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Meopta 15x56 HD MeoStar B1 Binocular Review (Award-Winning)


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Meopta Meostar B1 15x56 HD Binoculars
Image Credit - Meopta

Magnification: 15X
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 56 mm
Close Focus Distance: 16.4 feet
Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.59 x 2.36 inches
Weight: 43.28 ounces
Field of View: 219 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 15.2 mm/ 3.7 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: Schott Glass
Prism System: Schmidt-Pechan
Focus System: Center
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Eye cups: Twist up
Tripod adaptable: Yes
Rangefinder: No

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation

Update: Unfortunately Meopta has discontinued the MeoStar B1 15x56 binoculars. For popular alternatives, check out our best high end binoculars article.

Meopta MeoStar 15x56 B1 Binoculars Review

This MeoStar B1 15X56 HD is a beast of an optic, and it's deserving of its mammoth 43.28 ounce frame. Its huge HD, ED, Schott glass 56 mm objective lens are coated in everything there is from MeoBright to MeoShield within a fully waterproof and fog-proof house.

So far, things have been quiet online as far as ratings are concerned. But, this doesn't mean it's not a good optic. I think we've previously established that Meopta is a great brand and deserves more attention than it currently gets.

If you snub your nose to this binocular just because no one has kindly posted their opinion publicly online, then you're a snob. I can guarantee that if you gave it a try, you'd never go back to spending twice the amount for other quality binoculars again.

As the largest binocular in the Meopta line, this MeoStar was just begging for a spot on this Meopta binocular review. It didn't have to beg too much since I've been smitten with its size from the beginning.

With such big objective lens, is this really a low light binocular? Maybe it's better suited as just an extreme long range viewing optic? Let's nit pick the Q&A for an answer. Then, if after that you still have questions such as 'what is MeoBright and MeoShield', check out the Q&A section of our MeoStar 10X32 review for even more information about the MeoStar line of binoculars.

Pros:

  • Excellent quality glass
  • Excellent quality coatings
  • Schmidt-Pechan prism
  • Long range use
  • Tripod adaptable

Cons:

  • Price

Meostar B1 15x56 HD Binocular Q&A:

Is this  15x56 HD MeoStar a long range hunting binocular?

This 15x56 HD MeoStar is an excellent tool for long range hunting. In fact, it's designed for the extreme ranges. This is usually the magnification range where rifle scopes end and binoculars excel.

While hunting, you'll be able to range your area well beyond 1000 yards with ease. If you're actually shooting at these distances, then you're going to need to make sure you have just as capable equipment to make that shot.

This binocular is also going to perform very well not only for hunting, but for nature observing and perhaps some astronomy as well.

Is this 15x56 HD Meostar a good binocular for low light hunting?

The 56 mm objective lens size might indicate to you that it's an excellent low light binocular. But, let's take a peek at the techs and specs to further analyze its capabilities.

With a 56 mm objective lens and 15X magnification, the math tells us that the exit pupil is 3.7 mm. Hmm.. From what we know about pupil dilation and dark conditions, the human pupil should be able to open up anywhere between 4 and 7 mm. Although the 56 mm objective lens might be larger to allow in more light, the exit pupil isn't large enough to let it all through.

So, you're really not getting maximum use of the large objective lens in the end.

However, if you can get your hands on a MeoStar 8X56 HD model, you'll be able to get up to 7 mm of exit pupil. It might still be a little much for your eyes anyways, but that's better than the 3.7 on the 15X56.

Unfortunately, you're paying for the larger exit pupil by compromising your twilight factor capacities.

You still have to remember that the twilight transmission of 85 percent and the twilight factor of 29 are still decent figures. In the end, the difference that's going to matter in making this a great low light hunting binocular is the quality of the glass.

All other aspects aside, if you have superb glass that's the best of what you can get, that's going to be more useful to you than any math, percentages, and comparisons.

YouTube video

Has the MeoStar 15X56 HD binocular been recognized?

How could this binocular not? It's so big that you can see it from a mile away. It attracted the attention of Gray's Sporting Journal and won the prestigious award of Gray's Best Winner for 2016.

For a binocular that was just released into the market in 2015, this is a very deserving award it has earned, never mind the fact that Meopta could use the spot light to get its name out there.

How big is the Meopta's 15x56 binocular?

I've been giving this MeoStar a hard time because of it's magnification+objective lens size combo, but let's actually take a look at its physical dimensions. It's 7.87 x 5.59 x 2.36 inches.

Okay, this binocular barely squeezes into the standard size pair of jeans with maybe a little bit of a muffin top - way to go. It's not as big as I've made it out to be.

And, as a fun way to redeem myself to the 15X56, let's take a look at the 8X56 model, you might just be a little surprised. Its dimensions are 8.03 x 5.59 x 2.52 inches - just slightly bigger than the 15X56.

But, this binocular is still heavier at a whopping 43.28 ounces, and that's not a bad thing. All that bloat is fully justified, thanks to the extra glass of the 15X magnification.

Is this 15x56 Meostar binocular tripod adaptable?

Yes, and with 15X magnification, you'd hope so too. With such high power hand-held optics, you'll notice it's more difficult to keep a steady image. Even if you don't have shaky hands, the slightest tremors of movement will keep the image in a constant wiggle. Enter here - the convenience of tripods.

The other nice thing about the heifer weight of the binocular is that because it's heavy, it has enough poundage to maintain its position on the tripod. Sometimes too light and compact of a binocular isn't a tripod-friendly device.

It's light frame and weight would be too vulnerable in the wind or really any imperfect weather conditions.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Schmidt-Pechan prism system polished to perfection for extended hours of viewing without eye strain
  • Schott glass with flouride, HD, and ED elements for exceptional glass quality
  • MeoBright fully multi-coated formula for up to 99.8% light transmission
  • MeoShield for ultimate lens protection from scratches and abrasions; military approved
  • Fully waterproof and fog-proof
  • Sculpted rubber armor housing provides shockproof-ability
  • Backed by Meopta's North American Lifetime Transferable Warranty

Our Verdict On The Meopta's Meostar 15x56 Binoculars

To glass it up, the Meopta MeoStar 15X56 HD binoculars are a fantastic buy.

Just look at any other world-class optics brand and compare the prices side by side with the quality of the binocular. You know you have value.

Even though we've listed the price as a drawback, it's only because it's not a typical budget that a hunter is willing to fork out for binoculars. Never mind that, we like everything about it to justify its cost!

However, if that price range is still too much for you to justify, glass on over to the MeoPro HD 10X42 binocular. It's less than 1000 bucks, and it's still got every perk and feature you could want, plus some.

But, if you're fortunate enough to shop in this price range and you want something competitive, give the Vortex Razor HD 12X50 a once-over. Just one peek at it and you might be sold on it. We do love Vortex!

But, there's no denying the fact that no one can compete with Meopta for the quality they provide for the price range they offer. When their performance and quality rates are on par with Zeiss, Swarovski, and Leica, you'll really appreciate Meopta when you see how low they slash the costs.

Update: Unfortunately Meopta has discontinued the MeoStar B1 15x56 binoculars. For popular alternatives, check out our best high end binoculars article.

Further Reading

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Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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