Meopta Meostar R1 vs. R2

[BayouBuck985]

I’m in the market for another rifle scope and have decided to give a hard look at a Meopta Meostar. I have a used Meopro 3-9X42 that I picked up cheap not long ago and am quite pleased with it. It’s clear, bright, and has generous eye relief. Does anyone here have experience with the Meostar scopes? I thought of getting a used R1 3-12X56 or a new R2 (illuminated) from EuroOptic as the price is pretty appealing. This is for one of my deer hunting rifles, for context. Does the Meostar really offer clarity and brightness in low light as a Zeiss Diavari or Swarovski Z5/Z6 does? I have a Z6 and would possibly consider replacing it with a new R2 if I can get similar performance. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[Schaaf]

The R2 is a nicer scope than the Swaro Z5/Z6. I can’t speak much for the Diavari outside of the 2-10x but I would still rank the R2 nicer. The only problem with the R2 are the weird SFP BDC reticles. Outside of that, nothing touches the R2 in optical abilities for what Eurooptic has them listed.

 

[BayouBuck985]

The R2 is a nicer scope than the Swaro Z5/Z6. I can’t speak much for the Diavari outside of the 2-10x but I would still rank the R2 nicer. The only problem with the R2 are the weird SFP BDC reticles. Outside of that, nothing touches the R2 in optical abilities for what Eurooptic has them listed.

Appreciate the input. I’ve seen online reviews indicating the R2 is 90% of a Swarovski at 60% of the cost. I like the 4C reticle a lot.

 

[Firehawk54]

As much as I like Meopta Optics, I can't buy them knowing that they have no way to service or warranty them shy of sending them to Europe on our own dimes. They promised to have a USA service center again, but that was several years ago and still nothing.

 

[schmalts]

As much as I like Meopta Optics, I can't buy them knowing that they have no way to service or warranty them shy of sending them to Europe on our own dimes. They promised to have a USA service center again, but that was several years ago and still nothing.

This. I stopped selling that brand when dealers were supposed to import the items and customers now have to ship overseas for repairs.

 

[OwyheeHuntr]

100% a HUGE problem regarding lack of warranty support in the US. I have $750+ paperweight pair of non functioning Meopta binos. Not to mention the hours of wasted time on the phone to never get anywhere on warranty work. Binos are only three years old… can’t bring myself to throw them out…

 

[schmalts]

100% a HUGE problem regarding lack of warranty support in the US. I have $750+ paperweight pair of non functioning Meopta binos. Not to mention the hours of wasted time on the phone to never get anywhere on warranty work. Binos are only three years old… can’t bring myself to throw them out…

The lack of support and presence is dumbfounding. Some holding company bought the sports optics rights to the USA and haven't seemed to give a crap about what they bought. It's been a couple years now. Sad as they are great optics.

 

[BayouBuck985]

So the consensus seems to be that Meopta makes some pretty good products, just have to hope you don’t have a defective one or one that needs service.