OBJECTIVE
LENS
PORRO PRISM
EYEPIECE
OBJECTIVE
LENS
ROOF PRISM
EYEPIECE
OBJECTIVE
LENS
PORRO PRISM
EYEPIECE
OBJECTIVE
LENS
ROOF PRISM
EYEPIECE
Although the nomenclature associated with binoculars varies
somewhat from manufacturer-to-manufacturer, the majority of
binocular manufacturers use the classications described here:
Compact Binoculars: utilize
roof prism to invert the image and usually
are styled to form-t comfortably in the
observer’s hands; objective lenses are
typically 25mm in diameter or less. As their
name implies, compact binoculars, while
larger than mini binoculars, are relatively
small and easy to carry. For sporting
events, as a gift item, or as a general-
purpose travel binocular, compacts are
extremely popular, because, again, for
all but the most advanced applications, compacts provide a good
trade-o between weight, performance, and cost. Examples: Meade
TravelView™ 8 x 25mm or 10 x 25mm.
Porro Prism Binoculars:
Most binoculars referred to as
general-purpose are standard
porro prism models. The typically
larger objective lens apertures,
35mm or more, of these models
enable bright, high-contrast
images on the entire range of
viewing subjects, from sporting
events, to long-range animal
observation in the wild, to high-
resolution study of a bird’s feather structure. A moderately priced,
high-quality, standard porro prism model is a binocular for almost any
observing application. Standard porro prism binoculars are available
in a wide range of specications and price points. Examples: Meade
TravelView™ 7 x 50mm, and 10 x 50mm.
Zoom Binoculars: oer the
convenience of zooming to higher or
lower powers at the touch of a nger.
The Mirage™ 10-22 x 50mm and
7-15 x 35mm models permit you to
view with high-resolution and sharp
image focus at all magnications.
Roof Prism Binoculars:
Professional-level binocular resolution
and performance are generally
reserved for standard roof prism
models. Designed usually for advanced
applications, such as for serious birders,
standard roof prism binoculars are
typically of 35mm objective lens aperture
or larger; include sleek, straight-line roof
prism styling; and incorporate the nest
optical glasses, multi-coatings, and
multi-element eyepieces. The result is
bright, extremely sharp, high-resolution
images throughout the eld of view, and with a level of image delity
unobtainable in lesser binoculars. Although premium-grade standard
roof prism binoculars are not inexpensive, they are usually treasured
for a lifetime. Examples: Meade TravelView™ 8 x 25mm, 10 x 25mm,
Rainforest Pro™ Series and Wilderness Series.
While many binocular brands look about the same, there are often
important dierences in performance from one manufacturer to
another. The information in this brochure will allow you to choose the
right binocular for your intended applications, budget, and personal
preferences. Every Meade binocular, from the least expensive
model on up, incorporates quality optical components; durable
optical housings; and precision mechanical components for years of
high-performance observing. It is this Meade attention to detail and
intimate knowledge of optical design fabrication that is perhaps your
best assurance of all.
Binoculars are available in hundreds of specications and with a
multitude of dierent features, but all share the same three basic
components:
Objective Lenses:
The main (objective) lenses of a binocular
serve to collect light, thereby enabling the high-resolution observation
of distant objects. In a quality binocular each objective lens typically
is manufactured of two separate glass elements, the so-called crown
and int elements. The refractive specications of these elements
permit the objective lens to form images free of false colors. (See
diagram.)
Prisms:
Since the objective lenses form images that are both
upside-down and reversed left-for-right, prisms are required to invert
the primary image. Most commonly, binoculars utilize either porro
prisms or roof prisms for this purpose. Porro prisms give binoculars
their familiar zig-zag prole, while roof prisms permit a straight-line
design. Either type of prism, properly manufactured, yields excellent
optical results.
Eyepieces:
The ocular, or eyepiece, design included with a
binocular has important performance implications. While the most
basic function of an eyepiece is to magnify the image formed by
the objective lens, in fact the eyepiece also largely determines the
binocular’s eld of view, edge-of-eld image resolution, and other
characteristics listed below. Eyepieces are manufactured from two
to ve glass elements.
With this knowledge of the basic components of a binocular, it is
now possible to understand the technical terminology that will enable
selection of the right binocular for you:
Binocular Specications:
Binoculars are classied as, for
example, 7 x 35mm— read “seven by thirty-ve millimeters.” In this
case the binocular is of 7-power (“7x”) and includes objective lenses
of 35mm (about 1.38”) diameter. Other binoculars might range from
a tiny 3 x 14mm to giant battleship binoculars that are 40 x 178mm.
The “WA” designation after a binocular specication, such as
7 x 35mm WA, refers to the wide-angle design of the binocular’s
eyepieces; wide-angle eyepieces can increase a binocular’s visual
eld of view by as much as 60%.
