Leica Geovid HD-B bino Range Finder

bowhunt

Long Time Member
Messages
3,190
Thought you would like this review.
Looks like a GREAT set up...nearly 3grand.

Leica Geovid HD-B 10?42 Review

Editor: Colorado Jake

Basic Description of Item:
High End Binocular and Range finder combination. Adds in the benefit of having ballistic information loaded in!

From Leica:

Leica adds Perger Porro prisms for sharp, high-contrast views with outstanding depth and improved plasticity. Upgraded rangefinding technology includes an internal database for nearly all standard caliber ammunition, a micro SD memory card to upload your specific parameters for special ammunition, and a redesigned Advanced Ballistic Compensation function to allow point of aim with greater ease and precision. With an exceptional laser range to almost 2000 yards, a super bright, easily legible LED display that automatically adjusts to lighting conditions, and an amazingly short measuring time of 0.3 seconds, everything about the Geovid HD-B sets the bar for rangefinding binoculars to an all-time high.
Fully Multi-coated Lenses Increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. Phase Correction Enhances resolution and contrast through roof prisms.

Just the Facts:

Magnification 10x
Objective Lens Diameter 42 mm
Range 10-2000 yards
Field of View 374 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief 20 mm
Close Focus 16.5 feet
Weight 34.7 ounces
Dimensions (H x W) 6.8 x 4.8 inches
Weatherproofing Waterproof/Fogproof
Story:
After selling a bunch of stuff and finally finding a pair for sale. I pulled the trigger on Leica?s new rangefinder and ballistic calculator binoculars. The HD-B model featured a super powerful laser range finder capable of reaching 2,000 yards. The most innovative feature I was so pumped about, however, was a true ballistic calculator built into the binoculars. To break my will power into buying these super expensive binoculars was the added claim of optical clarity and massive field of view. I had to have them.

Everyone that likes to shoot long range should be very excited about these binoculars. Until now, you needed three or more devices to calculate every variable to get the most accurate shoot to distance. It was extremely difficult to manage all of these devices, charts, and gizmos in a timely manner and still get the shot off. Plus, it was a mess to organize, expensive, and not always real time accurate. The G7 rangefinder fixed some of these issues but at $1600 plus a pair of binoculars you were still juggling two devices.

So, how did these binoculars perform you ask. They are extremely accurate, fast, and easy. It took me just a few minutes to input my ballistics onto the MicroSD card provided by Leica. I went to their website, clicked on the calculator and saved the info directly onto the card. You unscrew the battery cover, insert the card with a pair of tweezers also provided, and reinsert battery (CR2). After a quick read. I had the binos programed for the card and was out the door ranging everything in sight.

On a hunt in UT. I couldn't help myself from ranging everything in sight. I could easily range open parks, trees, and elk at over 1600 yards. I even managed to range a herd of elk (5th attempt) on a mud slide at 1955 yards off hand. They were not joking about the power of this laser. With my other handheld range finder. I could barely get half of the claimed yardage with a rest.

Onto the ballistic calculator. They use the very accurate and popular G7 program. The binoculars also have an angle, temp, and barometric computer that uses real time information to calculate an extremely accurate adjustment with the G7 program. I spent a few days testing the ballistics on both flat land and large canyons with major angle issues. Both, were spot on making my confidences soar while tagging small rocks at over 600 yards.

The glass was the only weakness I found with these. I have never owned a combination binocular before but compared to my Swarovski EL 10?42 the clarity was not as good. I felt like I needed to focus more often then my Swaros. I don't know if this is a glass issue or that fact it's a combination binocular. Either way, they still produce a crisp image and work well in low light. I had them on a high country elk hunt with tons of rain and they preformed flawless. I keep them in the Kuiu bino covers and the large size is a tight fit. These are larger then any other 10?42 I have seen but also produce a large field of view. The grip felt great, buttons easy to access but might be an issue for people with small hands.

So, if you're a long range guy or gal. I would highly recommend these bad boys. The range finder is the best in the business right now (max 2,000 yards). The addition of a very accurate ballistic calculator and built in weather station with angle compensation makes this the only device you need. You can glass up the critter, hit one button, see the range and adjustment, and adjust for the shot in secs. If you're not into long range shooting. I might suggest sticking with a handheld rangefinder and spending more on good glass.

What they could do better:
Focusing too often is not that big of an issue, but I needed to always adjust the focus.

ireviewgear.com
 

Click-a-Pic ... Details & Bigger Photos
Back
Top Bottom