20-60x eyepiece, extra-low dispersion fluoride
glass lenses, and a suite of optical coatings to make this spotter
optimized for long distance and low-light performance.
Its wide
magnification range allows you scan wide swaths of the landscape for
subjects on low power with the ability to quickly zoom in and make
detailed observations and identification. A large 80mm objective lens is
engineered for maximum light-gathering ability with complementary fully
multi-coated lenses to maximize light transmission, enhance image
contrast, and improve clarity and resolution. Exposed lens surfaces are
also protected from scratches and abrasions and the buildup of water and
other contaminants that can interfere with clear views.
Durable
construction details and a user-friendly design match the optical
performance of the MeoPro 80 spotting scope. The Centric-Drive focus
wheel is oversized and textured for nonslip focusing in the rain or when
wearing gloves. The objective housing is nitrogen filled and O-ring
sealed to deliver fog and waterproof imaging in freezing temperatures
and high humidity. For added protection, the chassis is made of a
lightweight and strong magnesium alloy to provide a shock-resistant
foundation for the optical system. A retractable aluminum sunshade, long
18.5mm eye relief, and rotating/locking tripod collar make the MeoPro
HD 80 a full-featured spotting scope for a wide range of outdoor
activities.
Optical Performance Powerful
zoom eyepiece offers a wide 20-60x magnification range that enables the
user to scan wide areas of the terrain for subjects with the ability to
zoom in for detailed observation and identification Large 80mm
objective lens draws in the light required to ensure subjects remain
bright and clear, especially when viewing at extreme distances at
maximum magnification or in low and challenging light conditions Eyepiece is integrated into the optical system so fewer lens elements are required for improved brightness Extra-low dispersion fluoride glass corrects color fringing and other chromatic aberrations to ensure accurate colors Ion-assisted
MeoBright multi-coatings maximize light transmission to deliver
enhanced low-light performance while suppressing reflection and glare MeoShield coatings protect external lens surfaces and resist scratching and abrasion Hydrophobic MeoDrop coatings repel water, grease, skin oils, and lens surface contaminants that can impair view clarity 108-foot field of view at 1000 yards on 20x, 66-foot on 60x Use and Handling Eyepiece
is set in line with the optical tube to make finding subjects faster
and tracking moving subjects easier versus angled-viewing designs Centric-Drive
focus system features an oversized mid-body focus control with a large
rubberized wheel that is easy to manipulate even when wearing thick
gloves Multi-position twist-up eyecup for comfortable use with or without eyewear Extra-long 18.5mm exit pupil helps to reduce eyestrain to make viewing more comfortable Wide 4mm exit pupil on 20x will cover most pupils as they open in low-light conditions Construction Details Lightweight and strong magnesium alloy chassis Armored rubber body protects optics from impacts while offering a positive grip during setup and breakdown Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging in extreme conditions and temperatures 360°
rotating and locking tripod collar enables precise eyepiece placement
based on viewing position or personal preference and comfort Standard
1/4"-20 thread on foot for mounting on most photo/video/field tripods
and heads, compatible with select Manfrotto quick release heads Retractable sunshade improves contrast and clarity on bright and sunny days while minimizing the threat of lens flare
Meopta MeoPro HD Specs Performance
Magnification 20 to 60x Objective Lens Diameter 80 mm Field of View 20x: 107.6' @ 1000 yd / 35.7 m @ 1000 m60x: 65.7' @ 1000 yd / 21.8 m @ 1000 mMinimum Focus Distance 19.7' / 6.0 m Exit Pupil Diameter 20x: 4 mm60x: 1.3 mmEye Relief 18.5 mm Diopter Correction -5.0 to +5.0
Features
Fogproof Yes, Nitrogen Filled Water Resistance Waterproof
General
Tripod Mounting Thread 1/4"-20 Female Dimensions L: 15.2" / L: 38.6 cm Weight 4.2 lb / 1.9 kg
In the Box Meopta MeoPro 20-60x80 HD Spotting Scope (Straight Viewing) Objective Lens Cover Ocular Lens Cover Lens Cloth Case Limited Lifetime Warranty
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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
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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