Looks like Meopta is revamping the 30mm line with some nice improvements. More eye relief, 6X zoom range, new illumination system, hydro coatings (MeoDrop), mil spec coatings (MeoShield), low light weighted (like Zeiss does and now Leupold too), not super heavy and two nice zoom ranges (1.7-10x42 and 2-12x50). I always liked Meopta riflescopes but their ER was very short before this (90mm/3.54 inches).


Meopta riflescopes are already designed to provide low-light dominance to the North American hunter, but Meopta�s new MeoLux lens coating clearly separates Meopta from the herd by providing industry-leading light transmission through the entire visible spectrum. The advanced MeoLux technology, premium Schott glass lenses and expert design enable 99.8% light transmission per glass surface resulting in 95% transmission through the entire scope. This allows hunters to see more clearly in the lowest light of morning and into the last light of evening. As with all Meopta optics, the new MeoStar delivers a crystal clear, bright image with exceptional color reproduction. Simply put, seeing better helps you hunt longer and make lethal shots safely in lower light.

Meopta engineers have also created a brand-new illumination system for the R2 series which is visible even in the brightest of daylight. This new RD8 illumination system has eight levels of reticle intensity so the brightness level of the red dot can be adjusted to accommodate the ever-changing light and weather conditions in the field � from the brightest sunshine and snow to the dimmest light.

Improved windage and elevation turrets are quickly resettable to zero and easy to grip, even with gloves on. The hydrophobic MeoDrop lens coatings ensure the highest level of visual clarity, easily repelling rain, snow, skin oils and dirt. Focal adjustment is also quick and easy thanks to Meopta�s MeoQuick fast-focus eyepiece, and the external lens surfaces are protected from scratches and abrasion by the robust MeoShield coating.

Like all Meopta riflescopes, the MeoStar R2 riflescope is machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and built to withstand extreme conditions. The scope features an anodized exterior for scratch resistance and is waterproof, shockproof and fogproof for maximum performance and durability.

While I was at DSC, the COO of Meopta, Reinhard Seipp, told me the R2 would rival any scope made in the world, period. I am very, very impressed with him, and Meopta. They are, and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with IMO. The S2 spotter is amazing.

^ agreed. will be picking one of these scopes up no doubt

Do Meopta scopes have a reputation for being durable ?

And if anything like the S2 spotter, they'll do this for about 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of Zeiss or Swaro.

Meopta's site lists 1-6x24 and 2.5-15x56 for the R2 lineup. That's a pity.....the specs listed in the top post are much more to my liking. I'm hoping they do actually launch those offerings (1.7-10x42 would be my personal preference).

I wouldn't be opposed to a 2.5-15, but the 56mm objective is just too large for my taste.

I am hoping the 1.7-10x42 becomes a reality. That would be awesome.

Good for them. I believe it won't be long before they are of the top brands in the scope market. Been very happy in my dealings with their binos and scopes.

Make a rugged optic that has good glass. Easy enough?

Dave

Very Very Durable scopes...they were OEM for a lot of brand name scopes ...they are busting out of that and going Mainline.

If their durability has anything to do with their build quality, they should be very durable. The one's I've handled exemplify this. I bought a 10x42HD bino to use this past season. It's is exceptional in every way, as well built as anything I've ever handled or owned. Not to sound like a broken record, but one of the main things I like about them is that they make everything in house, including glass grinding, polishing, coating. The only other manufacturer who does this is S&B, and their pricing shows it.

If I'm not mistaken (don't hold me to this yet), the only difference between the R1 and R2, besides configurations and maybe some reticles, is that the R2's are all 2nd focal plane, and the R1 may be 1st or 2nd depending on the model.

They need to hire a webmaster to update their website...usually takes a while.

Yeah and purportedly one of the best spotters in the world

I sold a Zeiss Diascope on here because I wanted a rifle that caught my eye badly. I don't regret it one bit...love the heck out of the Winny Supergrade 264WM I got (with money to spare), but I plan to replace it with an S2 when time and funds permit.

I have a pair of 7x42 B1's that ROCK for whitetail hunting. Love them to death.

If that 1.7-10x42 comes to pass, I'm all in on that one, given that they'll make it with the illuminated #4C reticle they have. That would be about my perfect scope right there.

