Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics 12x50 binos

I’m buying some. Which ones should I be looking at? What make/model??? Money isn’t necessarily main concern because these will be used dang near on a daily basis. Want something that is good quality for the price.

Meopta Meostar HD
Tract Toric UHD

The above advice is sound. Ive not looked through that version of the tract so I can't comment but ive heard decent things. The Meostar is alpha glass IMHO and as good as any at any price...at least in my eyes.

I can vouch for the 12x50 Meopta Meostar HD.
I don't think it's quite the view of the Swarovski 12x50 EL (which is stunning) but that bit of performance gain comes at twice the price.

Be sure to compare inter-pupillary distances between models as well.

The only way I could make the Swarovskis work for me was to take off the front lens covers.

aalf - good point.

Vortex Razors are worth a look. I was planning on Meopta/Swaravoski, but prefer the Razors (for several reasons).
let the flames begin...

Meopta Meostar or GPO Passion HD's

I broke down and picked up the 12x50 EL Binoculars from Doug. Glass is stunning and brighter/has better resolution than my 8.5x45 ELs (pre-swarovision). If you don’t want to spend the coin on top drawer glass, the best bang for the buck I’ve found are the Tract Torics. Haven’t played with their 12x50s, but I was frankly blown away by their 8x42s.

I'm not surprised you like them so much elkaddict. Not just because they are Swaro's, but the bigger objective SV's (50mm) are really special, and superior to the 8.5x and 10x versions, as you mentioned. I feel the same way about my 10x50's. Not sure why, as I'm not that tech saavy, but they really have no peer, IMO.

I have the Tract Toric and they are excellent. Mine are 12.5X50

I have some Tract Torics that are 10x42 and I really like them! I didn’t realize they are making a 12x50. May check them out.


Anyone using the Mavens??? Curious on the quality of their glass?

I've been looking around at 12x50s, just don't want to spend the Swaro $$$$$$$

The 2 to consider would be GPO Passion HD 12.5x50 or the Meopta Meostar B1.1 15x56 HD
Give a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss which would be right for you

Is there any folks out there using one of the models Doug has recommended to me???

I’m using the Meopta 12’s and like them well enough. My 2 dislikes would be the edge clarity and the diopter adjustment.

The edge clarity is really just a personal thing, it does not really affect the image if you pan vs scan the entire view of the field. The diopter adjustment moves pretty easy and has moved on me numerous times inadvertently.

Pretty good glass for the money IMO. Was planning on replacing some older Swaro 15’s with the Meopta but am kind of reconsidering after using the 12’s all year.

I have the same issue with the older Swaro 15’s.

The Meopta Meostar HD 12x50 is very good, quality built and excellent optics. I have had this one for a while, this is the one to get.

Don't fall for the short timer optics companies, here today, gone tomorrow..

Swaro has the best 12's for sure but I'll not own any Swaro's again.

The Meopta 12's are great but the Meopta 15's are about as close to Swaro as it gets.

I appreciate everyone’s input. Helps making my decision a bit easier.