Home > Consumer Reviews > Meade Travel View 10X50 Porro Prism Binocular

After looking long and hard for the perfect general-purpose binoculars, I realized that I didn't need the $100+++ models that I had been reading reviews for. Meade being a respectable telescope company, I decided to buy these when I found them in a mall store.

I am very impressed with these binoculars. They don't have some of the high-end features found on more expensive models, like BK-4 prisms and multicoated lenses, but they still deliver a sharp and bright picture. They are very comfortable to hold, they look good, and they come with a nice, wide strap.

The only unfortunate aspect of these binoculars, in my opinion, is the long close-focusing distance. The closest distance to which these binoculars can focus is 30 feet. That could be troublesome for bird watching or other near-distance applications, but since these are fairly high-power binoculars, chances are that few people will use them for such applications anyway.

All in all, the Meade Travel View 10X50 Binoculars are a great deal and a reliable, sturdy, fun pair of binoculars.

These aren't really marketed as astronomical binoculars, but I figured I'd give 'em a shot, since they cost next to nothing but appeared to be of at least acceptable quality.

I was right - I've had the chance to compare them to considerably more expensive binos at star parties, and feel more than happy with my purchase. Sure, the [amt] (and much more!) units out there are nicer, but for a casual instrument I don't feel like I'm missing too much.

Minor complaints:
Under certain unusual conditions, I've noticed ghost images, but in practical use this hasn't been a problem. Like most 10x50's, they're a little hard for me to hold steady for an extended period of time without support (10x is really quite a bit of magnification). The field of view in these isn't especially wide.

All in all, a bargain.

So I'm getting on in years, I admit, and my eyes just aren't what they used to be. Ms. Jones is not a kid anymore, she has them instead. Both my two daughters and my six year old son love playing sports. They are big soccer players (they are quite good---can't say it runs in they family!) and I go to all their games. I have glasses but it is still really difficult for me to tell who is who out on the field. I want to be able to watch my babies all through the game but it's hard if I don't know which babies are mine. These binoculars really focus in and they make it soooo easy to tell who is who. I can even read the numbers on their jerseys! I'd recommend these two anyone 40 and up. Thank you so much.

These are a nice set of binoculars for the money. The only thing I regret is that it is limited on how close you can set the lenses together. This can be an issue for children. Otherwise, they are fine.

These are a nice set of binoculars for the money. The only thing I regret is that it is limited on how close you can set the lenses together. This is an issue for children. Otherwise, they are fine.