Meopta Optika 10x42 HD Binoculars

As an optical brand, Meopta of the Czech Republic offers some exceptional build quality and ability to near match the top Western European makes at very good money. However, they have never really caught on in the UK as well as other manufacturers, which has always been a mystery to me. However, things look set to change, as RUAG AmmoTec UK Ltd. have taken over distribution and product should be available in the next few months. Typically, they build rifle and spotting scopes, along with red dot sights and binoculars and it’s this last one we look at, as they sent their very latest model, the Optika HD.

Price is right

The design offers a mid-weight, compact product, with the option of 8x42 or 10x42 (on test) spec, so ideal for hunting and a great price point too. I won’t get too techy, but the build spec goes like this; magnesium-alloy body with a shockproof, green rubber armoured skin with advanced HD lenses, combined with phase-correction and dielectric coatings. They are a single bridge build, with a large, rear-mounted focus wheel and a primary focus ring on the right-hand barrel, offering a dioptric correction of -4/4 D, twist-up eye cups suit all eyesight types, including glasses. Weight is 22.9oz and length 5.4”, with an inter pupillary distance adjustment of 56 to 74mm.

They come in a semi hard zipped case, with carry strap, plus a padded neck strap along with a cleaning cloth and front and rear lens protectors. The former attaching to each barrel by a loop, so not easy to lose. They are nitrogen-purged and fully sealed for fog and waterproof performance. They sit easily in the hand with the upper and side surfaces of the barrels being textured for a secure grip in all weathers. Although purely cosmetic, the green and black finish is visually appealing and what perhaps we perceive a pair of hunting binos should look like.

Optical quality

Image quality was very good, with vibrant and true colour rendition and the HD (high definition) ability really caused what you were looking at to snap into sharp focus from the background. Close focus is a quoted 3m/9.8 feet, not that I really need to get that personal, but I imagine for people like birders and those who just like looking at wildlife it could be of some use. Light transmission figures are 88% in daylight and 85% in twilight and the exit pupil is 4.2mm. The true test of any binos is in low light conditions and the Optikas performed well.

As a control and comparison, I used my Swarovski EL 10x42 Range binoculars, these are without doubt one of the top three makes in the business. Across a range of subjects, animals and foliage, their 91% light transmission value and build did produce a better image in terms of colour etc. However, the Optika’s held up very well and were not found wanting, so no complaints, as price-wise they do not even break £300.

Overall an impressive set of well spec’d binos and a model I would be happy to take hunting.