Hey Guys:

I've been to a lot of SHOT Shows and seen a lot of products touted as best this, revolutionary that, and so believe me, I am a cynic.

But, I just left the Leica reveal of their new Geovid HD B line of rangefinding binoculars, and I have to say as an optics wank, I am currently smitten. Conclusions will of course be reserved pending further review and testing, so for now, let's just stick to the press release and initial impressions:







Allendale, NJ: Leica Sports Optics announces the newest in its line of laser rangefinder binoculars, the Geovid HD-B. Truly a game-changer, the Geovid HD-B laser rangefinder binoculars once again affirms Leica�s leadership stature as a category innovator.
Considerably more evolved than its competitors, the Geovid-HD B contains advanced ballistics technology enabling users to add/create their own custom ballistics info for their specific weapon as well as class-leading ranging abilities.

The newly developed ballistic function ABC� (Advanced Ballistic Compensation) provides the proper aim point for the hunter and shooter. The Geovid HD-B�s integrated, highly precise ballistic processor can instantly gather and analyze the ballistic information with one touch of the button, giving accurate information for the correct hold over, turret adjustment or drop down reticle aiming point. When calculating the trajectory, the distance, angle, temperature and air pressure are all taken into account.

Twelve ballistic curves representing most of the trajectories of modern hunting cartridges are programmed in the system. Plus, an integrated microSD card slot, located inside the battery housing, allows the hunter to program and save personal ballistic data for his or her cartridge/rifle combination. This revolutionary option allows the hunter to input ballistic data based on his or her cartridge & rifle. Different ballistic information data sets can be saved on separate microSD cards for multiple cartridge/rifle use. The result is extremely precise and accurate ballistics information. Within only 0.2 seconds, the Leica GEOVID HD-B 42 displays all of the necessary information for an accurate shot, especially with steep inclinations and at longer distances.

The ballistic system ABC� allows for relevant data to be accessed for the various types of hunting and shooting:
� For hunters using a classical reticle in their riflescope, the Leica GEOVID HD-B 42 shows, in addition to the measured distance, the holdover in inches or centimeters.
� For hunters using ballistic reticles there is information available to display the equivalent horizontal range � as for all uses it automatically takes into consideration the angle, the temperature and the air pressure.
� Hunters who use the calibrations on the fast reticle-adjustment system for impact point correction can receive holdover in � MOA so you know how many clicks are necessary.

For more than 20 years, Leica has been renowned as the pioneer of laser range finding products. In 1992, Leica captured the hunting community�s attention with the introduction of the first commercially available laser rangefinder, the Leica 7x42 Geovid BD. Now Leica is continuing its success story by introducing the next generation of the popular Geovid laser range finder binoculars. With its fully programmable ballistics capabilities and class-leading ranging distance, the new Geovid HD-B exemplifies Leica�s drive behind the development of this category with the most versatile integrated ballistics system and greatest ranging capability of any laser rangefinding binocular on the market today.

Technical Data:






For more information on Leica Sport Optics, check out www.Leica-SportOptics.com and www.facebook.com/LeicaHunting.



OK, now initial impressions: This thing feels AWESOME in my hands!! This is the best feeling bino, for me, that I think I have ever handled. I love the split bridge concept, but none has previously nailed it for my hands like this bino. The new body profile (see pic) just seems to meld into my hand. Can't say enough about how nice this bino feels. Also, it's built like a tank. The eyepieces have really impressive operation, multiple (6 I think) very solid steps, and the contours just work together. I like the button placement for the rangefinder, and the dang thing ranges to 2000 yards (to be tested and verified) and provides reliable ballistic data out to 1000 yards.

Had to gush. I am smitten. Anybody want to buy a kid?

leica makes good sheet

WOW! They look like the answer.

They look the goods but do Leica have stock ready to ship or will we wait months to see them on the shelves?

Ian

Most impressive! Time to save some lunch money!

But what was the question?

Street price?

have always been a fan of their range finder/binoc combo


this one seems even better and more streamlined.

have used the old big clunky ones in the field (clients binocs, that we'd swap out while glassing)

but there's something to be said for combining two tools into one.

would love to have one, but just can't justify the price.

I may have to reach into my pocket to range find, but there's an extra $1200 bucks in there when I do vs. shelling out the 3K for the Leica.

don't get me wrong, if $$ was no object or even if I were still guiding and could deduct the expense of them I'd probably have them.

but for now, I'll just be content with the technology I have.

hella cool what technology can do. hope you enjoy them Rick, good hunting to you

I was hoping for lighter weight. Personally, 34 oz is uncomfortable to wear all day. The little 8x32's have spoiled me.

Thanks for sharing, Rick,

Looks like another really great product from Leica.
Maybe next Christmas.......

shrapnel - Who is going to make a binoc/rangefinder that can do it all. The ballistic computer option is exactly what was missing from all other offerings.

Hella cool is right!

Years ago, I field-tested what was then the top of Leica's optical range-finders. I found three problems, each of which gave me a drastically inaccurate "measure" of the actual distance �

� It "ranged" on a wire fence that was much closer to me than the building that I was aiming at through the fence.