The Right Binocular
How to Select
Meade Limited Lifetime Sports Optics Warranty
Every Meade binocular and spotting scope is warranted
by Meade Instruments Corp. (MIC) to be free of defects in
materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
MIC will repair or replace, at MIC’s option, the binocular, or
part thereof, found upon inspection by MIC to be defective,
provided the defective binocular or part is returned to MIC,
freight prepaid, with proof of purchase. This warranty applies
to the original owner only and is non-transferable. Meade
binoculars purchased outside North America are not included
in this warranty, but are covered under separate warranties
issued by Meade International Distributors.
This warranty is not valid in cases where the binocular or
spotting scope has been abused or mishandled, where
unauthorized repairs have been attempted or performed, or
where depreciation of the binocular or spotting scope is due
to normal wear-and-tear. MIC specically disclaims special,
indirect, or consequential damages or lost prot which may
result from a breach of this warranty.
This warranty gives you specic rights. You may have other
rights which vary from state to state. MIC reserves the right
to change product specications or to discontinue binocular
or spotting scope models without prior notice. This warranty
supersedes all previous Meade binocular warranties.
Meade Instruments Corp.
27 Hubble Irvine, CA 92618 • (800) 626-3233 (U.S.A. Only)
©
2017 Meade Instruments Corp. All rights reserved.
Specications subject to change without notice • Bulletin 140 • PN: 14-0206-00
www.meade.com
Binocular Models
Magnication: Magnication, or power, is perhaps the most
misunderstood term in binocular optics. While higher powers can
be useful, power by itself does not increase the level of observable
detail; image resolution is a function of objective lens diameter, not of
binocular power. Higher powers result in images that are less bright
and in a binocular that is more dicult to hold steady in the user’s
hands. Powers of 7x or 8x are by far the most popular among regular
binocular users. Binoculars with magnications above about 12x are
generally not recommended for use without a tripod.
Field of View: A binocular’s eld of
view is measured in degrees of arc or as
eld-width (in feet) at 1000 yards distance.
Example: Meade’s 8 x 32mm Rainforest Pro
binocular has a eld of view 8.1 degrees,
which is 429 ft. wide for an object 1000
yards distant from the observer, yielding a
eld of view specication of 426 ft. at 1000
yds. Other non-wide-angle binoculars
have elds of view of perhaps 270 ft. to
320 ft. at 1000 yds. Depending somewhat
on the observer’s intended applications,
wide-angle binoculars are generally well
worth the relatively modest additional cost
involved.
Lens Coatings: An uncoated optical
glass lens or prism reects about 10% of the light incident on one
of its surfaces, allowing only about 90% of the light to pass through.
Standard coatings of magnesium uoride (MgF
2
) applied to the lens
and prism surfaces reduce the level of reected light to about 4%,
and with substantially reduced ghost images of bright objects. More
sophisticated multi-coatings further reduce reected light and can
result in total light transmission through a lens or prism of 99% or
more. Some Meade models are fully multi-coated with perhaps
the most advanced multi-coatings available, permitting 99+% light
transmission and extremely high image contrast.
Eye Relief: Binocular users who wear eyeglasses for near- or far-
sightedness may remove their glasses while observing; the binocular
can fully correct for these eye defects. Observers who suer from
astigmatism, however, may need to wear their glasses to maintain
sharp views through the binocular. In this latter case choosing a
binocular with longer eye relief (perhaps 16mm or longer, as specied
in the Meade binocular tables in this brochure) will enable easier
binocular observing with eyeglasses.
Field of view
(inner circle)
for typical binocular;
eld of view
(outer circle) for
wide-angle binocular.
90%
10%
incident light
96%
4%
incident light
99%
1%
incident light
90%
10%
incident light
96%
4%
incident light
99%
1%
incident light
90%
10%
incident light
96%
4%
incident light
99%
1%
incident light
Uncoated Lens Standard Coated Lens
Multi-coated Lens
Porro Prism Binocular
Roof Prism Binocular
Unaided Eye 7x 15x
Astro Binoculars
BINOCULARS FOR DAY AND NIGHT!
15x70 P/N: 125080
• Meade’s 15x70 Astro Binoculars provide sharp and
bright viewing with terric resolution
• This high performance, large diameter binocular
features 70mm objective lenses with fully multi-
coated optics
• Built-in with convenient center focus mechanism,
ip-up rubber eyecups and a porro prism design with
BAK4 prisms
• Tripod mounting is recommended for extended
observing, product weight is 50 oz. Binocular Tripod
Adapter item 608052 sold separately
Sport Optics
BINOCULARS & SPOTTING SCOPES
Model 15x70
Power 15x
Objective Lens Dia. 70mm
Optical Coating Fully Multi-Coated
Field of View 4.4º
Eye Relief 18mm
Close Focus 15m
Weight 50.4oz
Wilderness
™
WATERPROOF ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS
TravelView
™
PORRO AND ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS
Rainforest Pro
™
HIGH PERFORMANCE
ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS
8x42 P/N: 125024
10x42 P/N: 125025
• The Wilderness™ Series are a premium line of waterproof
binoculars featuring Meade’s legendary optical technology
and design
• Multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prisms provide bright,
detailed, high-resolution images
• Waterproof, nitrogen purged, rugged rubber armored
construction protects against the elements
• Includes padded case, neck strap and cleaning cloth —
limited lifetime warranty
• The TravelView™ Series of binoculars are designed for
those who love to travel, observe nature, view sporting
events or just enjoy the outdoors
• Coated optics and BK-7 prisms provide bright, high-
resolution images
• Rubber armoring protects precision optics against impact
• Includes padded case, neck strap, cleaning cloth — limited
lifetime warranty
• Rainforest Pro™ are a line of high-quality, high-precision
eld binoculars designed for the serious observer.
