Laser Rangefinding Binoculars

[DesertDweller]

Hello Folks,

 

Have any of you folks had any experience with the Leica Grovid or the new Zeiss Range Finding binocular? I am thinking of selling my first born and ordering a pair... <wink> I would like some feedback from those of you who have some experience with them. Please be brutally honest... It's a big investment!

 

Thanks!

 

DesertDweller

[matthewp45]

I have the Leicas and they are awesome. They are awesome 10X42's and very little extra weight to add an awesome rangefinder.

[DesertDweller]

I have the Leicas and they are awesome. They are awesome 10X42's and very little extra weight to add an awesome rangefinder.

 

Thanks for your insight... not carrying two units, a bino and rangefinder sure makes since.... It just the cost that makes me pucker a bit. D.D.

[matthewp45]

I think it is about the same or cheaper than buying 10X42 leicas and a 1200 leica rangefinder. But that is a lot to spend for one item. I had to sell two rangefinders and two pari of binos to buy mine.

[DesertDweller]

I think it is about the same or cheaper than buying 10X42 leicas and a 1200 leica rangefinder. But that is a lot to spend for one item. I had to sell two rangefinders and two pari of binos to buy mine.

 

The Leica has been on the market for a while, any of you folks had any problems with it? I am trying to get more information on the Zeiss unit... they have a cool demo on how the laser works on the Zeiss web sight... FYI...The new long range reticles they have in the riflescopes are interesting also. Looking forward to more feedback! Thanks! D.D.

[youngbuck]

I know of prolly 5 ppl w/ the geovids, 10's and 15's all have needed to be sent back for range finder fixes. My old mans pair hasn't been sent in yet but needs to be. THese were all bought a few years ago so they may have the bugs worked out. Great glass, i think i prefer em to the swaros for my eyes. They take a while to get used to for righties who archery hunt, the button is on the wrong side for one hand operation, but i can reach over the top and get to it w/ my right hand, it helps my eyes are close together cuz i need to squeeze em together. the reticle is in the right eye, might be a pain for a left eye dominant

[firstcoueswas80]

Personally, I dont get these bad boys, especially 15x flavor. They carry a heavy price tag, even compared to Duovids, or 15x Swaros. What advantage do the 10x or 15x have? I have never felt the need to have a rangefinde in my 15x binos. Think about archery hunting, try to range a javelina, mule deer or whatever at 10 or even 15x at 40 yards! I think the Leica rangefinders are 7x, and even that can be a little much!

 

Also, the Geovids have a (I think) 10 year warranty (maybe less) because of the electronics on the inside. I carry my Duovids, and my Leica 900 with out a problem. I keep my RF on my belt so I can get to it in a pinch.

[matthewp45]

To each his own. I like mine and have not had any difficulty ranging anything close or over 1100 yards. Bow or rifle this is all I need.

[kwp]

I know a couple people that have the Leica's and love them. The glass is top of the line as is the rangefinder. I love the idea of the bino/rangefinder combo and I looked at them really hard but hated the location of the rangefinder button. I wanted to be able to use them one handed for those times that I was holding my bow in my left hand. I was able to reach over and push the button with my right hand but felt really wobbly and like I was going to drop them. For this reason alone I bought the Swarovski ELs (much more ergonomic) and the Leica 1200 rangefinder.

 

I took a quick look at the Zeiss rangefinder binos when I was at the outdoorsmans a couple months ago at they seemed big, bulky, and much less quality than the Leicas.

 

I would be surprised if anyone puts the Zeiss in the same class as the Leicas but as with any big puchase, make sure that you try them out first because everybody has a different preference.

[DesertDweller]

I know a guy who had a problem with the Leica and when he returned them for repair he got a hefty bill for the repair... Just wondered if this was a fluke or if they had problems. Sounds like he not alone... Has anyone else received a bill for a repair? I have been told the new Zeiss binoculars are super bight... much better binos than a few years back. I haven't had the chance to compair side by side. Thanks for all your info... I appreciate it! D.D.

[Coues 'n' Sheep]

 

Along the same lines.... I have a question.....

 

 

Does Leica make a 10x50 rangefinding bino and are they tilt compensating????

 

 

Something like that is exactly what I am looking for for deer hunting!

 

Thanks!

[firstcoueswas80]

Gino, I think the 10x42 is as close as you are going to get.

[DesertDweller]

Gino, I think the 10x42 is as close as you are going to get.

The Zeiss are 10x45 and the Leica's are 10x42... I don't know of an actual 10x50. The Zeiss has a "Ballistics Information System" built in... I am trying to learn more about it. In the past Zeiss put out some binoculars that left a bit to be desierd compared to Leica and Swaro... but I buddy of mine compaired all three at dusk, and said the Zeiss were the brightest. I want to do the same test. D.D.

[catclaw]

The Leica Geovids do not compare favorably to the Swarovskis, especially in the 10 and more so in the 15s (terrible). They are unduly heavy and not at all handy for one-handed operation. They also suck for tripod mounting.

 

I would caution against spending your money on them for your OWN hunting. If you are guiding, they are much more useful. You can get a range for your hunter without losing sight of the deer. A big plus. If Leica made them in a smaller package I would own one (say 7x35 or 8x30). I much prefer my SLCs and my LRF to the Geovid for my OWN hunting. I bought a new Nikon 800 which is better for one-handed operation and like it in conjunction with the 8x30 as well.

 

I have not seen the new Zeiss so I can't comment on it. I would prefer a spotting scope with a laser in it over the 15 power Geovids- what a waste!