Received add from Cabela's Canada today and they have these two at a good price: C$780 abd C$880! Am being tempted so if I wold buy one which do you think would be better?
Thanks.
This should be a good discussion as I was just discussing with another forum member in a different thread our differing opinions on the GR models.
Personally I would choose the Meopta for several reasons.
1. The field of view of the Meopta is noticeably wider than the GR (411 vs 381).
2. The field flattener element in the Meopta provides an extremely flat field of view and a very generous "sweet spot" of image in focus and free of distortion.
3. Ergonomically they are a dream. The shape and texture of the rubber armor is close to ideal for my hands. Focusing speed and tension are also close to perfect for my tastes.
4. They weigh 3 ounces less than the Golden Ring (33 vs 30 ounces).
Probably the only significant characteristic that I think would favor the Golden Rings is the use of "HD/ED/FL" glass. In a majority of binoculars that I have used which advertise this characteristic the increase in apparent sharpness, contrast and CA control is fairly evident. Respectfully I did not seem to see this in the the GR HD samples I have had the privelege of trying. Actually the image seemed moderately "soft" in comparison to even other non-HD binoculars. I don't have an explanation for it nor do I have an explanation for the discrepancy in my observation vs. some of the others on the forum. But I want to be open-minded about the issue so I will certainly take another look at a different pair when I am out at Cabelas again.