Featuring premium Phase Coated roof prism optics
• Fully multi-coated, BaK-4 prisms optics provide bright,
detailed, high-resolution images
• Waterproof, nitrogen purged, rugged rubber armored
construction protects against the elements
• Includes padded case, neck strap and cleaning cloth —
limited lifetime warranty
8x32 P/N: 125022
10x32 P/N: 125023
8x25 P/N: 125000
10x25 P/N: 125001
8x25 P/N: 125020
10x25 P/N: 125021
8x42 P/N: 125042
10x42 P/N: 125043
8x32 P/N: 125040
10x32 P/N: 125041
7x50 P/N: 125002
10x50 P/N: 125003
Model 8x25 10x25 7x50 10x50
Power 8x 10x 7x 10x
Objective Lens Diameter 25mm 25mm 50mm 50mm
Optical Coating Coated Coated Coated Coated
Field of View 6.5º 5.8º 7º 5.8º
Eye Relief 12mm 10.5mm 13.5mm 12mm
Close Focus 6m 6m 8m 8m
Weight 9oz 9oz 27oz 27oz
Model 8x25 10x25 8x32 10x32 8x42 10x42
Power 8x 10x 8x 10x 8x 10x
Objective Lens Dia. 25mm 25mm 32mm 32mm 42mm 42mm
Multi-
Coated
Multi-
Coated
Multi-
Coated
Multi-
Coated
Multi-
Coated
Multi-
Coated
Field of View 8.2º 6.3º 6.8º 5.6º 6.8º 5.6º
Eye Relief 10mm 10mm 17.8mm 14mm 17.8mm 14mm
Close Focus 4m 6m 4m 4m 4m 4m
Weight 11.3oz 10.9oz 18.7oz 18.6oz 18.6oz 21.2oz
Optical Coating
Wilderness
™
Spotting ScopesMirage
™
ZOOM PORRO PRISM BINOCULARS
7-15x35 P/N: 125060
15-45x65mm P/N: 126000
20-60x80mm P/N: 126001
20-60x100mm P/N: 126002
10-22x50 P/N: 125061
• The Mirage™ Series of zoom porro prism binoculars
feature bright, crisp optics from low to high powers and
everything in between.
• Fully multi-coated optics provide bright, high-resolution
images
• Rubber armoring protects precision optics against
impact
• Includes case, neck strap and cleaning cloth — limited
lifetime warranty
• Designed for the sports enthusiast and bird watcher,
Wilderness™ spotting scopes are possibly the best value
in the market today
• Fully multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prisms provide
bright, detailed, high-resolution images
• Waterproof, nitrogen purged, fog proof, rugged rubber
armored construction protects against the elements
• Includes padded case, cleaning cloth and camera adapter
— limited lifetime warranty
Model 7-15x35 10-22x50
Power 7x – 15x 10x – 22x
Objective Lens Dia. 35mm 50mm
Optical Coating Fully Multi-Coated Fully Multi-Coated
Field of View 5.5°
@
7x & 3.5°
@
15x 3.8°
@
10x & 3.6°
@
22x
Eye Relief 18mm
@
7x & 15.5mm
@
15x 19mm
@
10x & 16mm
@
22x
Close Focus 6m 6m
Weight 24oz 30.7oz
Model 15-45x65mm 20-60x80mm 20-60x80mm
Power 15x - 45x 20x - 60x 20x - 60x
Objective Lens
Dia.
Optical Coating Fully Multi-Coated Fully Multi-Coated Fully Multi-Coated
15x: 105ft @1000yds
45x: 53ft @1000yds
20x: 87ft @1000yds
60x: 44ft @1000yds
20x: 79ft @1000yds
60x: 40ft @1000yds
15x: 21mm
45x: 18mm
20x: 21mm
60x: 18mm
20x: 21mm
60x: 18mm
15x: 24.6ft
45x: 27.2ft
20x: 26.3ft
60x: 27.9ft
20x: 32ft
60x: 33.5ft
Weight 40.5oz 50.0oz 69.0oz
Field of View
Eye Relief
Close Focus
65mm
80mm
100mm
Model 8x32 10x32 8x42 10x42
Power 8x 10x 8x 10x
Objective Lens Dia. 32mm 32mm 42mm 42mm
Fully
Multi-Coated
Fully
Multi-Coated
Fully
Multi-Coated
Fully
Multi-Coated
Field of View 8.1º 6.5º 7.5º 6.3º
Eye Relief 14.7mm 14.8mm 17mm 15mm
Close Focus 2m 2m 2m 2m
Weight 18.2oz 18.2oz 25.6oz 25.6oz
Optical Coating
/