� It gave me radically different distances to (a) the shiny side of a just-washed car and (b) a shrub that was right beside the car.

� On a rather even plain, it ranged on a somewhat larger object that was far beyond the rather small closer object that I was aiming at.

Triangulation is still far superior to reflection as a way to "measure" distance. The "accuracy" of the modern electronics is often an illusion.

One test that my stroke and rehab aborted was five large panels � black, white, blue, green, and red � all with the same reflectivity, all at the same distance.

Never assume that manufacturers' advertised claims are accurate! Some times, they are. Some times, they aren't. Check 'em!

I suppose we are looking at $2995?

Can anybody confirm something on the angle comp for me? I was told the angle comp on the 1600B's only works BEYOND 100 yards. Are these new RF binos the same?

Thanks

get a bino harness you forget you have them on. been toting geovids for years in the mountains with no issue. noticed the eye relief spec is 20mm if correct this is more than the current geovids and also even more than the 8x models which is unusual. especially since they are claiming a larger FOV

Hi guys, I work for Leica and am here at SHOT. BTW, thanks for a great mention Rick! Everyone who visits our booth picks these up thinks they're LIGHTER, not 2oz heavier, than the current Geovids. Mr Howell, I'm sorry your experience was so lackluster with our early Geovids. I can only assure you that today, things are different. As far as accuracy goes, these are accurate to +/-1y @ 550y, 2y @ 1100, .5% of distance measured after that. As far as ranging a fence rather than what is beyond it, that would be possible in some situations, mainly with our (much) older products that measured based on the first return of the laser the sensor received. Now we use a multi-gated return that takes 100s of measurements to give one distance. Too much to fully explain here, but it keeps the system from being spoofed. Our lasers are accurate, durable, and reliable enough today that they're being asked for by name and used in combat by some of the most elite units in the military, and we neither build for, nor market to them. Please excuse any typos. It was a long day at SHOT and I'm using an iPad. If anyone here has specific questions about this or any Leica product, feel free to contact me.

While a testiment to engineering, there just seems to be too much potential for something to go haywire. I suppose the next model will be able to send text messages and check the stock reports. Time will tell how the public repsonds in this recessionary market. Again, pretty awesome electronics and engineering but maybe they have reached a tipping point for the consumer.

I like what I see. Seems a very nice piece of gear.

What is the price?

Rick, how did they feel weight wise?

Not light, and not heavy. As a bino only, it feels like a robust build in hand. When you consider that the rangefinder and electronics are melded into the package (really well from an ergonomic standpoint), my takeaway is that weight is on par and completely not an issue. It's done right.

Just under $3k...

On the weight issue... Using a full-size bino and carrying a Leica 1600LRF, which weigh more combined than these, have another deficit in that the combo unit utilizes the weight of each for better damping and stability.

It was good talking with you yesterday!

At least 200 tricks for momma.

How would you determine the actual color of the panels? As civilian LRFs will use light waves outside the visible spectrum (IR or more likely UV) the only way the panels could affect the LRF light is if their color included a color to match the LRF wavelength, thereby absorbing it in quantity and/or changing it, but without affecting reflectance in the visible spectrum...

In other words, your test would not be testing what you think it would/could. It would be a way to test the true color of the panels... if only you knew the actual color of the laser.

And I remember getting a Leica LRF600 when they first came out and being amazed... Then the 1200 proved capable of measuring the difference between the near side tire on a pick-up truck and the opposite side tire on the same truck from a fairly steep angle at about 45 yards... Suggesting today's civilian LRF falls short of civilian triangulation technology more than a decade old is silly.

Which ballistics program is the Geovid programed with ? Which Model for the bullets BC does the program use?

Mostly to bring this back to the top of the hill...

I could be mistaken, but I believe the system is extremely flexible and allows about any custom load/tested trajectory/canned program/whatever to be used.

But I have no clue what the default program is.

No way. Your momma doesn't charge that much now does she?

IMHO trusting a rangefinder to a single reading is not smart.

I range an object a few times to verify and then range other objects either side to confirm.

Just makes sense regardless how good of a tool you are using.

Not unlike reading the wind. I don't use just mirage or grass, but a combo of a lot of factors to decide what the true answer is.

Years ago calculators took up whole buildings, cell phones didnt exist and 300 yards was considered "long range".

I too looked at them at SHOT and SCI and was more impressed with the way they felt and the fact that they use a modified form of Porro prism , rather than a roof prism. They felt light and very comfortable in the hand and optically they appeared fantastic.
Oh yea, they told me that they had a nice range-finder inside as well.

I've been using the Geovid 8X43's for about 5-6 years now. I absolutely love them. I may need to upgrade sometime this year!

Terry

I have like the Leica products since my 8x32 bought more than 10 years ago. It still out paces my Swaro and all my hunting partners equipment in our field comparisons.

I'll definitely have to find this new rig and get in my mitts. The only downside for me is the price. May have to stick with a newer 8x30 and my old CRF. A combo tool such as this would certainly make shot set up quicker.

Hey Taz, Sorry I've taken so long to reply. I must have missed your question concerning what program we use. I can only say that the program was designed by a guy who owns a company that rhymes with Fun Smirks and Bee Heaven. : )