Throw in there that the Cabela's Euro spotter is a rebranded S2, and the sales/offers Cabela's throws out there, when the Euro is priced similarly to the S2, make the S2 a very attainable spotter, too.

I don't believe they come with elevation turrets either. Not a big deal if you aren't into shooting longer ranges, but then why a 30mm tube?

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:zWZoXCdLwnYJ:www.meoptasportsoptics.com/sqlcache/connaissance-de-la-chasse-no452-december2013.pdf+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Interesting....seems to confirm the info in the first post in the thread concerning scopes coming soon. I can't wait for those 1.7-10's. That's IT for me right there. The link doesn't seem to want to link, but hopefully copy/paste will work? They project pricing is about $1700. That's steep, but stand it next to a Swaro Z6i and see how the price compares.

wonder if theyll have any additions to the meopro line as well?

That's a good question. I'm not sure what more you do with a line of scopes in that price range? They have a pretty fair selection within the "Pro" line.

About the only thing the R2 doesn't provide that I personally like would be caps similar to Leupold's Alumina's. If they did that, holy crap, these things would be absolute perfection in my opinion. They're already dang close.

"Delivering the power you need for the most challenging long-range shots."

I actually think they missed the mark completely. They coin this as a longrange scope, but it does not have turrets, nor does it have any sort of holdover reticle. A 23oz scope that is basically only good on a prairie dog rifle...

Since I'm not a distance shooter, that isn't something I focused on immediately, but the site does say for the R2's (including the 2.5-15, which I assume is the one you're talking about?) that it has "MeoClick - Precise, tactile-disc turrets on each and every R2 riflescope allow for quick and easy reticle adjustments at the range or in the field."

They surely are not target turrets, granted, but they seem to be potentially viable for dialing a long shot in the field?

Either way, I can see your point. Every optics maker does seem to trend certain ways. Not being much of a long shooter, I don't know that market well. It seems to me that Zeiss, Nightforce, and Leupold make more offerings marketed at that segment than Swaro or Meopta?

And to me, it's always seemed like Meopta's main target is Swaro.

I just don't understand why scope makers cannot make a scope capable of longrange even though the buyer doesn't really plan on it. Kind of like rifle companies putting slow twist barrels on their guns. Too many engineers, not enough shooters working there.

Funny thing is, they put nice turrets on the 6-18 Meopro, and then hamstring it with only 40moa of elevation travel. Put that turret on the R2, or even their 3-9 -and- 4-12 Meopro and they would have a better set up.

I forget the company.... Kenton?.... But you could have dials fit to the R2. Of course with a $1700+ scope, that stings a little to have another expense.

anyone have to use their service department? the 6x42 is interesting to me.

I see 2 models they are offering a 1-6x24 and a 2.5-15x56, goodness sakes here we go again with the 56mm objectives. maybe we are the stupid ones and everyone is going to rush out and buy 56mm scopes, apparently nightforce and meopta think this as thats the first models they release. all the true 1x scopes I have seen the image actually looks smaller so I have to ask what is the purpose of a 1x scope on the low end?? wouldn't 1.5 make alot more sense, then you could have a 1.5-9 model that actually sounds kinda cool.

IMO meopta needs some guidance. I think we are seeing a disconnect with them in europe and us here in the US. optics companies IMO are just missing it. look what george and pat came up with for bushnell!!! thats a scope for the american hunter. I would have made it MOA buts thats another matter, it still has everything though.

I agree that the current offerings aren't ideal, although the 1-6 would be a good one on a dangerous game rifle I think.

The document I dug up does corroborate the op's info that a 1.7-10x42 is slated to be released sometime soon. That is the scope I am anxious for.

That with the better dials than what they currently use, a lit #4 reticle (I like their #4 better than any I've seen thus far), and a good overall size and improved eye relief is exactly what I want for my 35 Whelen.

That #4 is very nice. I looked at it for a while at DSC.

I'd be interested in the 1.7-10x42mm scope.

I can seem to find this 1.7-10 R2 anywhere....anyone have a link?

TX

I doubt that Meopta will have their website updated with this info for a few months. This link was on page 1 of the thread

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:zWZoXCdLwnYJ:www.meoptasportsoptics.com/sqlcache/connaissance-de-la-chasse-no452-december2013.pdf+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

+1. they need to hire some people that actually shoot.

