Is anybody using the 10x42 Geovid HD's or the new Zeiss Victory 10x45 Binocular rangfinders? What do you think of them? I'm strugling with what to do. I have Swaro El's and a seperate rangfinder (bushnell 1500 Elite) and just really like the EL's. I bought the Bushnell because it was one of the few units that has a inclinometer. Had Leica LRF 800 before but needed the inclinometer. Thinking now that I may buy the Bino rangefinder combo and add a simple inclinometer to the BRF. Sure would be nice if one of the Zeiss, Leica or Swaro teams would come out with a BRF with incinometer.

I have a pair of Geovids as well as Swarovski ELs. The ELs will soon be for sale since they now never leave my safe. Get the Geovids!!!

I was still in gainfull employment when I was fortunate enough to be able to buy the Geovids in 10x42 yards mode, Replacing the dedicated Leica rangemaster,I still keep Zeiss standard bins in reserve, I've had em all, go get the Geovids while you can! Steve.

i am using el 8,5x42 only and a separate rf if necessary (leica crf 800 now). the optical brilliance and quality of the new leica geovid hd is about the same level as the el´s now (but their design is about 10 yrs old!) - in January You will be able to see the new El Swarovision - this will be a new and a big next step in optical quality...
As I have not only seen this new EL Swarovision bino but even hunted with it yet - trust me: You will regret it, buying sth now...

http://www.titanium-gunworks.c...x42-swarovision.html

(bringing in the meassurement system inside the binos take quality and brilliance off the bino a bit)

You need a rangefinder about one one-hundredth as often as you need a binocular. Putting the rangefinder inside the binocular makes the instrument heavier, bulkier, and much more expensive -- all to have a rangefinder present on the rare ocassion that you actually need or want one.

I believe it is much better to carry a good, light, compact binocular which you use as a binocular, plus a rangefinder which you use as a rangefinder -- it is also less expensive and allows you much more choice in each instrument. And, your binocular won't require a battery to work.

But then, I've never understood who would want a telephone that doubles as a poor-quality camera, either.

Stonecreek:

tsk, tsk, tsk.....there you go again. I don't know of anyone who's hunted with the Geovids who would trade them for anything else. That 6 plus ounces they weigh more than the regular Ultravids will really weigh you down out in the field.

I've been using the Leica 10x42 Geovid BRF for close to 5 years. They are so good I sold my Swaro 8x56 and my Rangefinder. There's no way in hexx I'll ever go back to separate Bino's and Rangefinder and they aren't for sale either . BTW, battery lasts years, under regular year round use. Sure you can 'get by' with separates, but talk about convenience and ease of use, fantastic. I'll put up with a few ounces to eliminate a rangefinder, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

I think it's gonna take a steel cage death match to get you guys in agereement Been entertaining though

You can get a NIB Leica Geovid right now for $1,400.00 net after Doug's special and Leica's $350.00 rebate. Price a top quality bino (Swaro SLC/EL, Leica Ultravid, Zeiss FL, Nikon EDG) and a good quality stand alone rangefinder (Swaro LG, Leica CRF/LRF, Zeiss PRF) and tell me where you can get them for less than $1,400.00?...

Also, the binocular part of the Geovid's is not battery powered.

After using the Leica Geovids for the past three years, there's no way I could back to separate binos and rangefinder! It's so simple, even a caveman can do it!...

quote:

After using the Leica Geovids for the past three years, there's no way I could back to separate binos and rangefinder! It's so simple, even a caveman can do it!...

I just bought a set from Doug. They are the great and only a couple ounces heavier than my SLC's.

Thanks guys - Anybody using he Zeiss model?

I use Swarovski ELs and a seperate range-finder (Nikon) as other have pointed out you use the binoculars far more.

The range-finder uses electronics, will they last as long as the binoculars, and electronic items tend to develop in performance rapidly and old ones become obsolete very quickly.

Hairbol
We using two of the Zeiss 10x45 T RF and one 8x45 T RF since last year and they get used and at times abused in the field no Problems. The build in bullet drop compensator seems to work as advertised and easy to operate. Not that we need it but I might come in handy for long range work on small targets (Croc).
The 8x45 is actually a waste of time I do like the wider field of view in the forest but then I don’t need a range finder at the distances we shoot in the forest and the size and weight is about the same!
Never had any problem with any Zeiss product.
Best is go and compare side by side and see what you like!
i would take the Zeiss again

Cheers

Same here. I would never trade my Geovids.
Sure they are heavier, but we're only talking ounces here, so let's not split hairs. What you get for a bit more weight is well worth it.

Love my Geovids. What I like best about them is that IMO I now have the best. Now I don't have to want something better because that would not be possible.

I have hunted with 2 friends, one has the Swarovski 12x56 and the other has a pair of Zeiss Victory FL 10x42's and we all agreed that the Leica glass was just as good and the rangefinding put it over the top.

My binoculars and Lecia rangefinder weigh less and cost less than a combination unit.

What does it all mean?
There is a big unfilled void in the combination rangefinder-binocular market.

I have spoken with other guys who are also waiting for the weight to come down.

quote:

My binoculars and Lecia rangefinder weigh less and cost less than a combination unit.

Not comparing apples and apples, the difference in wt between Ultravids and Geovids of same size is less than 7 ozs. All the Leica rangefinders weigh more than 7 ozs.

quote:

Originally posted by tnekkcc:
My binoculars and Lecia rangefinder weigh less and cost less than a combination unit.

What does it all mean?
There is a big unfilled void in the combination rangefinder-binocular market.

I have spoken with other guys who are also waiting for the weight to come down.

Maybe by an ounce or two, but while you're fishing for your rangefinder, I'll be shooting.

Leica 7x24 CRF 1200 .......$599.00 ....7.8 ounces


9 ounces $79.95
Nikon 9x25 Travelite V Binocular


$2,395.00
Leica 10x42 Geovid HD Laser Rangefinder Binocular


33.3 ounces



What does it all mean?
I carry 16.8 ounces that cost me $680

That is not just marginally better than 33.3 ounces and $2400.

And I shot 3 ruminants in 2008 with their help.
Two at 400+ yards and one at 500+ yards.

Dude....

A binocular in excess of two pounds is a brutal load to have slung around your neck (much less hold up to your eyes and use), even if it's got a rangefinder, a gps, a cell phone, a camera, and an automatic toilet paper dispenser built in.

In my experience an instrument of this weight is simply impractical, particularly for long periods of scanning which are crucially important in many types of hunting.

I'm sure the Lieca Geovid is optically as good as they come. But it really is heavy enough to significantly handicap its use as a binocular.

Stonecreek
While it is obvious that you know something about optics, I feel you have ruined your chances of ever being an industry spokesperson with your constant theme being smaller and lighter (i e cheaper)

Obviously never used a harness system either...

Just use determined musclepower!

Just weighed mine with the Rubber Lens covers and the straps that come with the Binos, just as I carry in the field. 10X42 SLC 36.2 oz, 10X42 Geovid 36.4 oz.

I'm not that steady with any particular bino, so I went with the 8x Geovid. Don't leave home with out them. Now I have a bud that is the Leica rep so I didn't have to pay retail, thankfully. FS

I love my Geovids, and i walk looong distances while hunting..and hauling. Had to have them. My buddy swears by his Swaro Laser Guide, but when we're hunting together he doesn't even take them out anymore since i have a range before he even gets his hand in his pocket.

Expensive--yes but they're actually more portable for me even though the weight is heavier, since i now have more room in a BDU leg pocket than i did before i got them. Think u'll notice the addtl. weight around your back with a harness? Yeah, i did too, until i started carrying them. The portability issue outweighs the addtl. weight...IMO.