They already have and do. Reinhard Seipp, GM and COO, is an ardent hunter and shooter. He admits since they've decided to enter the US market under their own name, they are a work in progress. He is a European though, and they see things from a hunting perspective a little differently than the American hunter and shooter. I'm betting they figure it out in a major way though before it's all said and done. I know I like fiddling with elevation dials, but the avg hunter makes up the vast majority, and could care less about them.

They are going to have a 2-12x50 as well.

Too bad Meopta came out with such retarded designs, their class is crystal clear.

The R2...a 15x scope, with no parallax adjustment, weighs 23oz, has no turrets or holdover reticle, and yet is designed for long range. = FAIL.

There were better designs in the 1980's.

If you don't like 'em that's your perogative. It certainly doesn't matter to me one iota. I don't understand their thinking on everything either. They have lots to offer though IMO.

As much as I hate to admit it, Burris has really turned it around. They have introduced some really well thought out scopes the last couple of years.

I have a Meopro 3-9 and I believe the view rivals Swaro, but it it is pretty plain jane.

Meoptas are first class optics and build but none of what I'm reading will make me dump my 2-12x42 vx6. I have gotten tired of chasing the latest and greatest but if I need another scope for a different rifle I will check these out

Believe it when I see it

I"m with you Sako. The VX6 is great stuff.

I wouldn't sell a vx6, if I had one, to get a meopta, I agree. The VX6 is a good optic.

If the 1.7-10 R2 comes to pass, it would be about as close to my ideal hunting scope as I can imagine. I know cooperfan is critical of my approach to this scope selection business, lol, but I like what that 1.7-10 Meopta could be, I want to see what comes of it.

Not sure how long I'm willing to wait for it, but I can be patient for a bit and see what occurs.

I guess some of us come at this differently. I certainly agree that Meopta needs to broaden their product line to include scopes more "US Friendly". They have the optical quality, to my eye, and their #4 is what a #4 should be (to my tastes). A 1.7-10x42 would provide a better option for those of us who want low light capabilities without mounting a spotting scope-sized objective atop our rifles, plus give just the right magnification range to give FOV and reach for most realistic shots I'd face.

I don't really spin dials, nor need magnification over 10x, so target turrets, ranging reticles, and the like aren't on my radar. They are for some, and I see why they'd be less than enthused with what's in Meopta's current line.

But for what I'm looking for, a potential 1.7-10 would be letter perfect.

Not critical, just think your all fluff

Not sure what I did to you, but you're entitled to your opinion.

Have a good one, bud.

tddeangelo, I wouldn't worry what anyone thinks except yourself. If you've noticed cooperfan seldom has anything positive to say about anything, so do your thing and don't worry about anyone else. That 1.7-10 sounds great to me too.

A company cannot go from being a leading OEM to a leader in the retail segment without some growing pains. Meopta has a huge advantage over most optical companies since they make everything in house. It will only be a matter of time .

TD,

I have no beef with you, you should get what you want and I hope you do.

i read they are putting the mcwhorter reticle in the 6-18x50 meopro this year

yes they are ^^

Any update on Meopta's line? Anyone using the new R2?

I will let you know I have a NIB Meopro 6x42 with a #4 ret coming to me.

I have a Meopta, R2, 1-6x24 RD with 4C reticle. I have not used it, but have preliminarily compared it to a Kahles Helica C and Zeiss HT in 1.1-4x24's. I would say the glass/view is damn good. And the illumination control gets it dim enough to be usable for me.

Doug at CameraLand might have an update on the 1.7-10x42. He was able to send me the 1-6x24 before I seen them actually advertised anywhere.
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I guess I bought 1 of the older 1's.It is a Meopta Meostar 4-16x44 R1 with the S11 PLEX RETICLE 30mm tube .It appears to me to be an outstanding scope.I own a couple Zeiss Diavari Victory VMV'S a Swarovski Professional Hunter and it is as good if not better than both of them.

When will the rest of these be avialble?

1.7-10x42 and 2-12x50

The most appealing one to me in the Meopro line would be the 3.5-10x44 with the illuminated reticles. Like others have said, Meopta has been a major OEM for a long time and they make great bino's and spotters. The R2 line, I believe, also has a hydrophobic type lense coating which, for me, is very desirable. Not sure what the eye relief is on the R2 line, but I'm hoping it's around 3 1/2 at least and closer to 4". The reason I bought my Leica ER was because it has 4" of ER, AquaDura coatings and is still a reasonably light scope for a euro 30mm scope. Personally, I like the fact that they also made it with a SFP reticle as for my use, I wasn't looking for a ranging type reticle for this scope set-up.

http://www.meoptasportsoptics.com/shop/en/r2-1-7-10x42-rd/r2-1-7-10x42-rd/ctgRen.html

My that is a very nice scope. I have the r1 3-12x56 and I jokingly call it the "Prince of Darkness" IF the R2's are any better then it is a heck of a scope.

would be interesting to compare it to the 3.5-10x44 meopro. that thing is bright

That's good to know. Personally, I'd like to wait for the non-illuminated versions to come out as I'm not real big on illuminated reticles. Hopefully, they'll have a bold #8 style reticle in the non-illuminated series. I'm vey happy with the Leica ER series non-illuminated scopes. Not to heavy and superb optics. As I've said before, hopefully the Leica ER scopes will follow Leica's well earned reputation of durable optics. I have no reason to believe they won't be. The Meopta scopes have me hoping for a viable option.

I love their 6x42 with a Nazi #1

THIS. From now on, it's nothing but MEOPTAs for me.

Lets talk about their customer service for a minute. A few months back I bought a discontinued Meopta from a dealer in Alabama. I could not get it zeroed, I sent it in to Meopta and all they did was offer a 3.5-10x44 or a 3.5-10x50 30mm scope to replace it. I ended up with the 3.5-10x44 and it is quite a scope. I have 2 more to buy and leupold and them will be at the top of the list.

It's so funny reading the opinions of US hunters regarding rifle scopes....it's so radically different from us European hunters, in Europe by far the most popular all-round hunting scopes are 3-12x50, 3-12x56 (2.5-10x56), 8x56, 7x50 and for driven hunt 1.5-6x42, 1.1-4x24. The latest trend is to have a 6x zoom....so its no surprise that Meopta will begin their new R2 line with the 1-6x24 and 2.5-15x56 models which will definitely be by far the most popular models in Europe !

I'm not sure what you mean by amused by USA hunters, but perhaps our scope needs/trends are driven by the type of hunting we do, meaning mostly daytime hunting, compared to what I've understood about European hunters who apparently hunt a lot in relatively low light (night hunting ?) conditions, so the need for 50mm + objective sized lenses aren't a real concern or need for us, whereas you guys perhaps need all the brightness you can muster. We went through a little fad back in the 90's where lots of hunters here were buying 50mm+ objective lens scopes but hunters lost interest/need for these larger scopes and went back to the more traditional configurations, such as 3.10x40, 2.5-10x40/42, 6x scopes with 42mm objectives as so forth. The scope makers, who from what I've been told do tend to cater to the American market, from a business standpoint, as from what I've been told, we are the largest market as far as buying optics whether that be scopes, bino's or spotters cause we have the largest number of hunters, so, Meopta and everyone else, are a business and business's have to make a profit so that's why they listen to out trends the most.

As a side note, when you stated something about "driven hunts", am I to assume that this method is similar to what we call, pushes or drives which are done during daylight hours ? I'm going to assume so as I read in your post that the scopes used for these type hunts has much smaller objective size lenses.

The 5 to 6 zoom ratio scopes have been around here for 5-10 years, and started out with Bushnell Elite 6500 30mm scopes and then others got on the bandwagon as they do seem to offer much greater versatility for the guy who may not be able to afford numerous rifles, so with these you can use a favorite rifle from short range to pretty longer range hunting situations.

Driven hunt is done during day time at running game, so you dont need large lenses but you need scopes with wide field of view....and by the way...funny was perhaps not the correct word...more like I'm amazed by the different scope preferences between US hunters and European hunters....but thats because of night/dusk/down hunting in Europe as so well explaned earlier.

I love those little continents

So it looks like we an understanding of each others needs and styles of hunting. Glad we could clear that up. Enjoy my cyber friend.